DEA Dr. Fritz,
I hope everyone is doing fine. I am Cheche. I have been suffering from psoriasis for about two years now. I just wanted to know, if diet has a probable link with psoriasis.
Hope you can help me. Thanks and God bless.
Cheche of Panakan
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Dear Cheche of Panakan,
Well, a healthy diet is good for everyone, whether you have psoriasis or not, or any other condition. But, there are some people who swears that what they are eating is affecting their condition. I think this is the reason why you are asking me this.
Although, there is no scientific proof that certain foods can help your condition, but, what you are eating or drinking can help you in a way to face your situation.
Now, here's some help for you.
1. Cut down on your alcohol
Although, the link between alcohol and diet is not clearly cut, just be sure that you drink moderately. For men, that's two drinks a day and for women, one drink - and no more than that.
Studies have also shown that heavy alcoholic drinkers don't respond to treatment well. But, if they stop, their condition gets better. And if you are taking methotrexate or acitretin, you have stop alcohol completely.
2. Go for anti-inflammatory foods
Remember that psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. So, foods that fight inflammation can probably help you. They are generally healthy and they are worth a try.
* Fruits and veggies, especially berries, cherries, and leafy greens
* Salmon, sardines, and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
* Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, like thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger
* Heart-healthy sources of fat, like olive oil, seeds, and nuts
3. You have to lose weight
This is if you are overweight. People who are overweight or obese have more chances of having psoriasis. And if they do, their symptoms tend to be worse. Studies have shown that the skin gets better if some pounds are lost. This is because the fat cells make some proteins that can trigger the inflammation and thus, the condition worsens.
You can eat smaller portions, or limit your carbs and your fat intake. You may also have diet strategies that your doctor can recommend.
4. Go for Gluten-Free Diet
This kind of diet is only good if you have celiac disease, which is also an autoimmune disease, just like psoriasis. Well. research revealed that people with psoriasis may have more chances to getting another autoimmune disease.
This kind of diet also works if you are sensitive to gluten. So, if you want to go gluten-free, that only means that you have to avoid grains like wheat, barley, and rye. The problem here is, those foods are good for your heart, and psoriasis can raise your chances of heart disease. So, which is which now? So, if you are considering to make diet changes, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
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(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the anchor of Secrets of Dr. Fritz, of Hugyaw.com. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, "Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.". For your questions, you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)