Editors note: This information is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. If you have skin lesions or any health issue, consult a licensed healthcare practitioner in person.
Psoriasis is complex to treat.
In fact, Physician Paul Bechet once said its the antidote to a dermatologists ego (1).
Its an autoimmune disease that causes chronic pain and itching that can severely impact on quality of life.
Many foods and supplements are rumored to help with psoriasis treatment. But does research support these claims?
This article examines the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and psoriasis.
Psoriasisis a chronic autoimmune disease that causes patches of skin to become inflamed and scaly.
It affects up to 4% of the worlds population (2).
Symptoms occur in flares, and include itching, pain, and skin lesions. Psoriasis may also cause pitted fingernails and toenails, as well as mouth sores.
There are sixtypesof psoriasis. Each type causes a distinctive rash:
Plaque psoriasis.Image source.
Guttate psoriasis.Image source.
Inverse psoriasis.Image source.
Pustular psoriasis.Image source.
Erythrodermic psoriasis.Image source.
Summary:Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes distinctive skin rashes, itching, inflammation, and pain. Symptoms occur in flares.
Psoriasis is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors (3).
One large study found that a persons risk increases up to 65% if their parents have psoriasis, and up to 83% if both their parents and siblings have it (4).
Not everyone who carries the gene will develop psoriasis. However, exposure to certain environmental stimuli may increase a persons likelihood of developing the disease.
These stimuli include:
In the presence of both environmental and genetic factors, the immune system malfunctions.
T cells, which normally respond to infection and injury, are mistakenly activated as a result. These cells recruit other immune cells and trigger the release of inflammatorycytokines(13).
This causes the skin cells to die off and regenerate more quickly than they should.
Onset of psoriasis.Image source. Click to enlarge.
The same environmental factors that cause psoriasis can also lead to flares, so its best to limit exposure to them when possible.
Summary:Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Many people carry a gene for the disease and develop it after exposure to certain environmental factors.
The standardtreatmentsfor psoriasis involve topical and oral medications, as well as ultraviolet light therapy.
There is no scientific proof that diet is an effective treatment for psoriasis on its own.
However, patient testimonials and studies have shown certain diet strategies may help relieve psoriasis symptoms, especially when combined with traditional therapies.
The following sections will focus on foods and nutrients that affect psoriasis severity.
Overweight (in a clinical setting) is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 24.9.
A BMI greater than 29.9 is classified as obese.
Many studies have found a possible link between obesity and psoriasis.
In one long-term study of more than 67,000 females (14):
Even weight gain of just 10 pounds (4.5 kg) appears to increase risk by up to 8%, regardless of BMI classification (15).
In addition to risk, obesity is also linked to disease severity. This is likely because excessive fat tissue increases production of inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to inflammation and lesions in psoriasis (16,17).
It makes sense then that studies have shown that calorie restriction paired with medication is more effective in reducing psoriasis symptoms than medication alone (18).
Notably, most studies on obesity and psoriasis are observational. This means that researchers arent exactly sure if obesity causes the disease or vice versa.
In any case, psoriasis is linked with several other heart disease risk factors, including high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Weight loss can reduce heart disease risk for people who are overweight or obese, so it makes sense to maintain a healthy weight (17).
You can calculate your BMIhere.
Summary:Those who are very overweight are more likely to have psoriasis, although researchers arent sure if obesity causes it directly. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight also lowers risk of heart disease which is more common in psoriasis patients.
The autoimmune protocol(AIP) is a diet that eliminates gluten, soy, dairy, legumes, grains, added sugars, nightshades, and alcohol for at least 30 days.
The goal is to identify foods that trigger undesirable autoimmune reactions.
Theres a strong link between psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. In one large study, those with psoriasis had higher rates of 14 different autoimmune disease than the general population (19).
Patient testimonials suggest that the AIP is helpful for many conditions, including psoriasis.
There have been no clinical trials on the AIP, so theres no scientific evidence to support it. But certain foods eliminated in the AIPincluding gluten and alcoholhave been reported to worsen psoriasis symptoms.
Some small studies have shown a gluten-free diet to improve psoriasis symptoms, but only in those with antibodies againstgliadin(a protein found in gluten). These antibodies would be seen in those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (20).
Although other studies found no benefits at all, so its all quite unclear at this stage (19).
A stronger link has been suggested between alcohol intake and psoriasis severity.
One review of 28 studies found that alcohol is likely a risk factor for developing psoriasis, and that those with the disease drink more than healthy adults (11).
Its best to avoid alcohol if you have psoriasis, or a strong family history of it.
Summary:Patient testimonials suggest that the autoimmune protocol may help with psoriasis, but this hasnt been formally studied. You should definitely avoid alcohol and potentially gluten too if you are sensitive.
A Western diet high in fat, sodium, and added sugars has been linked to inflammation and autoimmune disease (21).
For this reason a so-called anti-inflammatory diet may ease psoriasis symptoms.
Theres no universal definition for anti-inflammatory diet, but it generally refers to a style of eating that (22,23,24):
An anti-inflammatory diet hasnt been studied in psoriasis specifically, but systemic inflammation is a key feature of the disease.
This diet pattern has also been shown to help with certain autoimmune diseases, so in theory and based on patient testimonials it may be beneficial (18,25,26).
Patient testimonials also indicate that an anti-inflammatory eating pattern is helpful for arthritis. As such, it may be useful for relieving pain and stiffness in thosewith psoriatic arthritis(27,28).
The diet is similar in many ways to the Mediterranean diet, which includes fish and lean meats, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and legumes.
In one study, stronger adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with fewer psoriasis symptoms. Further, those with fewer symptoms ate more fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fish and less meat (29).
More human studies are needed to know if the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for psoriasis. But given itsother health benefits, such as reducing heart disease risk, it makes sense to eat this way regardless of its effects on skin (30).
Summary:Anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diets emphasize healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. One study linked the Mediterranean diet with improved psoriasis symptoms.
Several dietary supplements have been reported tohelp with psoriasis treatment.
Fish oil capsules contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).
Its known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
In one literature review, 12 of 15 studies found fish oil to improve psoriasis severity (31).
The strongest evidence is in support of high-dose intravenous (IV) omega-3 infusions for plaque and guttate psoriasis. However, this isnt a typical therapy, and wouldnt be readily available to most patients (32,33).
One small observational study found that oral fish oil supplements significantly reduced psoriasis severity and improved quality of life when paired with prescription ointment. Volunteers in this study received 640 mg of DHA plus EPA per day for eight weeks (34).
Change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) overdurationof study for fish oil plus ointment group compared to ointment only group.Lowerscore is better. Click to enlarge.
Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects but it looks promising.
Probioticsare beneficial bacteria that we eat.
They have been the focus of many studies recently because of the interaction between the gutmicrobiomeand various health conditions, including psoriasis.
One study found adults with psoriasisespecially psoriatic arthritisto have less diversity in gut bacteria than healthy adults. The researchers likened the bacterial profile in psoriasis to that of inflammatory bowel disease, which often responds well to probiotics (35,36).
In another study, 23 patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis received the probioticBifidobacterium infantis35264 at a dose of 11010colony forming units (CFU) per day for eight weeks.
Researchers found that most blood markers of inflammation (CRP and TNF-) were significantly lower at eight weeks (37).
Other probiotic strains havent been studied specifically in psoriasis yet.
Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system by inhibiting T cell multiplication and limiting cytokine production (38).
Because T cells and cytokines play key roles in psoriasis, and because vitamin D deficiency is common among those with autoimmune disease, its been studied as a possible psoriasis treatment (38).
One literature review found vitamin D supplements and ointments to be as effective as corticosteroids in easing symptoms. The benefits were even greater when vitamin D was used with a high-dose steroid ointment (39).
In one study, 85 psoriasis patients began taking 0.5 micrograms (g) of oral calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D3) per day. Researchers increased the daily dosage by 0.5 g every two weeks, as long as lab tests were normal. Volunteers received treatment for between 6-36 months.
Patients saw significant reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores at six months and even greater improvements at 24 months. Nearly 27% had complete improvement in symptoms, while 88% had some improvement (31,40).
The results are promising, and no negative side effects were reported.
But high quality clinical trials are needed to make firm conclusions.
Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells againstoxidative stress.
A handful of studies have linked oxidative stress and psoriasis, and certain antioxidants have been proposed as a supplemental therapy for the disease (41,42).
Seleniumis an antioxidant mineral found in vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, grains, and eggs.
Evidence is conflicting as to whether selenium deficiency directly contributes to psoriasis risk (43,44).
Small studies, however, have found that it may play an indirect role. Selenium helps inhibit activity of a protein calledosteopontin, and high osteopontin levels are thought to increase psoriasis risk (45,46).
Its unclear whether selenium supplements are helpful in reducing symptoms though.
Continue reading here:
Psoriasis Treatment: Does Your Diet Matter? - The Good Men Project (blog)
- Why Jews With Psoriasis Might Think Twice About Seeking Treatment in Jordan - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Skin conditions leave emotional scars - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Free Forever Review | How This Program Helps People Treat The Root Causes Of Their Psoriasis Symptoms ... - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Psoriasis | University of Maryland Medical Center - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Treatment, Symptoms, Pictures, Types, Prognosis ... - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Psoriasis - National Library of Medicine - PubMed Health - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Psoriasis: MedlinePlus - U.S. National Library of Medicine - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Psoriasis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Medication Information ... - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Psoriasis Free For Life Review - Watch This Before You Buy - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Natural Psoriasis Relief in Seattle, Washington - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- PSORIASIS VULGARIS - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Top 5 Powerful Home Remedies For Psoriasis - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Psoriasis feedback after hijama - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- 9 Home Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis - Video - December 22nd, 2013 [December 22nd, 2013]
- Manga - Psoriasis - Video - December 22nd, 2013 [December 22nd, 2013]
- How to treat psoriasis | In Good Shape - Interview - Video - December 22nd, 2013 [December 22nd, 2013]
- Best Scalp Psoriasis Treatment - Video - December 22nd, 2013 [December 22nd, 2013]
- Sandoz begins Phase III clinical trial for biosimilar adalimumab - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Psoriasis - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- What Is Psoriasis? - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Psoriasis Treatment Medical Course - Video - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Healing Psoriasis Hypnosis Session - Video - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Natural Farm cure for Skin Problems like Psoriasis - Video - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- Psoriasis - 100% Natural Treatment Shivax® - December 27th, 2013 [December 27th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What is psoriasis ... - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- 79 PSORIASIS SYMPTOMS HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT K N SRIDHAR P3 - Video - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- 79 PSORIASIS SYMPTOMS HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT K N SRIDHAR P2 - Video - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- 79 PSORIASIS SYMPTOMS HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT K N SRIDHAR P1 - Video - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- Can Acupuncture treat psoriasis and other scalp disorders? - Video - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- Psoriasis - Wikipédia - December 31st, 2013 [December 31st, 2013]
- Psoriatic nails - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - December 31st, 2013 [December 31st, 2013]
- How to Cure Psoriasis - Psoriasis Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Medication Information - Video - December 31st, 2013 [December 31st, 2013]
- Psoriasis Chronicles - Dealing with Depression, Anxiety and Anger - Video - January 2nd, 2014 [January 2nd, 2014]
- How to Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups - January 4th, 2014 [January 4th, 2014]
- Psoriasis Treatment | Health Plus | Studio N - Video - January 4th, 2014 [January 4th, 2014]
- Ayurvedic Remedy for Psoriasis - By Panditha Elchuri - Video - January 4th, 2014 [January 4th, 2014]
- Silica Gel For Psoriasis / Neurodermatitis - Video - January 4th, 2014 [January 4th, 2014]
- comment traiter son psoriasis détail oubliés - Video - January 4th, 2014 [January 4th, 2014]
- Psoriasis tends to relapse after stopping Methotrexate, shown in a case at Life Force - Video - January 4th, 2014 [January 4th, 2014]
- hiking nevada Health and Wellness Enthusiast Dawn Talks About Managing Plaque Psoriasis hiking watch - Video - January 5th, 2014 [January 5th, 2014]
- Guttate psoriasis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - January 7th, 2014 [January 7th, 2014]
- Biofeedback May Help Control Stress-Related Diseases - January 8th, 2014 [January 8th, 2014]
- Psoriasis can be managed with proper treatment - January 10th, 2014 [January 10th, 2014]
- CNN anchor: How I fight psoriasis - January 10th, 2014 [January 10th, 2014]
- Psoriasis - My Home Remedies - January 10th, 2014 [January 10th, 2014]
- Psoriasis: MedlinePlus en español - January 10th, 2014 [January 10th, 2014]
- Psoriatic arthritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - January 10th, 2014 [January 10th, 2014]
- CNN anchor Zain Verjee: How I fight psoriasis - January 11th, 2014 [January 11th, 2014]
- Testimonio psoriasis - Video - January 14th, 2014 [January 14th, 2014]
- Heroin addict with severe Psoriasis - Video - January 15th, 2014 [January 15th, 2014]
- biospray for Psoriasis - Video - January 15th, 2014 [January 15th, 2014]
- Psoriasis - Psoriasis Free For Life - Video - January 15th, 2014 [January 15th, 2014]
- 8 Cure For Scalp Psoriasis - Video - January 15th, 2014 [January 15th, 2014]
- Learn about plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse ... - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis - Symptoms, Triggers, and Causes of Psoriasis on WebMD - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Home Remedies - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis Treatment - Dermasis Psoriasis Cream - My Honest Review - Video - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- TV Commercial Psoriasis Speaks Couple Looking At Rings In Jewelery Store Emotional - Video - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- TV Commercial Humira Psoriasis Medication Salon Clearer Skin is Possible - Video - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Pictures Slideshow - Video - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis - Medscape Reference - January 19th, 2014 [January 19th, 2014]
- 5 Home Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis - Video - January 19th, 2014 [January 19th, 2014]
- Ikonsulta Mo: Medical Advise on Psoriasis - Video - January 19th, 2014 [January 19th, 2014]
- Patient Recruitment: Television Campaign for Severe Psoriasis - Video - January 23rd, 2014 [January 23rd, 2014]
- Patient Recruitment: Television Campaign for resistant, summertime Mild to Moderate Psoriasis - Video - January 23rd, 2014 [January 23rd, 2014]
- Dr stephen ferguson ND PhD chronic fatigue psoriasis cured - Video - January 23rd, 2014 [January 23rd, 2014]
- Noir Naturals Age of Innocence (Unscented) Goat's Milk Lotion for Psoriasis Relief - Video - January 23rd, 2014 [January 23rd, 2014]
- New biologic drugs offer relief for psoriasis sufferers - January 24th, 2014 [January 24th, 2014]
- Psoriasis traitement appliquer le lait pour le corps ISO UREA MD Vidéo La Roche Posay INFO PSO - Video - January 24th, 2014 [January 24th, 2014]
- Psoriasis - Video - January 24th, 2014 [January 24th, 2014]
- Coping with psoriasis - Video - January 26th, 2014 [January 26th, 2014]
- Exfoliative Dermatitis/Psoriasis Vulgaris with Psoriatic Arthritis with English Subtitles - Video - January 26th, 2014 [January 26th, 2014]
- Psoriasis skin care routine 2014 - Video - January 27th, 2014 [January 27th, 2014]
- How to treat psoriasis effectively - By Franziska Ringpfeil, Board Certified Dermatologist - Video - January 28th, 2014 [January 28th, 2014]
- My Psoriasis 411: Apple Cider Vinegar Tutorial for Scalp Treatment - Video - January 29th, 2014 [January 29th, 2014]
- 12 Best and Worst Foods for Psoriasis - January 31st, 2014 [January 31st, 2014]
- Psocial Psoriasis en radio Tagoror - Video - January 31st, 2014 [January 31st, 2014]
- Psocial Psoriasis en Canarias Hoy - Video - January 31st, 2014 [January 31st, 2014]
- Psoriasis Natural Treatment that Workswww savevid com - Video - January 31st, 2014 [January 31st, 2014]