In the modern world of diet and wellness, there are many myths among the actual facts. There is no diet that can cure a chronic disease like psoriasis, and any claims that a certain diet can cure psoriasis is over-emphasizing the effectiveness of certain foods.
While a certain diet cannot cure psoriasis, there are foods that have been proven to reduce inflammation. Some of which are foods that you probably already incorporate into your everyday diet. We also know that a healthy, balanced diet is important to your overall health.
What’s the importance of inflammation?
If you are affected by psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, you know that these diseases do not just affect the skin and joints. Psoriatic diseases are associated with systemic inflammation, which is inflammation throughout the body. This puts people with psoriatic diseases at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and other related health conditions.
To effectively treat psoriatic disease, the underlying systemic inflammation must be treated. This can be done by focusing on foods that reduce inflammation. A particular diet is not a treatment by itself, but it can still be beneficial. Consult with your dermatologist about what the right treatment plan for your psoriatic disease and how diet may be a part of that plan.
Eating healthy in general may improve your overall health and reduce the effect or frequency of psoriatic disease symptoms. This could include eating a balanced diet of protein, fats and carbohydrates from fish, beans, and avocados, as well as eating a proportionate amount of fruits and vegetables. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone has a different reaction to different foods and changes in diet, so consult your doctor before making significant changes.
How can I reduce inflammation?
Here are some foods that have been proven to have properties that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. It’s important to remember that there is not one specific food that is beneficial, but an overall healthy diet.
Anti-inflammatory foods include tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy veggies like spinach and kale, nuts such as almonds and walnuts, fatty fish including salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, and fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
If you would like to start incorporating some of these anti-inflammatory foods into your overall diet, check out the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Healthy Eating Guide. It includes simple and healthy recipes for a balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
And finally, remember that you should consult your dermatologist before making any significant changes to your everyday diet. They are the only qualified professional to discuss how diet changes may affect your psoriatic symptoms.
Dr. Hawley is a psoriasis and rash expert, and if you’d like to speak with her directly about how diet changes may affect your psoriatic symptoms, make an appointment by clicking the button below!