From gcnews.com
By Charlyn Fargo
Can what you eat help calm psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin? It’s identified by the development of thick, red patches with silvery scales, causing the area to itch or become sore. And it can occur anywhere on the skin, but it typically affects the scalp, face, elbows and knees.
As with other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of psoriasis is not known. In many cases, it appears to be influenced by genetics and environmental aspects, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Risk factors for individuals with psoriasis include an elevated body mass index, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and psoriatic arthritis.
According to research, carrying excess body weight is associated with more severe psoriasis symptoms as well as a decreased response to medication and other treatments. A 2018 systematic review, published in JAMA Dermatology, looked at several diet-related factors and how they impact psoriasis severity. Researchers found that weight loss among individuals with a BMI in the overweight or obese range was associated with improved psoriasis symptoms. The researchers also found that despite an increased risk of celiac disease among individuals with psoriasis, evidence did not support the use of a gluten-free diet for controlling psoriasis severity among these individuals without confirmed celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Some studies have found that foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help in the management of psoriasis severity. Obtaining the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids has been considered beneficial; however, results have been mixed when evaluating the effectiveness of oral fish oil supplements and psoriasis severity, so obtaining them through dietary sources is better. Additional studies have investigated the effect of a Mediterranean dietary pattern in patients with psoriasis, so a trial of this type of eating style may be considered along with conventional treatment. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased severity of symptoms. However, studies have not found vitamin D supplementation to be helpful in managing psoriasis in the absence of a deficiency.
The bottom line? Choosing more fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean meat and low-fat dairy is a healthy way to eat and may even help lessen symptoms of psoriasis. Choose the whole foods rather than supplements to get the most benefit.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. .
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