Living with psoriasis can be very problematic and troublesome. In the quest for an effective psoriasis treatment, it has been established that proper management includes, good hygiene, adopting a psoriasis diet and regular exercise. Studies have shown that certain nutrients and minerals can effectively help you in the management of this disease; and there are certain foods too that you need to avoid in order to prevent the escalation of your condition.
But, what is psoriasis and how does it look like?
Psoriasis is a persistent noncontiguous autoimmune skin disease. The disease affects both the skin and the joints of an individual. The disease causes red and scaly patches referred to as psoriatic plaques on the skin. Psoriatic plaques are patches of skin where there has been skin inflammation as a result of an excessive production of skin cells. The skin cells produced by the body accumulate around these patches thus appearing white. The patches commonly accumulate on the skin around the patient’s knees and elbows. However, patients may also report outbreaks of patches on their genital regions as well as on the scalp. The exact causes of this disease are yet to be established.
Here are five major nutrient recommendations that you can include in your psoriasis diet in an effort to manage this disease.
1. Anti-oxidants:
Antioxidants are essential for stopping the production of leukotrienes, which is responsible for escalating psoriasis. Therefore, you need to incorporate fruits like grapes and grapefruit, nuts, legumes, apricots, plums, raisins, cereals, cinnamon, cloves, and oregano in your diet.
2. Beta carotene:
Carrots, apricots, green leafy vegetables and mangoes should also form an integral part of your psoriasis diet treatment plan. This is because Beta carotene present in these foods facilitate the conversion of Vitamin A in the body, which is crucial for a healthy skin.
3. Foliate
You need to have fortified breakfast cereals, wheat, lentils, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts cabbage and orange juice. Foliate promotes healthy cell division and improve the overall skin health.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids
These are also referred to as eicosapentanoic acid or EPA. These acids are found in sea fishes like sardines, salmon and mackerel. They are also present in flax seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Omega 3 fatty acids are crucial for reducing the need for steroidal creams without worsening the preexisting symptoms associated with psoriasis. This is because of Omega 3 fatty acids’ ability to convert into anti-inflammatory substance upon digestion.
5. Zinc
Zinc is available in shellfish, oysters and whole grain foods, nuts and seeds. Zinc deficiency has been found to be high among people suffering from psoriasis. Thus, you need to include zinc rich foods in your diet as part of your psoriasis management efforts.
Alongside having a psoriasis diet treatment, drinking a lot of water is also crucial for hydrating your skin, making it less prone to irritation. In addition, be sure to consult your physician for supplements and other chemical medications that can help you take control of your condition.
While knowing the best foods for managing psoriasis is important, it is equally crucial that you learn about the foods that can increase your chances of the psoriasis attack. Researchers recommend that you need to avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, red and processed meat, spicy foods, foods with excessive oil, alcohol and soda. Smoking too has been associated with psoriasis as it has been linked to the growth of pustular psoriatic lesions.
Other than nutrition, good hygiene is another important element of psoriasis management. Therefore, regularly clean the affected area with mild soap and avoid using strong detergents in the affected areas. Always moisturize your skin and be sure to get a daily dose of early sunshine. In addition, if you are already suffering from psoriasis, and you are experiencing flaking, dry skin; then consider using products with salicylic acid to slough them off promptly.
It is important to remember that good health and over all maintenance of the body is crucial to managing psoriasis. In taking care of your whole being, prevention and management of psoriasis will be very easy. Always remember to stay healthy by having a sound diet, observing good hygiene having regular exercise.
Not sure what type psoriasis you have? Consult your doctor or nutritionist personally before selecting a psoriasis diet you need, the kind of foods and what necessary precautions for a better chance of recovery.
