How can diet help you control Psoriasis symptoms?
Psoriasis is a condition that arises due to overproduction of the skin cells. This happens due to the malfunctioning of our immune system. In this condition, the skin cell production cycle, which usually takes 3 to 4 weeks, occurs in just 3 to 7 days.
Factors like diet and lifestyle changes can play an important role in minimising the development of psoriasis triggers. Making healthy dietary decisions can positively impact the health of individuals: it improves the condition of the skin and reduces the possibility of getting other diseases. Overweight patients are advised to have a low-calorie diet. Today, with the medium of the blogs, we would like to share the most effective dietary tips for patients with this condition.
How can diet have an impact on the condition?
The major consequence of obesity is the development of systematic inflammation in the body. Psoriasis itself is an inflammatory condition, so this type of inflammation caused by obesity can lead to the intensification of psoriasis symptoms. To prevent this from happening, the patient’s diet must be curated with the right type of fats, gluten-free grains, antioxidants, and other such foods.
Now, you don’t have to check the nutritional value of everything you consume. To make the job easier, we have enlisted below the most beneficial foods for people with this condition. Try to include these foods in your day-to-day meals to get maximum benefits.
Best Foods for Psoriasis
We have divided the foods good for a patient with this condition on the basis of their nutritional capabilities. To make it more informational, we have also mentioned the reason and benefits in a simple yet scientific manner.
1.Antioxidant-rich foods
Any type of psoriasis lesions cause ongoing inflammation, which leads to the production of harmful and toxic molecules called free radicals and superoxide anions. Oxidative stress is known as the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in cells. Oxidative stress can damage blood vessel walls, thereby making them more porous and allowing for the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques.
This allows inflammatory cells to enter and worsen inflammation in psoriasis. Antioxidants, such as flavonoids, vitamins A, C, E, and β-carotene, help protect cells from free radicals by undergoing various chemical reactions. Foods rich in antioxidants involve;
- Fats such as Olive oil
- Spices and herbs like garlic, ginger, onion and turmeric
- Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and carrots
- Nuts like walnuts are full of antioxidants
- Fruits such as mangoes and apricots
- Lentils, peas, and Soybeans also help in realising oxidative stress
Along with antioxidant-rich foods, adding the right type of fats is also important. Usually, adding red meat is not considered healthy for the psoriasis diet as it consists of large amounts of saturated fats.
2.Right kinds of fat
Choosing the right kinds of fats is crucial for a psoriasis treatment diet. Eating too much-saturated fat from animal sources can raise the chance of heart problems. On the other hand, eating unsaturated fats can lower the risk of certain diseases. For those with psoriasis, their diet should focus on omega-3 fats and limit omega-6 fats. It’s also important to have a good balance between these two types of fats. You can achieve this by including the following foods in your diet;
- Fish such as salmon, sardines, and fresh tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Skinless chicken is one of the best sources of lean protein.
- Almonds are also a healthy choice.
- Beans and lentils are excellent options.
- Fruits and vegetables should be included.
- Include small portions of low-fat dairy products.
3.Carbohydrates
Eating too many simple sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Also, mixing these sugars with omega-3 acids might lessen the good health benefits of these fats. Too much simple carbs can increase oxidative stress and make psoriasis worse. Fibre in food can help reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and aid in weight loss since diets high in fibre are lower in calories. Some options include;
- Whole-grain breads
- Cereals and pasta
- Brown rice
- Sweet potatoes
- Kidney beans
- Apples and Bananas
4.Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is essential for our health. People with severe psoriasis often have less of the active form of this vitamin in their blood compared to healthy individuals or those with mild to moderate psoriasis. Studies suggest that about 50% of psoriasis patients have very low vitamin D levels in the summer and up to 80% in the winter. This is because our skin makes less vitamin D during winter, which can make psoriasis symptoms worse.
- Sunlight: When our body is exposed to sunlight, it initiates a series of reactions that help in the production of vitamin D3 in our bodies, beginning with the conversion of cholesterol. Typically, individuals can obtain sufficient vitamin D from the sun between late March and the end of September. However, certain factors, such as the use of sunscreen, the type of clothing worn, and the skin tone of an individual, can diminish the amount of vitamin D absorbed by the body.
- Food: While some foods naturally contain vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and cheese, many people do not consume enough of these foods to fulfil their vitamin D requirements. Fortunately, some foods are fortified with vitamin D, including milk, cereal, orange juice, yoghurt, and margarine.
Most of the above-mentioned foods also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Some researchers highlight how a vegetarian diet can help manage psoriasis. This diet involves cutting out meat and eating more vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and cereals. For instance, it is relatively low in unhealthy fats and high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Additionally, a vegetarian diet can help balance potassium levels, which can boost cortisol production, a hormone with anti-inflammatory properties. Eating lots of vegetables and fruit is also known to improve psoriasis symptoms.
Can psoriasis be treated without medication?
Making dietary changes and following them with consistency will surely help you to manage the condition better. However, these changes do not offer a permanent solution for psoriasis. The condition needs proper medical attention for its cure.
Homeopathy has been widely recognised as the most effective medical system for treating autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis. The science offers a natural treatment for psoriasis with its homeopathic remedies made up of resources like plants and minerals. These medicines cause no side effects to the patient and are safe to use.
Homeopathy helps the body heal itself by boosting its natural healing powers. It helps the body fight the problem, leading to lasting healing. Homeopathic treatment for psoriasis are usually more affordable than regular medicines. Also, by treating the root cause, not just the symptoms, it can improve health in the long run, reducing the need for medical care.
Our treatment
With the implementation of safe and standardised homeopathic practices, Bharat Homeopathy is one of India’s leading homeopathic clinics. Our doctors have achieved remarkable success in treating a variety of psoriasis patients. The primary focus of our doctors is to thoroughly analyse the patient’s condition, enabling them to prescribe highly customised medicines tailored to the patient’s unique symptoms. Additionally, we offer patien ts personalised diet plans to complement their treatment. We strive to achieve long-lasting and sustainable results for our patients.
