Nutritional Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder involving prolilferation of the skin cells on various areas of the body. The increase, along with increased inflammation, can lead to the development of plaque-like lesions that are dry, white, or even silver and scaly. Elbows and knees are commonly effected, as is the scalp. The plaques can be stubborn to treat and may require strong medications that upset the immune system.

Psoriasis requires a full examination of the patient's diet and nutritional support to best develop a treatment. This is an autoimmune condition, which means part of the immune system is causing or contributing to the problem. Inflammation is also a big part of psoriasis. The goal of treatment needs to include measures to calm inflammation and the immune system by helping support the overall health of the body. This process begins by examining the diet for food triggers that aggravate the illness. The most common culprits for autoimmune illness are dairy and wheat. Intolerance to many foods including wheat is common in autoimmune illness [Source: Niewinski]. Patients are commonly surprised to learn how a food, even one considered fairly healthy, can have a negative influence on a condition like psoriasis. Try eliminating dairy and wheat for two weeks, focusing instead on fruits, vegetables and proteins. At the end of two weeks, the eliminated food can be added back one group at a time to see if the condition worses. By improving your diet, and eliminating the problem foods, psoriasis has a great chance of improving.

Many nutrients exist to treat psoriasis.

  • Fish oils. These provide the healthy fats that help improve inflammation [Source: Mayser]. Dosage is determined by the sum of the DHA and EPA listed on the label. Strive for a combined amount of 1,500-2,000 mg a day, in divided doses with food.
  • Vitamin D. This vitamin has long been heralded as an inflammation fighter [Source: Yamanaka]. Dosage of vitamin D usually starts at 1,000 IU daily, with food. A blood test called 25-OH vitamin D can be done to determine your vitamin D level. Some people need substantially higher doses.
  • Folic acid. Folic acid may help limit side effects from standard treatment options, and has many other benefits to the body [Source: Gisondi]. The dosage is typically 800-1,000 mcg daily.
  • Aloe vera. Applied to the skin 2-3 times a day, aloe may be helpful and is usually tolerated well [Source: Kwinter]. With any topical treatment, discontinue use if the area becomes irritated or painful.

Patients with psoriasis may receive further benefit by improving the health of their bowels. Essentially, all of our nutrients, aside from oxygen and some vitamin D, are absorbed through the bowels. If our bowels are not working well, we can't fully absorb and utilize nutrients. Lack of nutrients inhibits the body’s ability to take care of itself similar to building a house without all of the needed supplies. Patients with psoriasis have higher risks for bowel problems [Source: Mrowietz]. Any signs of bloating after meals, heartburn, constipation or loose bowels should all be regarded as important symptoms that may also effect the health of the skin. The diet needs to consist of whole foods. Unfortunately, Americans are continually introduced to new “food products” that may contain various color additives, fillers, preservatives and sweeteners. Eat food as closely to the way nature presents it to us. 

Many patients say that stress plays a role in psoriasis [Source: Fortune]. This isn't a big surprise since stress is known to negatively influence the immune system. One should not expect psoriasis to go away without modifying and dealing with intense stressors. Smoking is also linked to increased risk for psoriasis [Source: Mallampalli]. Case reports of low thyroid function have also been linked to the skin disease [Source: Kwinter]. Research has also postulated that infections such as yeast may play a role [Source: Kwinter]. An infection like this would not be treated with just a simple antibiotic, but would rather relate back to how important it is to strengthen the body, especially the health and function of the bowels.

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Sources

  • Mayser, P. (1998). Omega-3 fatty acid-based lipid infusion in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. J Am Acad Dermatol, 38(4):539-47.
  • Mayser, P. (2002). n-3 fatty acids in psoriasis. Br J Nutr, 87 Suppl 1: S77-82.
  • Niewinski, MM. (2008). Advances in celiac disease and gluten-free diet. J Am Diet Assoc, 108(4):661-72.
  • Yamanaka, K. (2008). Vitamins A and D are potent inhibitors of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen expression. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 121(1):148-157.e3.
  • Gisondi, P. (2007). Folic acid in general medicine and dermatology. J Dermatolog Treat, 18(3):138-46.
  • Mrowietz, U. (2006). The importance of disease associations and concomitant therapy for the long-term management of psoriasis patients. Arch Dermatol Res, 298(7):309-19.
  • Fortune, DG. (2005). Psychologic factors in psoriasis: consequences, mechanisms, and interventions.  Dermatol Clin, 23(4):681-94.
  • Mallampalli, A. (2004). Smoking and systemic disease. Med Clin North Am, 88(6):1431-51,x.
  • Kwinter, J. (2007). Psoriasiform lesions and abscesses as initial manifestations of severe hypothyroidism in a previously healthy 15-year-old girl. Pediatr Dermatol, 24(3):321-3.