The Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the production of skin cells. Inflammation is a normal process that protects our bodies against disease. Chronic inflammatory conditions, however, are often caused by a misguided inflammatory response that attacks the body itself, rather than foreign invaders.

What are anti-inflammatory foods?

Researchers know that certain foods contain compounds that may help control inflammation and protect your body from its harmful effects, including tissue damage. Other foods might be worse for inflammation.

The foods that reduce inflammation comprise what is known as the anti-inflammatory diet. Many popular lifestyle diets, including the well-known Mediterranean Diet, also follow anti-inflammatory principles.¹

Which foods are anti-inflammatory?

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a mainstay of an anti-inflammatory diet as well as the Mediterranean Diet. They contain powerful chemicals called antioxidants that may prevent cell damage. Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach, in particular, contain vitamin K and have been shown to markedly reduce signs of inflammation in the body.²

Berries, cherries, and other red and purple fruits also reduce inflammation.² Onions, too, raw or cooked, contain compounds that may reduce inflammation as well as heart disease risk and LDL, sometimes referred to as “bad” cholesterol.⁴

Whole grains

Research has shown that fiber from whole grains like brown rice and quinoa may reduce a chemical in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a sign of inflammation processes in the body. Whole wheat flours that makeup pasta or bread are also higher in the mineral selenium, which can be especially low in some people with inflammatory conditions.²

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds have been shown consistently to reduce inflammation and to be associated with better health when it comes to heart disease and adult-onset diabetes. Additional studies have shown that eating nuts and seeds is linked to lower overall inflammation in the body. This is important for providing relief from chronic inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Beans

Beans are a good source of fiber and protein, and they contain several anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory substances. They are also good sources of folic acid and other important minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and iron.

Olive oil

Olive oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in much the same way that the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen does.² Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy choice because it is one of the least processed forms of the oil. Choose oils packaged in dark bottles close to their harvest date to get the freshest product.⁵

Oily fish

Oily fish is a rich source of molecules called omega-3 fatty acids. These are converted by the body into powerful chemicals that can help protect against inflammation. Good choices of fish containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, trout, and herring. Many studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory conditions can get relief from joint pain and stiffness by eating oily fish.²

What foods should I avoid?

The list of foods that can trigger inflammation include^2,4:

• Fast foods
• Fried foods
• Processed red meats
• Desserts like pastries and ice cream, which contain sugar
• Sugary drinks like soda and juice
• Trans fats, which can be found in processed or fried foods
• Too much alcohol, which can sometimes affect your medication

Be realistic about your dietary habits

In today’s busy world with convenience foods on every street corner and in every supermarket, it is hard to avoid the key foods linked with inflammation.

But you can help manage your psoriasis symptoms as well as improve your overall health by moving toward an anti-inflammatory diet and away from sugar, processed foods, and the other main dietary triggers of inflammation.