Zanesco also suggested that incorporating dietary assessments into routine clinical care could provide patients with additional support in managing the condition
A recent study has revealed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats, while being low in salt and sugar, may help alleviate the severity of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The study suggests that dietary changes could be a valuable addition to conventional treatments for improving outcomes in individuals with the disease.
Psoriasis is a long-lasting condition that results in flaky patches of skin that form scales. Affecting millions globally, it is believed to arise due to immune system dysfunction. The research, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, points out that increased intake of red and processed meats is associated with more severe symptoms, while plant-based diets and low-saturated fat foods significantly reduce severity.
“Our findings highlight the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes,” said Sylvia Zanesco, a doctoral student at King’s College London and lead researcher of the study. She emphasized the role that diet can play in enhancing the well-being of those affected by psoriasis, both physically and psychologically.
Zanesco also suggested that incorporating dietary assessments into routine clinical care could provide patients with additional support in managing the condition. The research was based on data gathered from 257 adults living with psoriasis, who had completed an online survey regarding their diets and symptoms. The analysis found significant associations between diet quality and the severity of psoriasis.
Professor Wendy Hall, a Professor of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London, further supported the findings, noting that this research adds crucial evidence to the growing body of knowledge on the relationship between diet and psoriasis. She stated, “The research shows that dietary advice may play a key role in managing symptoms alongside standard clinical treatments.”
Despite the promising results, Hall called for further research to better understand how diets rich in healthy plant foods could directly impact the severity of psoriasis in a controlled clinical trial setting. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on integrating dietary modification as a complementary strategy in psoriasis management, with the hope of improving patients’ quality of life.
This study could mark a significant step toward utilizing nutrition as a tool in the holistic management of psoriasis, offering patients a potentially effective means to manage their condition beyond traditional medical treatments.
