Diet and food guidance for psoriasis

No diet cures psoriasis. Healthy eating and a healthy weight can reduce inflammation and may improve control, especially when combined with medical treatment.

Helpful habits

• Healthy weight: losing weight, if overweight, can improve psoriasis and make treatment work better
• Plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and pulses
• Omega-3 foods: fatty fish, flaxseed and walnuts may have mild anti-inflammatory effects
• Lean protein: fish, eggs, dal and chicken
• Healthy oils: such as olive, mustard or groundnut oil in moderation
• Water, to keep skin hydrated

Foods and habits to limit

• Alcohol: linked with more flares and poorer treatment response
• Processed foods, sugary drinks and excess red meat
• Fried food and excess saturated fat
• Smoking, which strongly worsens psoriasis

Special situations

• Coeliac disease: people with psoriasis and proven coeliac disease may benefit from a gluten-free diet, but there is no benefit for others
• Methotrexate: avoid alcohol completely, and take folic acid as prescribed
• Fad diets: extreme or restrictive diets are not proven. Ask your doctor before stopping food groups.

Vitamin D

Check levels if you are low. Supplements help only if you are deficient, and your dermatologist may use vitamin D creams.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Traditional advice favours light, warm, freshly cooked food and limiting sour, salty, fermented and incompatible combinations. Evidence is limited.

When to get help

Ask your doctor or dietitian for help if you have weight, diabetes or cholesterol concerns.

Remember

A balanced diet, healthy weight, no smoking and little alcohol support, but do not replace, treatment.