Making dietary changes is one of the most effective ways you can battle psoriasis. According to a study by published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2014, people who are obese are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Another study published in British Journal of Dermatology shows that weight loss can lessen the severity of psoriasis. Many studies, experts, and patients also strongly agree that certain dietary modifications and foods can alleviate the symptoms of the condition.
While it is imperative that you make a dietary and regular exercise plan with your primary physician, there are things you need to be aware of before you can ensure that you incorporate the right foods into your diet and avoid certain foods. For instance, find out your BMI (body mass index), how many calories you need to be consuming per day, and whether you need to lose any weight.
Keeping a food diary usually helps if you are trying to lose weight, and always remember to drink lots of water because staying hydrated is paramount. With that in mind, here are some important dietary tips for people with psoriasis.
Psoriasis and heart disease are both inflammatory conditions, meaning they cause inflammation. Alleviating inflammation and keeping your heart healthy, hence, are vital for people who suffer from psoriasis.
Here are some tips for a heart-healthy diet:
- – Only consume fat-free dairy.
- – Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, so eat fish a couple of times a week, such as salmon, trout, and tuna.
- – Avoid processed foods, fatty red meats, fried foods, foods that contain refined sugars as these are known to cause inflammation.
- – Aim for a sodium intake of fewer than 1500 milligrams; avoid over salting and remember to read labels.
- – Keep alcohol to a minimum.
- – Portion control is necessary.
- – Eat only skinless, lean meats, and cook them without saturated/trans fats.
There are also foods that have anti-inflammatory properties that you should add into your diet, which include:
- Walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds
- Broccoli, carrots, kale, spinach
- Sweet potatoes, squash
- Strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and figs
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