Psoriasis-Fighting Foods That You Should Add to Your Diet

Food and drink don’t just taste good; they can also provide us with much-needed nutrition and hydration while keeping us healthy. Some foods, in particular, have been found to have positive effects on the body’s skin, which can be especially helpful for people with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes scaly red patches of skin to develop on different parts of the body, often resulting in great discomfort and embarrassment for those affected by it. Here are some foods that you should add to your diet if you suffer from psoriasis.

The Connection Between Diet and Skin Health

Let’s be honest, most of us are drinking way too much soda and eating too many packaged foods. It is also common for people living with psoriasis to experience other inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. The common link between these conditions is inflammation, and diet plays a key role in reducing it. There are a few things you can change in your diet today that could make an immediate impact on your skin health.

6 Common Paleo Superfoods

Paleo superfoods can help alleviate psoriasis symptoms by fighting inflammation, boosting gut health and alleviating common symptoms of the disease. Here are six Paleo superfoods that you can use in your diet and recipes. (1) Avocado - Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and carotenoids. (2) Leafy Greens - Leafy greens such as spinach and kale contain vitamin A, a nutrient that may improve skin condition and reduce itching in some patients with psoriasis.

Eggs

They contain essential fatty acids, which help protect skin cells. The yolk in particular is loaded with vitamins A and E, which are necessary for healthy skin. Here’s a simple recipe that incorporates eggs into your diet: deviled eggs.

Nuts

New research suggests that people with psoriasis may benefit from consuming more nuts. A recent study found that participants who ate a Mediterranean diet rich in monounsaturated fats had a significant improvement in symptoms, compared with those who didn't follow such a diet. Findings showed patients consumed an average of 37 grams of monounsaturated fat per day, mostly in the form of almonds and hazelnuts, which researchers say could help reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis. Further studies will be needed to confirm these results, but if you are looking for ways to improve your health while improving your appearance consider adding more nuts into your diet.

Coconut

The primary fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric acid, which has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants that may work well with your body’s immune system. Coconut oil can be used for baking and sautéing—just make sure it doesn’t come in contact with high heat for a long period as it may damage some of its healthful properties.

Grass-Fed Meat

Research published in February 2015 in Nutrients shows that levels of amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA, DHA, and alpha-linolenic acid) are higher in grass-fed animals. These compounds can help balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation, both of which may help relieve symptoms of psoriasis. The researchers believe grass-fed meat could serve as a healthy part of a psoriasis diet. Other meat options that could be beneficial include pasture-raised poultry and wild fish.

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are extremely helpful for treating psoriasis. A study published in Dermatology and Therapy suggests that taking omega-3 supplements can decrease symptoms of psoriasis, as well as even stop new cases from developing. Be sure to eat your fish twice a week—tuna, salmon, trout, herring and mackerel are great sources of omega-3s! Fish oil capsules may also be taken daily if you don’t like fish.

Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants

Research has shown that eating tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are linked with a reduced risk of psoriasis. Onions and Garlic: Researchers have identified two types of sulphur compounds in onions and garlic that may help treat skin conditions like psoriasis. Dark Chocolate: The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help soothe your skin.

Broccoli, Spinach, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Mushrooms

In a study published in 2015, researchers looked at how diets rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts may be able to help with psoriasis treatment. Just one serving of any of these vegetables every day may ease symptoms by 30 per cent or more. The researchers suggested that chemicals called indoles and sulforaphane (found in vegetables belonging to the brassica family) might help improve immune system function.

Berries

These fruits are rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamins A and C. Blueberries have been shown to improve psoriasis symptoms by increasing UV protection of skin cells. Blackcurrants can also benefit your skin.

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