This Article is From Jul 27, 2018

Tired Of Managing Psoriasis? Switch To A Mediterranean Diet And See The Difference; Diet Tips

A Mediterranean diet consists of fruits, vegetables, fish, extra-virgin olive oil and more. These foods are enriched with anti-inflammatory properties which can have a positive impact on psoriasis symptoms.

Tired Of Managing Psoriasis? Switch To A Mediterranean Diet And See The Difference; Diet Tips

Mediterranean diet can reduce the severity of psoriasis

Highlights

  • Psoriasis is characterized by red, dry, thickened and scaly skin
  • Mediterranean diet could help with psoriasis symptoms
  • Processed meats should be avoided on a Mediterranean diet

A Mediterranean diet, for long, has been touted as one of the healthiest diet plans of all time. It is now seen as one of the most heart-friendly diet plans of all time. But there's more to the benefits of this diet plan. Turns out, a Mediterranean diet can be equally beneficial for skin woes like psoriasis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease influenced by environmental factors. A Mediterranean diet consists of fruits, vegetables, fish, extra-virgin olive oil and more. These foods are enriched with anti-inflammatory properties which can have a positive impact on psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriasis is characterized by red, dry, thickened and scaly skin which can appear on the hands, face, scalp or other parts of the body. In some cases, people inherit the susceptibility to psoriasis. Researchers revealed that the study they conducted focused on the impact of food, lifestyle and health-related factors and how they had an impact on psoriasis. Factors like gender, age, BMI, heart disease risk, depression symptoms and level of physical activity were taken into consideration. Researchers volunteered the participants on the basis of their eating habits, how they followed the Mediterranean diet.

 

g19iojiPsoriasis is characterized by red, dry, thickened and scaly skin

 

When lifestyle factors which increase the risk of psoriasis were taken into consideration, it was found that those who consumed a diet similar to the Mediterranean one were less likely to deal with severe psoriasis. This result was compared with those whose diet habits were lowest on the Mediterranean standards. People who follow this diet had a 22% lower chance of developing severe psoriasis. However, there was no clear link established between diet and the onset of psoriasis. But researchers did find a link between lifestyle, health factors and the severity of psoriasis.

This study, however, does not definitely prove that consuming a Mediterranean diet can reduce the severity of psoriasis. However, experts continue to be in a dilemma if this one is a confirmation for the previous studies which linked this diet to reduced risk of psoriasis or not. Experts say that even if it is proved that the diet can help with psoriasis symptoms, they're still doubtful if the diet can replace myriad treatment options. It can be used as an additional treatment strategy.

 

8fcdqdh8Fruits and vegetables should be eaten on a Mediterranean diet
Photo Credit: iStock

 

When on a Mediterranean diet, eat these foods:

1. Fruits

2. Vegetables

3. Nuts

4. Legumes

5. Whole grains

6. Extra virgin olive oil

7. Poultry

8. Seafood

 

prcoepgoProcessed meats should be avoided on a Mediterranean diet
Photo Credit: iStock

 

But there are some foods you need to avoid on a Mediterranean diet. These include:

1. Added sugars

2. Sweetened beverages

3. Processed meats

4. Refined grains

5. Refined oils

6. Trans fats

7. Highly processed foods

With inputs from Reuters 

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