Can what you eat help calm psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin?
It’s identified by the development of thick, red patches with silvery scales, causing the area to itch or become sore. And it can occur anywhere on the skin, but it typically affects the scalp, face, elbows and knees.
As with other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of psoriasis is not known. In many cases, it appears to be influenced by genetics and environmental aspects, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics .
Risk factors for individuals with psoriasis include an elevated body mass index, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and psoriatic arthritis.
According to research, carrying excess body weight is associated with more severe psoriasis symptoms as well as a decreased response to medication and other treatments.
A 2018 systematic review, published in JAMA Dermatology , looked at several diet-related factors and their impact on psoriasis severity.
Researchers found that weight loss among individuals with a BMI in the overweight or obese range was associated with improved psoriasis symptoms.
The researchers also found that, despite an increased risk of celiac disease among individuals with psoriasis, evidence did not support the use of a gluten-free diet for controlling psoriasis severity among these individuals without confirmed celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Some studies have found that foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help in the management of psoriasis severity.
Obtaining the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids has been considered beneficial; however, results have been mixed when evaluating the effectiveness of oral fish oil supplements and psoriasis severity, so obtaining them through dietary sources is better.
Additional studies have investigated the effect of a Mediterranean dietary pattern in patients with psoriasis, so a trial of this type of eating style may be considered along with conventional treatment.
Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased severity of symptoms. However, studies have not found vitamin D supplementation to be helpful in managing psoriasis in the absence of a deficiency.
The bottom line? Choosing more fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean meat and low-fat dairy is a healthy way to eat and may even help lessen symptoms of psoriasis. Choose the whole foods rather than supplements to get the most benefit.
Q&A
Q: Everyone seems to be talking about collagen. What is it and should I take it?
A: Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. You can find it in bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, blood vessels, tissues and skin.
As we age, we make less collagen. Poor diet can lower levels as well. Not enough collagen can result in more wrinkles, weak muscles, joint pain and gut issues.
Supplements offer collagen from the skin of fish, pigs or cows. Collagen can come in powder, pill or liquid forms or as a cream.
Researchers are still studying the effectiveness of collagen as a supplement. Our stomach breaks down most things we eat before they’re absorbed into our bloodstream, so it’s unclear if our bodies are benefitting from collagen supplements or not.
Supplements are not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration. It’s best to talk to your doctor to make sure collagen would be helpful.
Baked Salmon with Asparagus, Tomatoes & Potatoes
Wild-caught salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, zinc and iron. It pairs well with asparagus, tomatoes and potatoes.
Here’s a recipe to try from The Cancer Diet Cookbook . The asparagus is a great source of fiber, and the tomatoes offer vitamin C.
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 small bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Four 4-ounce wild-caught salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup basil, chopped
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In 9-by-13-inch baking dish, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon herbes de Provence, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
Cover dish with aluminum foil and roast until potatoes start to soften, about 30 minutes. Add asparagus to pan, toss vegetables to coat with oil and bake uncovered until potatoes start to brown and asparagus softens, about 15 minutes.
Add tomatoes to pan and nestle salmon in vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, remaining ½ teaspoon herbes de Provence, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, remaining ⅛ teaspoon pepper and the vinegar.
Return to oven to bake for 10 minutes or until salmon is just cooked through and starting to flake. Sprinkle basil leaves over the top and serve.
Per serving: 370 calories, 27 grams protein, 26 grams carbohydrates, 18 grams fat, 5 grams fiber, 296 milligram sodium
