Psoriasis Diet
Take control of your psoriasis through nutrition! Certain foods can trigger flare-ups in psoriasis. At Metaderm, a specialized dietitian helps to create a personalized plan that incorporates essential vitamins and minerals to manage psoriasis. Together, you’ll develop a simple, sensible, and flexible program to help you thrive.
Key Highlights:
- Some foods may trigger psoriasis in certain individuals.
- Omega-3s and antioxidants can help improve symptoms.
- Gluten sensitivity may rarely worsen psoriasis.
- Low-calorie diets may benefit flexural psoriasis.
- Healthy eating can reduce heart disease risk in psoriasis patients.
Our results speak for themselves
Psoriasis Diet at a Glance
- Best Results: Reduces Flare-ups, BMI, and Cholesterol
- Treatment Duration: Lifelong
- Result Longevity: Long-term
- Back to Daily Activities: NA
- Recovery Time: NA
- Blood Investigations: NA
- Performed By: Dietician
- Cost: ₹ (Consultation required)
If you are exploring natural ways to manage psoriasis, consider a combination of an anti-inflammatory diet with narrowband phototherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there is no one-size-fits-all psoriasis diet, the following dietary tips are generally recommended:
- Foods rich in antioxidants: These include vitamins A, C, and E. Opt for organically grown green leafy vegetables for the best results.
- Bioflavonoid-rich foods: Known to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Good sources include fruits, whole grains, seeds, and green tea.
- Vitamin-rich foods (A, C, E):
- High in carotenoids: Examples include pumpkin, apricots, vegetables, and leafy greens.
- Rich in vitamin C: Choose foods like grapefruit, broccoli, and moderate amounts of orange juice (acidic foods may worsen symptoms).
- High in vitamin E: Include sunflower and safflower oils, seeds, nuts, avocados, and wheat germ (avoid gluten-intolerant).
- High in carotenoids: Examples include pumpkin, apricots, vegetables, and leafy greens.
- Folate-rich foods: These support healthy cell division and may help manage psoriasis. Include peas, cabbage, broccoli, lentils, and fortified cereals.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These anti-inflammatory oils can reduce psoriasis symptoms. Aim for at least 5 servings of fatty fish weekly, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
Knowing which foods help reduce inflammation is only part of the equation—avoiding trigger foods is just as crucial.
Studies suggest that acidic foods may aggravate psoriasis symptoms. Patients are advised to limit or avoid tomatoes, spicy dishes, red meat, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Additionally, individuals with gluten sensitivity should steer clear of wheat and rye products.
Supplements are helpful for individuals who are unable to get adequate vitamins and minerals through their diet. In psoriasis, the excessive shedding of skin cells can lead to gradual nutrient depletion.
A qualified dietitian can help you create a personalized supplement plan to restore and maintain essential nutrient levels.
Supplements include:
- Vitamin A and Carotene
- Selenium
- Vitamin E and Omega-3
- Vitamin C
- Bioflavonoids
- Folic acid and Zinc
- Potassium
In some rare cases, a gluten-free diet may offer relief. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, can cause immune reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance, including those with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. Psoriasis patients with these associated conditions may benefit from eliminating gluten.
Additionally, certain cases of psoriasis affecting the hands and feet (palmar-plantar psoriasis) have shown improvement with gluten restriction.
If you're considering a gluten-free approach as part of your psoriasis management, it's best to consult an accredited dietitian for personalized guidance.