She Strengthens

Taking Control of Psoriasis: The Power of Diet

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects millions of people worldwide, causing painful, itchy plaques on the skin. While it’s not preventable, managing flare-ups is possible. One crucial step is identifying your triggers, and diet may be a significant one.

Understanding Psoriasis Triggers

Triggers vary from person to person, but common culprits include stress, obesity, infections, certain medications, injury to the skin, and smoking. The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests that allergies, diet, and weather may also play a role. Since you can’t control the weather, focusing on your diet may be a good starting point.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Focus on:

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, avocados, olives, berries, and cherries are all high in antioxidants and low in cholesterol.
• Healthy Fats: Fatty fish like salmon, trout, and tuna, as well as nuts, seeds, and avocado, are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Lean Proteins: Include fish, tofu, beans, and whole grains in your diet.

Nutritional Supplements

In addition to a balanced diet, consider taking nutritional supplements to improve your psoriasis symptoms and overall health. Research suggests that:

• Vitamin D supplements can help with psoriatic symptoms, but be cautious not to overdo it.
• Vitamin B-12 supplements may be beneficial, although more research is needed.
• Fish Oil supplements have shown promise in reducing symptoms, especially when combined with UVB therapy.
• Selenium supplements have been mildly effective in reducing symptoms.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms by causing inflammation. Limit or avoid:

• Red Meat and Dairy: High in arachidonic acid, saturated fat, and cholesterol, these foods can trigger inflammation.
• Gluten: Common in wheat, barley, and rye, gluten can worsen symptoms in people with psoriasis.
• Processed Foods: Refined starches, sugars, saturated fats, and trans fats in processed foods can cause inflammation.
• Nightshade Vegetables: Eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes may worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, which often coexists with psoriasis.
• Alcohol: Known to have negative effects on the immune system, alcohol may worsen psoriasis symptoms, especially in men.

Special Diets

Consider discussing the following diets with your doctor or dietitian:

• Pagano Diet: A high-alkaline, low-acid diet that focuses on herbal teas and eliminating internal toxins.
• Gluten-Free Diet: Cutting out gluten can lead to significant improvement in symptoms.
• Vegan Diet: A plant-based diet that excludes animal products.
• Paleo Diet: Focuses on high-protein, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate foods.
• Mediterranean Diet: Emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables.
• Keto Diet: A very-high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate diet that requires guidance from a dietitian or medical provider.

Remember

Managing psoriasis requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to make lifestyle changes. By identifying your triggers and adopting a balanced diet, you can take control of your symptoms and improve your overall health. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to find the right approach for you.