Is Psoriasis Diet Really Working?

For people suffering from the chronic skin condition known as psoriasis, finding means to alleviate symptoms is important. Some people are claiming that a special psoriasis diet can help improve the condition. This claim is explored below.

What is a Psoriasis?

Before delving into the claims regarding the psoriasis diet, the disease itself needs to be explored and understood. According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis is a condition in which the body’s immune system overreacts to triggers and causes skin cell life cycles to speed up dramatically. Instead of the cycle taking about a month, the cycle is completed in just two days. This rapid growth of skin cells leads to a build-up of cells. These excess cells give the skin a scaly appearance. Sometimes the skin becomes dry and itchy. In some cases, reddish, painful patches crop up on the skin as well.

Although the skin condition can improve, it can flare up again and become worse. Unfortunately, it cannot be cured. There are accepted treatments to help relieve discomfort, such as cortisone creams and prescription drugs. Sometimes ultraviolet light therapy is recommended by dermatologists but patients are still looking for other alternatives. Of course this brings us to the issue of the psoriasis diet.

The Psoriasis Diet Claims

The National Psoriasis Foundation has tried to tackle this issue. On the foundation’s Web site, it’s explained that some physicians have found some patients’ skin improved while on a weight loss diet. There is also anecdotal evidence that eating less sugar, caffeine, and white flour have contributed to an improvement in psoriasis conditions.

As the foundation points out, however, these claims are difficult to evaluate. Because the nature of the condition is cyclic, the skin clears and worsens on its own over time. While one person may reduce sugar intake and see an improvement, the person may really just be noticing a coincidence in timing.

WebMD.com explains that no scientific studies conducted so far have found a clear connection between diet and improvement in the psoriasis skin condition, though that doesn’t mean physicians and dermatologists will tell patients not to give it a try. Dr. Jeffrey M. Weinberg, director of the Clinical Research Center at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, only warns patients to avoid any of the so-called miracle psoriasis diets that can sometimes be dangerous.

No physician is going to steer a patient away from diets that encourage overall well-being. For example, a diet that is lower in junk food, alcohol, and sugar may not necessarily do much for the long-term treatment of psoriasis but it can provide other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, reducing weight, and reducing risk for heart disease.

Supplements & the Psoriasis Diet

Another factor in the psoriasis diet is the suggestion of using supplements including herbs meant to help improve the condition. Because there is always a risk of side effects from these supplements, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that psoriasis sufferers discuss such decisions with their physician before adding these alternative treatments to their overall wellness plans.