How to Diet for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the longest-known illnesses affecting humans; however, despite the fact that we have known about psoriasis for thousands of years, it is relatively misunderstood in terms of what causes it and how to treat it. Outbreaks are often unpredictable and causes of severity are frequently unknown. Symptoms usually include: itchy, dry, red and irritated portions of skin.

Of course, as with most skin conditions, many people wonder how their diet affects breakouts, if it does so at all. Here are ways your diet can help lessen the symptoms of psoriasis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Fiber supplements
• Food log or diary
• Folic acid

1. Eat a good, rich fiber diet to help your psoriasis. This can quicken the pace of treatment and remission from outbreaks. Good sources of fiber include: bread, cereals, whole grain fibers, brown rice, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Supplements include Citrucel and Metamucil.

2. Pay attention to your folic acid intake. Folic acid is suggested to have healing effects on psoriasis. Good sources of folic acid are breakfast cereal and broccoli.

3. Start a food diet diary or log. Keep in mind that there is not a specifically designated diet for psoriasis. Experts are yet to find links to diet and treatment in all cases; however, it is indicated that particular foods do have particular affects on certain people. This means it is important to keep track of what you are eating and how it is affecting your psoriasis, because what may not work for someone else could help you immensely.

4. Eat omega fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart as well as for the skin. These help to prevent or lessen the effects of outbreaks. Oily fish like salmon, halibut and snapper are good examples of such sources. Also, flaxseed, which can be taken by spoonful or eaten in baked goods or yogurts, is a good source of omega fatty acids.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find it helpful to keep a food diary to help keep track of what you are eating and the effects it is having on your psoriasis.
• Make sure you are following prescriptions and supplements according to instruction and utilizing diet as a supplement to more direct forms of treatment.
• It is very unlikely that a food will help if it falls outside of a normal, well-balanced diet.
• This article is not a substitute for seeking medical consultation with your own medical doctor or healthcare professional.

Resources

• National Institutes of Health
• National Psoriasis Foundation
• Dr Susan Jewell