No diet can cure psoriasis. In fact, in late 2009, scientists were still searching for any cure for the skin disease that affects 1 to 2 percent of the population. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) emphasizes control, saying diet can manage flare-ups, if not the disease itself. Dermatologist Dr. Richard Langley says studies increasingly show psoriasis is linked with the immune system. Therefore, a diet that strengthens the immune system should manage psoriasis, he says.
Diet for Detoxification
Chiropractor Thomas Bayne, DC, in his 2000 paper “Psoriasis: An Integrated Natural Approach” promotes a strict detoxification diet consisting of 80 percent fresh fruit and vegetables, and 20 percent grains, white meat, dairy products and eggs. He says psoriasis indicates an “overly acidic body chemistry that is the result of overconsumption of acid-forming foods and the recirculation of toxins from the intestinal tract.”
Healthy Lifestyle
The NPF says psoriasis patients should pursue a healthy lifestyle.This includes exercising, limiting alcohol consumption, following a healthy diet, and not smoking. The foundation recommends a multivitamin to supplement the diet. The diet should consist of small portions, plenty of fruit and vegetables, low sodium, little animal protein and be moderate sugar and spices.
Psoriasis patients find that omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, sardines and mackerel, will replicate the effect of topical steroid creams. In addition, the body will convert the beta-carotene found in salmon, trout, tuna, carrots, apricots, mangoes, and green, leafy vegetables converts into vitamin A, which is vital for healthy skin.
Foods to Avoid
Gluten, found in wheat, barley and rye, triggers flare-ups, claim psoriasis patients. Some say a gluten-free diet cleared their symptoms, though Dr. Langley says gluten does not cause psoriasis. Most patients are aware of their personal triggers, such as beer or wine. All alcohol is on the list of food and drink to avoid. Dr. Bayne says, “Alcohol increases the absorption of toxins from the gut and impairs liver function.”
Patients who have always eaten red meat and dairy products might not be aware these are on the use-in-moderation list. They contain the naturally inflammatory arachadonic acid. Processed meats, like sausages, are also on the foods-to-limit list, according to the NPF.
Some foods-to-avoid lists surprisingly include citrus, but Dr. Bayne says citrus foods are acceptable if they are not consumed in the same meal as cereals and dairy products.