How to Treat Psoriasis With Diet

Psoriasis is a condition of the skin, characterized by itchy "plaque" patches that show up primarily on the elbows, scalp and knees. It can, however, take over a persons arm, legs or face. Psoriasis originates within a person's immune system. The immune system, if not functioning correctly, can damage the genetic system within the body that tells skin cells when to divide. In a person with psoriasis, these skin cells are reproducing at a much faster rate, causing the cells to build up and the skin to get scaly and patchy. While psoriasis won't necessarily be "cured" with dietary changes, there are positive steps one can take nutritionally that will relieve the symptoms and help rebuild the immune system.

Instructions

Foods to Add

• 1

  Eat more Omega-3 fatty acids. Adding fish to the diet increases intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. According to the "American Journal for Clinical Nutrition," studies have found that psoriasis patients that increased their fish oil (Omega-3) intake had great improvement in their skin lesions. These studies have been confirmed over and over by other studies as well. The Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammatory compounds in the body, thus easing psoriasis. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high concentrations in fresh caught fish, such as salmon, anchovies, halibut, carp, tuna, mackerel, lake trout and striped sea bass. Good plant sources of Omega-3 are flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, wheat germ, walnuts and walnut oil, and beans.

• 2

  Get some beta-carotene. Found in bright colored vegetables, including carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes, beta-carotene is an anti-oxidant that boosts the immune system. It also protects and slows the aging process of cells. Since it is rapid cell regeneration that can cause psoriasis patches, it helps psoriasis sufferers. Beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A, also contributes to overall healthy skin. Researchers in Italy at the University of Milan found that the subjects that ate three or more servings of carrots weekly reduced their risk of psoriasis by 40 percent.

• 3

  Know that many psoriasis sufferers test positive for a folate deficiency. Good sources of folate or folic acid are breakfast cereals (most are fortified with it), broccoli, Brussel sprouts and other green leafy vegetables as well as fruits, such as lemons and bananas.

• 4

  Understand that zinc is another mineral that is deficient in psoriasis patients. While the RDA for zinc is only 15 mg, most people don't even get that. (Williams, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, 7th ed., page 253). Zinc is available in foods but is best taken in as a supplement to assure getting enough without eating too much of the wrong foods (red meat). Zinc supplements are easily available at health food stores or your local pharmacy.

• 5

  Keep in mind that fruits are high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants, both of which stimulate the immune system. Researchers in Italy found that only two servings of fresh fruit daily reduced the risk of psoriasis by 50 percent.

Foods to Avoid

• 6

  Remember that alcohol can trigger and aggravate psoriasis breakouts. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there is an increased risk of psoriasis in those who drink, and conversely, abstinence from alcohol improves psoriasis conditions.

• 7

  Avoid dairy products, as they contain a substance called arachadonic acid, which causes inflammation and increases psoriasis outbreaks.

• 8

  Limit animal fats and processed foods, such as canned meats. These irritate the stomach and intestines and can lead to inflammation, which aggravates psoriasis.