Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune, multisystemic, chronic skin and joint condition that can lead to inflammation, skin rashes, and lesions. About 2.5% of Americans suffer from psoriasis.
In psoriasis, overactive T-cells, a component of the immune system response team, cause increased turnover of skin cells, resulting in skin swelling and inflammation.
Factors such as diet, lifestyle, sleeping habits, stress levels, gut health, and levels of inflammation throughout the body influence the immune system, where psoriasis begins.
| Skin cells proliferate and shed about four weeks in healthy skin. But in psoriasis, the skin cells undergo this cycle far more quickly—sometimes in just four days. |
Statistical Overview
Over 36% of Americans use complementary and alternative therapies to treat psoriasis, according to surveys from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Center for Health Statistics, both of which are a part of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
How is Psoriasis Treated?
One of the best ways to treat psoriasis naturally is to consume an anti-inflammatory diet, particularly one that emphasizes gut healing, such as the Paleo diet.
Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet, also known as the Paleolithic diet, is founded on the idea that we should eat the same kinds of foods that our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have eaten during the Paleolithic period.
This diet mostly consists of whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense and devoid of artificial additives.
Managing Psoriasis Through Dietary Choices
The Paleo diet’s focus on anti-inflammatory foods may help alleviate the chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis, potentially leading to reduced symptoms.
1- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – A Dietary Strategy for Psoriasis Management
Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in producing prostaglandins, which are hormone-like molecules that actively modulate inflammation throughout the body.
This is especially important for psoriasis because it can assist in lessening the inflammatory reaction. The majority of people do not consume enough omega-3 fats each day.
Consume at least one to two servings of omega-3-rich food every day.
Omega-3-rich foods
Salmon and other fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D, which has been found to support healthy skin and lessen the effects of psoriasis.
2- Psoriasis Control with Probiotic-Rich Foods
Eating naturally probiotic-rich foods, such as coconut kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, can enhance digestion, lessen inflammation and strengthen immune system function—all of which are variables linked to psoriasis flare-ups.
Since the small intestine has the highest concentration of immune cells (approximately 70–80%), gut health should be prioritized while trying to treat an autoimmune condition.
Improving gut health with probiotic-rich and fermented foods can help the body make endogenous B vitamins, which are necessary for healthy skin and for regulating the body’s stress response, which is a major cause of autoimmune and inflammatory flare-ups.
3- Psoriasis Healing with Organic Foods
In general, eating organic food can help heal psoriasis because it contains antioxidants that can prevent free radical damage and plenty of nutrients that support healthy skin, including vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen and other skin proteins, beta carotene, and vitamins E and B.
Cruciferous foods like broccoli and cauliflower are also good sources of molecules that help the liver remove waste products from the body, which is crucial for a body fighting an autoimmune disorder.
Dietary Choices to Avoid for Psoriasis Management
Quit Sugar
Sugar has been connected to both poor skin health and acting as a pro-inflammatory item in the diet. One of the simplest methods to minimize inflammation is to cut out sugar from your diet.
Furthermore, too much sugar can feed the harmful bacteria in the gut, which can lead to hormonal shifts and inflammatory flare-ups that can both have an adverse effect on skin health. Refined and processed sugar is nutritionally empty.
Even if you only consume Paleo sweeteners, such as maple syrup or honey, it’s better to completely restrict sweeteners in your psoriasis diet until the autoimmune component is under control and gut health is balanced. Even healthy sugars can support the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the stomach.
Avoid Gluten
It’s no surprise that gluten plays a significant role in worsening psoriasis. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has the potential to irritate the intestinal linings of certain individuals, and its effects can extend beyond that.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of adopting a gluten-free diet for individuals with psoriasis and other skin conditions. Recent research has even identified a connection between psoriasis and gluten, suggesting that as many as 25 percent of psoriasis sufferers may have a sensitivity to gluten.
A Paleo diet naturally excludes all grains, effectively eliminating gluten. Instead of relying on grains for fiber and carbohydrates, Paleo adherents obtain these essential nutrients from vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that can be difficult to manage, but dietary and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Since everyone has a different genetic makeup, some things may work better for some people than for others, but generally, changing your diet is the first step in eating your way to greater health—and skin.
Book an appointment at Nutrition by Sania for Personalized Meal Planning, PCOS, Weight Management Issues, Nutrition Advice, and Support.
FAQs
What is a superfood for autoimmune conditions?
To enhance autoimmune function, the experts advised consuming the items listed below:
- Eat natural plant foods
- Berries
- Green leafy vegetables,
- Citrus fruits
- Cruciferous vegetables (kale, cabbage, etc.)
- Beans
- Tomatoes and beets are examples of foods high in antioxidants.
What is the most effective autoimmune treatment?
The management of autoimmune diseases
- Use anti-inflammatory medications – to lessen pain and inflammation.
- Use corticosteroids, which are used to reduce inflammation, as well as paracetamol and codeine for pain relief.
- Use Immunosuppressant medications – to reduce immune system activity.
- To promote mobility, use physical therapy.
What is the best vitamin for autoimmune?
Vitamin D
A natural cure for autoimmune disease?
Although there isn’t a single all-natural treatment for autoimmune disease, combining traditional and alternative therapy can produce outstanding outcomes.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5389757/