Psoriasis Diet Plan
Psoriasis can be a debilitating condition, having a Psoriasis Diet Plan to help manage your own symptoms could be beneficial. In the below article we will explore the different approaches and treatment options between the medical and naturopathic models.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease where the skin can break out with red, scaly patches which become itchy. It is a non contagious, typically involves the scalp, back of the wrists, elbows, knees, buttocks and ankles. Psoriasis can also affect your joints with psoriatic arthritis.
What is the Main Cause of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis occurs when skin cells are replaced more quickly than usual. It’s not known exactly why this happens, but research suggests it’s caused by a problem with the immune system (NHS 2020). There are many theories regarding triggers of the disease process including infection, trauma and stressful life event. Once triggered there is substantial immune cell recruitment to the skin resulting in the characteristic psoriatic plaques. A naturopathic definition of Psoriasis is a skin condition which has many causes and is often linked to other conditions like gut health. It is not a disease of the skin although showing up on the skin.
What Triggers Psoriasis Flare Ups?
Lifestyle factors of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking and high levels of stress. Hormonal changes during puberty and the menopause. Medicines such as lithium, some anti malarial medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines including ibuprofen, and ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure). Other immune disorders, such as HIV, which cause psoriasis to flare up or appear for the first time (NHS 2020). In addition, obesity, lack of sleep and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute towards Psoriasis.
Is There a Pill or Treatment for Psoriasis?
Conventional treatment include topical corticosteroids for wide spread plaques and lesions. Vitamin D analogues are used to slow keratinocyte growth. Moreover methotrexate medication is believed to normalise DNA activity in skin cells. Tazarotene is a retinoid normalises DNA activity in skin cells. Cochrane (2019) suggested topical steroids give some short term therapy (Cochrane 2019). Treating the skin with steroids or similar creams may alleviate symptoms but can’t be considered a cure. The skin will not be healed only the symptoms are suppressed.
What Drugs Make Psoriasis Worse?
Drug induced psoriasis is where exposure to certain drugs can elicit an induction or exacerbation of psoriasis (Balak 2017). The most common drugs to induce or aggravate psoriasis are β-blockers (in 20% of patients with psoriasis, eg, propranolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol). Lithium (in 50% of patients with psoriasis) and less often, other medications that are given to improve mood. Antimalarial, antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors.
Does Diet Affect Psoriasis?
Afifi et al (2017) surveyed more than 1,200 people with psoriasis and noticed a positive improvement after reducing their sugar, alcohol, gluten, and nightshades intake. In addition eating more vegetables and taking omega 3 fish oil and vitamin D supplements was beneficial Psoriasis Diet. The participants reported that motivation for attempting dietary changes improved overall health as well.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition therefore reducing inflammation within the body should be a priority. Avoid junk foods as they are high in saturated fats, trans-fats, refined starches and sugars. Also avoid refined foods like white flour, pasta and fizzy drinks. These are all inflammatory therefore eliminating all junk food from your diet will be beneficial.
At Wellthy Clinic, we have created a 3 day diet plan to aid you to reduce your symptoms of Psoriasis, this diet plan will give you a basis of knowledge to take forward with you, into your journey of managing your Psoriasis flares and figuring out your triggers.
Sign up to download it now.
What can be done to help Psoriasis?
Stop Drinking Alcohol Initially for 8 weeks
Alcohol is a diuretic and dehydrates you and your skin. It hinders the production of hormone vasopressin which helps you absorb water. When you have dehydrated skin you look tired with fine lines, wrinkles and pores. Alcohol contains large amounts of sugar which causes an overproduction of oil in your skin and further inflammation. It also decreases production of Vitamin A which is all important for cell renewal and turnover and for your skin to fight off free radicals and affect the moisture centre of your skin. Alcohol increases toxins absorption therefore comprises liver function and aggravates your psoriasis symptoms.
Reduce Stress
There is a link between stressful events and the onset of psoriasis. Likewise stress can increase the impact that psoriasis symptoms have on daily life and well-being (O’Leary 2004). Psoriasis can cause physical pain as well as adverse emotional effects which are frequently undermined by others and can lead to a vicious cycle of despair for many with psoriasis (Sathyanarayana et al 2013). It would be worthwhile to introduce self coping strategies as part of a wider lifestyle change to support psoriasis. Read our blog on how to reduce stress levels naturally.
How Can I boost my Immune System to Fight Psoriasis?
Regular exercise is a great way to stay healthy for you and your immune system. Exercise is especially important for people with psoriasis as they are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart problems when compared to those without psoriasis. If you find sweating aggravates your psoriasis try alternatives like Pilates as it is low impact but still a great workout. Pilates is primarily a combination of muscular strengthening and stretching and in comparison to a HITT class is not stressful of your joints and body. Pilates will give you a strong foundation and can help reduce stress through flowing, mindful movements. You can practice online Pilates classes at home or reformer Pilates privately at Wellthy Clinic. Following an anti inflammatory diet will also be beneficial.
Anti Inflammatory Foods
In addition to reduce inflammatory foods aim to increase the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods as part of your diet. Turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, you can have a turmeric latte using almond milk or use in soups and stews. Also Ginger has antioxidant effects, it stimulates digestion, aids absorption of nutrients, eases stomach cramping and helps to reduce inflammation in joints. Sardines are full of omega 3 fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation. In addition, Broccoli helps to reduce oxidative stress on the body. Including these anti inflammatory foods into your psoriasis meal plan could be beneficial.
What Fruits Are Best For Psoriasis?
Eating fruits and vegetables will provide a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Increase your consumption as it is found to reduce inflammatory markers (Afifi et al 2017). When buying fruits and vegetables, try to purchase fresh, local organic produce to maximise benefits. Aim to eat 6-7 portions of vegetable and 2 of fruit per day. Mangos and melons are rich in Vitamin A so great for psoriasis. Also blueberries and pomegranate are high in Vitamin C and have high anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sun and Vitamin D
Regular, safe exposure to sunlight is beneficial to increase Vitamin D levels. Significant associations between low vitamin D levels and psoriasis have been systematically observed (Barrea et al 2017). This is because it helps with the proliferation and maturation of skin cells (keratinocytes). For people with psoriasis check the ingredients of your sunscreens as some commercial sunscreens contain aggravating ingredients. A useful resource is the Environmental Working Group for safer sunscreens.
Work with a Nutritional Therapist
If you are suffering with Psoriasis, it is recommended to speak with a Nutritional Therapist as it is a complex condition. Our Nutritional Therapist will provide personalised guidance tailored to your specific dietary needs, symptoms and general health.
Try our Psoriasis Diet Plan
By downloading our Psoriasis diet plan, you'll gain access to a valuable resource designed to manage and reduce flare-ups. This comprehensive plan is crafted by our expert Nutritionist, combining scientific research with practical strategies to support your skin's health. Discover the foods that can alleviate inflammation, boost your immune system, and promote overall well-being. Take control of your Psoriasis over the next 3 days and experience the positive impact a well-balanced diet can have on your skin.
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References
Afifi et al (2017) Dietary Behaviors in Psoriasis: Patient-Reported Outcomes from a U.S. National Survey Dermatology and Therapy (7) pp.227-242
Balak, D & Hajdarbegovic, E (2017) Drug-induced psoriasis: clinical perspectives Psoriasis Targets and Therapy
Barrea et al (2017) Vitamin D and its role in psoriasis: An overview of the dermatologist and nutritionist Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
Cochrane Library (2019) Lifestyle changes for treating psoriasis
Cochrane Library (2019) Topical treatments for scalp psoriasis
Salem et al (2018) The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis Frontiers in Microbiology
Eleonora Sansoni
Eleonora Sansoni is a Nutritional Therapist who graduated from the College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is also an Osteopath, Cranial Osteopath and Pilates Instructor.
Eleonora has a specific interest in nutrition for chronic pain and gut health which stems from her own experience with chronic joint pain and acne, the cause of which had been missed by many practitioners. She was able to improve these symptoms by getting to the cause of my issues which was my gut health and digestive issues. Eleonora found that the combined approach of Osteopathy, Nutrition and Pilates is the most effective when helping with chronic pain.