The psoriasis diet plan consists of balanced whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean meats, fish, and limited low-fat dairy.
Shifting to a highly restrictive diet isn’t recommended as it may lead to deficiencies and a lack of essential nutrients. A Mediterranean diet is beneficial in reducing chronic inflammation and the severity of itchy skin.
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Tender coconut water
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Vegetable sandwich with grated carrot, cucumber, and onions
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Broccoli and mushroom soup with spring onions
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Parboiled rice with rajma curry and green beans sabzi
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: A small bowl of fresh green grapes
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Methi thepla with lauki sabzi and 1 small apple
Consult 19 years experienced Chief Nutritionist Vasanthi for expert advice and a personalized diet plan. In-person consultation at HSR, Koramangala, Bellandur, Haralur, and video consultation across India.
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Table of Contents
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune chronic skin disorder characterized by plaques on the skin. Red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin may cause pain and it is accompanied by psoriatic arthritis. The patches are usually covered with dry scales which may tend to itch. The irritation and itchiness may worsen the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is caused due to fast production of skin cells. The patches are usually found on elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. Psoriasis is a non-contagious long-term condition that causes pain and disturbance in sleeping patterns. Psoriasis may go through in cycles, flare up for some weeks, and subside for a while.
Treatment of psoriasis can help to manage the symptoms. Dietary modifications and changes in lifestyle habits can help to live a better life with psoriasis.
Consulting a healthcare provider is advised when the condition becomes severe and starts spreading. Psoriasis can be triggered by skin infections, severe cold and dry weather, skin injury, severe sunburn, bug bite, and exposure to allergens and smoke.
What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?
- Common symptoms of psoriasis are
- Itchy rashes in patches in the form of red spots, dandruff-like scaling, and major eruptions all over the body.
- Rashes may vary in shades of purple with grayscale on brown/black skin and shades of pink/red with a silver scale on fair skin
- Dry and cracked skin with bleeding
- Burning and soreness of the skin
- Periodic rashes with flare-ups
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
- Flakiness and thickness of the skin
- Depression
Psoriasis symptoms may usually start between the age of 15-25, but it may occur at any age. Mild to moderate psoriasis can be treated with creams and ointments which slow down the production of skin cells and reduces itching.
Scratching the plaques can lead to a break opening of the skin which can cause infection and spread of the disease. Psoriasis patients may experience severe pain, swelling, and fever in response to the infection.
Normally the body takes a month for the regeneration of new cells, whereas in psoriasis the change of cell development takes only 3-4 days. Psoriasis can even affect the nail and joints. Psoriasis may vary in type, amount, and location of its appearance in the body.
What are the stages of Psoriasis?
The different stages of Psoriasis are
- Psoriasis on hands, feet, and nails
- Facial psoriasis
- Scalp psoriasis
- Genital psoriasis
- Psoriasis in skin folds
What is Psoriasis on hands, feet, and nails?
Psoriasis on the hands, feet, and nails is characterized by red, dry, and thickened skin along with deep cracks on the soles of the feet. This type of psoriasis greatly impacts the quality of life due to the limited usage of the hands and feet. The pain due to palmoplantar psoriasis reduces mobility and the task of doing daily chores.
What is Facial Psoriasis?
Facial Psoriasis is found in 50% of people and is commonly found in the eyebrows, upper forehead, hairline, and the skin between the nose and upper lip. It is also found around the ears, behind the ears, and in the ear canal. Temporary hearing loss may occur due to the build-up of scaling in the ears. Psoriasis can also be found in the areas surrounding the mouth which makes chewing and ingestion of food difficult.
What is Scalp Psoriasis?
Scalp Psoriasis is found in 45-56% of people living with psoriasis. It affects the scalp, back of the neck, hairline, forehead, and areas nearby the ears. Fine scaling may occur which looks like dandruff or thick-crusted plaques all over the scalp. Treatment can help in managing itching and flakiness with shampoos, light therapies, and diet.
What is Genital Psoriasis?
Genital Psoriasis is found in two-thirds of people with psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis and Plaque psoriasis are the two main types of Psoriasis found in people who experience genital psoriasis. Redness of the skin in the genital area, severe itching, and splitting of the skin are some of the symptoms of genital psoriasis. Rubbing of the skin between the thighs and genital area and sweating may worsen the condition.
What is Psoriasis in skin folds?
Psoriasis in skin folds appears as red/purple lesions in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and other skin folds of the body. Scaling is not usually seen in this type of psoriasis due to the moist environment. Psoriasis in skin folds is more common in obese people who have more skin folds. Some medications, injured skin, infections, and friction may worsen the condition.
What are the types of Psoriasis?
The several types of psoriasis are
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Inverse Psoriasis
- Guttate Psoriasis
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis
- Sebopsoriasis
- Nail Psoriasis
What is Plaque Psoriasis?
It is the most common type of Psoriasis found in 80-90% of people with Psoriasis. The skin becomes dry, itchy, and covered with scales. Elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp are the main areas where plaque psoriasis can develop. The skin may show temporary changes in color after healing.
What is Inverse Psoriasis?
Inverse psoriasis occurs in skin folds and appears as thin plaques without scales. It is mainly found in areas under the breasts, lower back, and folds of the groin. The smooth patches worsen with friction and sweat. Inverse psoriasis may be triggered by a fungal infection.
What is Guttate Psoriasis?
Guttate psoriasis appears after a throat infection by streptococcus bacteria. It is commonly found in children and young adults as small red drop-shaped scaly spots. Guttate psoriasis is triggered by bacterial infection.
What is Pustular Psoriasis?
Pustular Psoriasis consists of small bumps filled with pus over the plaques. It is a rare type of psoriasis that occurs as widespread patches in the palms or soles.
What is Erythrodermic Psoriasis?
Erythrodermic Psoriasis is a severe type of psoriasis that affects the majority of the skin and causes discoloration and shedding of skin. Erythrodermic Psoriasis is the least common type of psoriasis that covers the whole body with an intense burn and peeling rash. This type of psoriasis may be acute or chronic.
What is Sebopsoriasis?
Sebopsoriasis appears on the face and scalp in the form of bumps and plaques. It is usually found in the form of a greasy yellow scale.
What is Nail Psoriasis?
Nail Psoriasis causes changes in the fingernails and toenails in the form of discoloration, abnormal nail growth, and pitting. The nails get separated from the nail bed during this type of psoriasis.
Psoriasis Diet Plan
The psoriasis diet plan consists of foods that possess anti-inflammatory properties and detoxification effects. Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and whole grains provide relief from certain symptoms and help to live a better life.
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Orange-mint detox drink
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Mixed vegetable uthappam with sambar
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Boiled corn with green tea
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Dal khichdi, bajra roti with pumpkin sabzi
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: A bowl of fresh ripe mango pieces
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Quinoa vegetable upma with green chutney
Consult our expert nutritionists for a perfect diet plan based on your preferences and health conditions. Regular follow-ups with our nutritionists help in improving the symptoms of psoriasis with the help of certain elimination diets and better lifestyle management with the best nutritional advice.
A healthy diet plays a vital role in the management of symptoms of psoriasis. Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, fruits, fatty fish, and broccoli reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the body.
Fruits have been found to reduce inflammatory markers with the regular consumption of 2-3 fruits a day. Melons and mangoes are great choices of fruits for psoriasis. Fruits are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Exposure to early morning sun’s rays provides a valuable amount of vitamin D that helps in reducing the severity of the condition. Vitamin D helps in the proliferation and maturation of skin cells.
Regular exercise boosts your immune system and fights against psoriasis. Try low-impact exercises like pilates if you feel sweating aggravates psoriasis. Pilates is a combination of stretching and strengthening of the muscles. Pilates also helps in reducing stress.
Foods to avoid with Psoriasis
Foods to avoid with psoriasis are refined foods, processed foods, red meat, dairy products, some nightshade vegetables, gluten-rich foods, sauces, and ketchup. High intake of processed foods may lead to obesity, various chronic health conditions, and metabolic syndromes.
Limiting foods that trigger the flare-ups of symptoms can help in managing your condition.
Gluten-rich foods like wheat, barley, and rye can make gluten sensitivity worse. Avoiding foods high in gluten for psoriasis patients may help in improving the symptoms. People with psoriasis are more prone to a high risk of celiac disease in which gluten-rich foods trigger an autoimmune response.
Highly sugary foods produce high levels of inflammatory proteins called cytokines. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame can also lead to chronic inflammation.
Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats like fast foods, fried foods, mayonnaise, and packaged foods trigger inflammation in the body. Some research suggests high levels of LDL increase the risk of acquiring psoriasis and worsening the symptoms.
Some people may be intolerant to lactose which can make them trouble digesting dairy products. Irritation in the gastrointestinal tract may contribute to inflammation. Skipping dairy in the diet may help in the improvement of the symptoms of psoriasis.
Nightshade vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes, and peppers may cause exacerbation of the psoriasis symptoms. Solanine, a chemical compound present in these vegetables causes pain in some people. Some people believe excluding these vegetables from their diet may help with the symptoms of psoriasis, whereas for some people it may not work.
Best vegetables for Psoriasis
The best vegetables for psoriasis are
- Leafy greens
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potatoes
- Beetroots
- Ladies finger
- Gourd vegetables
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Mushroom
- Green beans
- Chow chow
- Onions
- Garlic
Psoriasis treatment requires choices for a healthier lifestyle. Vegetables are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature which helps to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress. A Mediterranean diet which consists mainly of vegetables and other healthy foods is specifically recommended for Psoriasis patients to observe improvements in their inflammatory condition.
Obesity and overweight conditions may make psoriasis worse. Vegetables are composed of fiber that prevents the risk of obesity. Leafy greens contain plenty of antioxidants that protect the cells against inflammation. Leafy greens are low-calorie foods that contain good amounts of fiber in them.
Substituting healthy vegetables for cakes and pastries improves your eating habits and effective management of your psoriasis symptoms. Vegetable consumption reduces excessive intake of refined carbohydrates which in turn increases the availability of essential vitamins and nutrients to the body.
Best fruits for Psoriasis
The best fruits for psoriasis are
- Apples
- Bananas
- Pomegranates
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
- Mangoes
- Guavas
- Figs
- Avocados
- Melons
- Pear
- Plums
- Grapes
Fruits not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also supplies ample amounts of antioxidants to the body. Fruits are nutrient-dense that help to fight against tiredness and lack of energy. Each fruit contains a variety of nutrients and good source of fiber. Fruits help in preventing the risk of obesity and keeping weight in check.
Be cautious to note any allergic reaction towards the intake of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. Elimination of citrus fruits is advisable if you notice any flare-up of the symptoms.
Fruits are easily digestible, low in calories, and anti-inflammatory in nature. Fruits help in body detoxification, availability of micronutrients, reduces acidity, and are economical.
Fruits relieve constipation and assist in the elimination of water-soluble and water-insoluble fibers from the body. It is beneficial to consume the fruits like apples, pears, and guavas with their skin intact to avail their nutrients.
Tips for Psoriasis
Some of the tips for psoriasis are
- Regular baths with normal water, neither too warm nor too cold, and moisturizing the skin can prevent the progression of the condition.
- Follow consistent moisturizing and wrapping of the affected skin with a plastic wrap before bedtime and remove it in the morning and wash away the scales.
- Give a small dose of sunlight to the skin. Exposure to intense sunlight may worsen psoriasis.
- Avoid rubbing the skin harshly. Trim your nails regularly so that it doesn’t hurt your skin.
- Make yourself comfortable in cool weather. Soft cotton clothing can be gentle on the skin. Keeping cold gel packs on the affected areas may reduce irritation and provides relief from itching.
- Sustain a healthier lifestyle with the guidance of our expert nutritionists. Healthy eating habits and being physically active can reduce the flare-ups of psoriasis.
- Avoid foods that trigger inflammation and pain. Necessary precautions are needed to prevent psoriasis triggers.
Foods to prevent Psoriasis
Foods to prevent psoriasis include the consumption of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, lean meats, fatty fish, and eggs. Genetic factors may be one of the reasons for psoriasis, so it is unpreventable in some cases.
Following a nutritious diet may prevent the exacerbation of the condition. Once the patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, it is advised to prevent foods that cause inflammatory responses.
FAQ
Is Psoriasis curable?
Psoriasis is a long-term chronic inflammatory condition that cannot be cured completely. The symptoms may flare and subside based on diet, climatic conditions, and other external factors. The disease may go through cycles with a repetition of symptoms. Treatment and lifestyle modifications can help in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.
What are the best foods to eat for Psoriasis?
The best foods to eat for psoriasis are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, fatty fish, and lean meat. A healthy diet can make a difference in how you feel. A nutritious diet can increase overall well-being and improve the symptoms. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and fiber that aid in lowering the psoriasis symptoms.
What is the natural remedy for Psoriasis?
Natural remedies for Psoriasis are the prevention of skin dryness with the help of moisturizers, including anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and fruits, managing stress, and soaking the body with warm water added with Epsom salt, olive oil, and essential oils which can soothe itching and infiltration of plaques and scales.
How can I reduce Psoriasis?
Psoriasis can be reduced with the intake of a healthy diet, regular baths, usage of moisturizers, exposure to mild sunlight, refraining from scratching and avoiding foods that trigger psoriasis. Applying aloe vera gel can act as a moisturizer and reduce scaling and itchiness to some extent. Consumption of whole foods and restriction of sugars help in maintaining moderate weight and psoriasis symptoms.
Are vitamins and calcium good for Psoriasis?
Treatment with vitamin D creams and ointments is effective in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis. Vitamin D can also be included in the diet in the form of fortified foods like eggs and mushrooms. Hypocalcaemia is a significant symptom of psoriasis which can be rectified with the intake of calcium-rich foods like leafy greens and lentils.
What are the first signs of Psoriasis?
The first signs of psoriasis are small raised patches that can cause itchiness, pain, and scaliness. Burning sensations in the skin, cracked skin, bleeding in between the cracks, discoloration of the skin, and cyclic rashes are some of the common symptoms of psoriasis. Rashes may be differentiated by color based on the type of skin.
Is Psoriasis a serious condition?
Psoriasis can be a serious condition when more than 10 % of the total body skin is affected. Psoriasis can worsen if not treated. Untreated psoriasis can increase the risk of psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The itching may become intense with proper treatment and management. The plaques turn worse by scratching the itchy patches.
How can I treat Psoriasis at home?
Effective management of psoriasis at home is possible with the help of moisturizers that soothes dry skin and reduces scaliness and itching. A cool shower may provide temporary relief from itching. A warm compress can be beneficial in relieving pain for some people. Topical steroids, anti-itch creams, and keratolytic products aid in treating psoriasis at home.
How to reverse Psoriasis?
Psoriasis cannot be reversed completely but can be controlled to some extent with the help of food and medications. Coconut oil therapies can reduce dryness and keep the skin supple and moisturized. Stay away from perfumes and harsh soaps that may irritate your skin. Eating probiotic foods may help in the improvement of the symptoms of psoriasis.