Itchy areas of inflammation on the skin that often occur with psoriasis can be effectively inhibited by changing your diet. It is particularly important to pay attention to the intake of few saturated fatty acids, to eat a lot of fiber and to generally consume anti-inflammatory foods.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease and autoimmune disease in which a so-called keratinization disorder and increased cell formation in the epidermis occurs. Millions of people worldwide are affected by the disease.
Diet influences the course of psoriasis
If you suffer from psoriasis, reddened areas of inflammation appear on the skin that are covered with shiny, silvery flakes of skin, which are often accompanied by severe itching. Both diet and weight appear to have a significant influence on the course of the disease.
Obesity represents a significant risk factor for the development and more severe course of psoriasis, report experts at Leipzig University Hospital. However, it is not yet known why excess weight contributes to the worsening of psoriasis disease.
But there is evidence that a simple change in diet that accompanies usual treatment can reduce the severity of psoriasis by 25 percent.
Minimize consumption of saturated fatty acids
According to a study carried out by experts, it is particularly important to ensure that the diet contains as little saturated fatty acids as possible. The benefits achieved by changing your diet in relation to psoriasis are independent of any weight loss achieved.
However, consuming a diet low in saturated fatty acids alone cannot completely cure psoriasis. However, with the help of such a modified diet, it is possible to support already established forms of treatment, which helps to make psoriasis more bearable for those affected, according to the researchers.
Diet rich in fiber is beneficial
Another study reported that people affected by psoriasis generally seemed to consume more fat and less fiber.
Researchers also observed a connection between a higher intake of fiber and a lower severity of psoriasis and it is striking that people with psoriasis are often less physically active and rarely exercise regularly, according to the results of another independent study.
Low in saturated fat, high in fiber
Taken together, the results show that proper nutrition plays an important role in reducing psoriasis symptoms. Particular care should be taken to ensure that as few saturated fatty acids as possible are consumed and that the diet is high in fiber and anti-inflammatory. (as)
