The graphic above gives you an overview of the best remedies for psoriasis. I’ve had psoriasis for over 10 years now, and I’ve tried lots of different natural treatments and diets.
As a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, I strongly believe that what you eat has a big impact on your health. This is why I want to share with you what I’ve learned on the way, especially in terms of foods.
So the question is: can psoriasis be controlled through diet? What foods should you eat and which ones should you avoid?
Self-care for psoriasis can be a long process. But you can do a lot on your own to take care of your psoriasis naturally.
Diet is a huge component of success.
There is little scientific research on psoriasis and diet. However, specific dietary change can be responsible for clearing or worsening the symptoms.
It’s important to mention that a proper diet is different for everyone. Keep in mind that the addition or elimination of one substance from the diet can be the remedy for one person and the culprit for another.
Still, there are some guidelines to follow for a healthy diet that can help with psoriasis.
Which foods improve psoriasis?
As a general rule, your diet should be rich in:
- Antioxidants and bioflavonoids
- Foods that reduce inflammation
- Foods that heal the bowels, liver and the glands
What does it mean?
- Eat a diet that is composed of plenty of vegetables, fibre, healthy whole grains and good sources of proteins.
- Increase your intake of essential fatty acids (fish, flaxseed, evening primrose oil or black current oil) because they contain ingredients that interfere with the production and storage of arachidonic acid.
- Drinks lots of water to cleanse your body (as well as herbal teas). At least 2 litres a day.
Which Foods Aggravate Psoriasis?
Based on testimonials, reducing the intake of certain items, such as caffeine, alcohol, sugar, white flour and products containing gluten can also help to improve psoriasis, as well as tomatoes (cooked), vinegar, milk, red meat.
Most of the case, too many acidic foods should be avoided.
Some researchers believe that a very small subgroup of people with psoriasis may also have gluten intolerance. It’s recommended to consult a doctor and get the appropriate tests before starting a gluten-free diet.
It’s also said that weight gain can cause psoriasis to flare.
There’s a famous book written by chiropractor John Pagano describing a potential cure based on dietary and lifestyle practices. Pagano believes that psoriasis stems from damage to the intestinal tract from eating the wrong foods, leading to irritation of the intestinal lining.
His book “Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative“
Have you heard of nightshades (like tomatoes, potatoes or eggplants) and how they can trigger psoriasis? Listen to this interview with Dr. Pagano and learn about the foods that you should try to avoid:
Are Supplements necessary?
Studies have not shown a direct link between vitamins and dietary supplements and psoriasis. Yet many patients find that including vitamins and supplements in their diet helps their skin clear and may ease joint pain from psoriatic arthritis.
Here are some vitamins and supplements that people report help them:
WHICH VITAMINS FOR PSORIASIS?
- Vitamin D3 to prevent psoriatic cells from growing.
- Vitamin A to accelerate the healing process.
- Vitamin B complex (especially vitamin B1, B5, B6, B12, and folic acid) to help deal with stress.
- Vitamin C with bioflanoids to strengthen the immune system.
- Vitamin E, which is a strong antioxidant.
WHICH MINERALS?
- Magnesium, especially if stress is a trigger
- Zinc plus copper to help heal the skin
WHICH SUPPLEMENTS?
- Essential fatty acids and Omega 7 to help reduce inflammation.
- Probiotics to balance the flora and strengthen the immune system.
- Digestive enzymes to improve digestion.
- Lecithin to help with the fats and protects the cells.
I don’t want to recommend any supplements in particular, as it totally depends on each individual. You should contact a qualified practitioner to find the appropriate treatment for you.
Conclusion
Psoriasis can be controlled through diet. But I want to add that other components have to be taken into account, especially stress.
The main psoriasis triggers are stress, injury to skin, medication, diet, environmental factors and allergies.
In my case, anxiety is a huge trigger. So managing stress as well as following a healthy diet is paramount to control my psoriasis. Also, cold and humid weather makes my symptoms get worse.
Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and let us know if there is a natural remedy that works well for you!
Can nutrition help with psoriasis? (Optiderma.com)
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