By Edward J. Thomas –
Psoriasis is a problem that’s hard to hide but often overlooked. In fact, more than 8 million Americans suffer from psoriasis and perhaps 125 million worldwide—about two to three percent of the global population. Emerging research suggests that diet may reduce psoriasis severity, offering a potential way to manage symptoms beyond traditional treatments.
An immune-mediated disease that is characterized by inflammation that produces flaky skin patches, it is unclear what causes it, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. British researchers may have discovered a diet that reduces its severity.
A King’s College London study specifically reports that a diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats, low in salt and sugar, can help reduce the impact of psoriasis. The findings provide insights into how dietary patterns may be related to psoriasis severity in non-Mediterranean populations.
The British research could provide significant relief to the millions of worldwide sufferers. The psoriasis foundation notes that the disease is more than a cosmetic problem. It reports that more than 60 percent of patients claim psoriasis presents a significant problem in their daily lives. About 30 percent of all psoriasis patients who suffer from psoriatic arthritis deal with heightened challenges. They experience severe symptoms that include fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, reduced range of motion, eye inflammation and general tenderness.
The King’s College study analyzed data from 257 adults with psoriasis who had completed an online survey. Participants’ adherence to various diet quality scores, including the Mediterranean Diet Score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index, was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Psoriasis severity was self-assessed using a validated questionnaire.
The results indicated that individuals with very low adherence to the DASH diet index and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index were significantly more likely to report higher psoriasis severity.
The research also discovered that a greater intake of red and processed meat was associated with more severe psoriasis even when body mass index (BMI) was considered. In contrast fruits, nuts and legume intake were associated with less severe psoriasis.
“Our findings point to the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes,” noted research leader Sylvia Zanesco, a PhD student at the college. “Given the impact of psoriasis on physical and psychological well-being, incorporating dietary assessments into routine care could offer patients additional support in managing their condition.”
The DASH dietary pattern was originally designed to lower blood pressure and emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats while limiting salt, sugar and saturated fats. A high Healthy Plant-based Diet Index characterizes a dietary pattern rich in healthy plant foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and plant oils rich in unsaturated fats. It is also noted for being low in animal foods and unhealthy plant foods such as sugary products and drinks and refined starches.
“This research brings much-needed evidence that there may be a role for dietary advice, alongside standard clinical care, in managing symptoms of psoriasis. Our next steps will be to explore whether diets rich in healthy plant foods can reduce symptoms of psoriasis in a controlled clinical trial,” added Professor Wendy Hall, the study’s senior author.
The research ultimately adds to the growing body of evidence that dietary modification can yield a positive contribution to psoriasis management, potentially alleviating the disease’s severity and improving patients’ quality of life.
“People with psoriasis often ask about how the food they eat affects their skin, and whether changing their diet helps; this research brings us closer to answering these important questions,” added Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, a consultant dermatologist and key investigator on the study.
