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Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes deformed nails and horrible itchy
plaques, primarily on the elbows, knees and scalp.
According to studies reported -Diet may be important in the management of
psoriasis. Researchers have recommended antioxidants,
beta-carotene, folate,
omega-3 fatty acids, and
zinc as nutritional factors that may play a role in the prevention and
management of psoriasis. In addition, since
copper metabolism may be influenced
by zinc intake, it is important to also consume foods rich in copper.
Fortunately, zinc food sources also provide copper. There is some evidence that
a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in animal protein may be
helpful. Bitter gourd, curd, boiled vegetables pumpkin these are good for this
disease.
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Food allergies and intolerance
are best treated by avoidance of the offending food for a prescribed period
of time, followed by a “rotation” diet, in which problem foods are only
eaten every three to four days, instead of daily. |
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BENEFICIAL
FOODS
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Oily fish such as salmon,
sardines, and mackerel all contain the omega-3 fatty acid known as eicosapentanoic acid (EPA). Studies have found that people with chronic
psoriasis who consumed 150g of oily fish a day were able to reduce the use of
steroidal creams without experiencing a decline in their condition. This
effect seems to be due to the conversion of EPA in the body into
anti-inflammatory substances including leucotrienes 3 and 5, which dampen down
the factors that can trigger off this disease. Leading Food Sources of omega-3
fatty acids: Salmon, Trout, Tuna
Carrots, apricots, mangoes,
and green leafy vegetables are high in beta carotene, which the body converts
into vitamin A, essential for healthy skin. Research has revealed that
people who eat large amounts of these foods have less risk of psoriasis than
those who have low intakes. This could be due to the
vitamin C, beta
carotene, and other antioxidants present, which improve the strength of the
immune system.
 Flax seeds are a valuable
source of omega-3 fatty acids and they may have a similar effect to oily fish.
Sunflower and sesame seeds also supply these fatty acids. A selection of
seeds can be ground together, stored in an airtight container in the
refrigerator, and sprinkled over breakfast cereals, yogurt, or other foods.
Besides, The red, itchy patches of psoriasis often respond to the essential
fatty acids in flaxseed oil, which have anti-inflammatory actions and overall
skin-soothing properties.
 Brazil nuts are a rich source of
selenium, needed for the production of the
enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme stops the formation of certain leucotrienes, which may worsen psoriasis.
Breakfast cereals, breads,
and yeast extracts that are fortified with
folic
 acid may help to correct a
deficiency of this vitamin, which has been observed in some people with
psoriasis. As Sixteen percent of psoriatic have a positive antigliadin antibody
test that shows that they may be sensitive to glutin in wheat, rye and barley,
ask your doctor to draw blood for antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies. If
either is positive, you may benefit from avoiding all foods made from wheat, rye
and barley.
 Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels
sprouts, and other green leafy vegetables supply folate, the natural form of
the vitamin folic acid.
 Shellfish and wholegrain foods
are rich in zinc, which is lost through the skin. Zinc loss is thought to
be high in those with psoriasis.
Dietary fibre- Since a low
fiber diet and psoriasis have been associated with toxins in the
gastrointestinal tract, a fiber-rich diet is recommended. Dietary fiber is
essential in maintaining a healthy colon; fiber helps bind bowel toxins and
eliminate them in the feces. Soluble fiber, such as psyllium, pectin, and guar
gum, is especially useful in binding toxins.
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FOODS
TO AVOID : |
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 Red meats and dairy products
should be eaten in moderation, since they contain arachadonic acid, a natural
inflammatory substance that is believed to make psoriasis psoriasis stores red
and swollen. Avoid, prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, most cold cuts
and pates. spice cakes, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries,
chocolate-based products.
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All animal fats, eggs,
processed canned foods are not to be taken as they can irritate the
intestinal tract and perpetuate psoriasis outbreaks. |
 Alcohol may be trigger
factor in psoriasis. In tests, alcohol consumption in people who developed
psoriasis was twice that of control groups without the disease. All red and
white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry, cinzano,
vermouth, pork, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier, Cointreau
need to be avoided.
 Spices and condiments:
Pepper, cloves, cumin, anise, cinnamon, paprika, mustard, pimento, nutmeg,
commercial mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco sauce, bouillon cubes and gravies, wine,
vinegar, herb vinegar, candied orange, lemon peel, curry, commercial condiments,
pastry aromas.
Citrus Fruits: Fruit peels,
orange marmalade, prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter
lemons
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Psoriasis linked to smoking
New research from Italy reveals that smoking cigarettes is linked to the
development of psoriasis in adults.
The report found that the risk of developing psoriasis was higher in smokers
than in those people who have never smoked, and this association was found
to be particularly significant for women. Smoking more than 15 cigarettes
a day was found to be linked with the development of pustular psoriatic
lesions.
In the study, outpatients from ten general hospitals and ten teaching
hospitals throughout Italy were assessed. All of the patients had a first
confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis and had not suffered with symptoms for more
than two years. |
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