Psoriasis and foods that calm it

Healthy skin cells gradually divide and migrate to the top layer of skin, replacing old cells. In psoriasis, however, skin growth is accelerated; skin cells multiply too quickly and, instead of being shed from the skin's surface, accumulate in thick patches. The following guidelines will help you learn more about the link between diet and psoriasis pain.

With psoriasis, the plaques of raised pink skin typically occur in small areas on the scalp, elbows, knees or lower back. The rash is not contagious and is typically not painful or very itchy. About 15 percent of psoriasis sufferers have a widespread rash that interferes with daily activities.

Debilitating joint pain and inflammation, similar to arthritis symptoms, affect at least five percent of people with the disorder. Psor­iasis is chronic and commonly emerges between the ages of 10 and 30, affecting men and women equally.

Experts are unsure of the exact cause of psoriasis, but they suspect a number of factors, including an inherited predisposition.

1. The condition tends to run in families, particularly among fair-skinned people, and several genetic determinants have been discovered that make some people more susceptible.
2. Evidence is accumulating that many of the steps leading to the condition originate from an overzealous immune response — an army of infection-fighting cells invades healthy skin tissue, triggering inflammation.
3. Researchers believe there may be a genetic basis for this immune reaction, and they have found an unusually high number of immune cells in psoriasis plaques.
4. Emotional stress and certain drugs, such as ibuprofen, may precipitate psoriasis flare-ups.
5. Additional triggers include poor diet, skin injuries, sunburn, hormones, illness, alcohol and cold dry weather.

An overall healthy diet that emphasises antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables is beneficial for general skin health, as the antioxidants neutralize harmful elements that could damage skin. Foods high in vitamin C have antioxidant properties that protect against free-radical damage to the skin caused by environmental toxins.

Low levels of selenium, zinc and vitamin A have been reported in people with psoriasis. Foods rich in these substances may have a general beneficial effect upon skin health. Beta-carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A, which is vital for maximum skin health. The beta-carotene and selenium act as antioxidants. Dietary zinc not only builds the immune system but it is also important for speeding up the healing of the skin.

Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the inflammatory aspect of psoriasis. Some studies show that people with psoriasis may have abnormal levels of inflammatory agents called leukotrienes, which are thought to be involved in the development and progression of psoriasis.In addition, some food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, are also good natural sources of the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D; low serum levels of this vitamin have been associated with psoriasis.

Preliminary studies suggest that some psoriasis patients may benefit from a gluten-free diet, though it would be wise to consult a nutritionist or a dermatologist before altering your diet. Total caloric intake may be important as well; some studies show a correlation between being overweight and the incidence of psoriasis.

One study that examined the relationship between nutrition and psoriasis suggests that a diet rich in carrots, tomatoes and fresh fruits seem to have a beneficial effect upon study participants with psoriasis.The authors of the study speculate that the protective substances in the foods may be carotenoids, as well as vitamins that have antioxidant properties. Note that foods containing high levels of antioxidants tend to contain phytochemicals that offer a wide range of benefits.

Broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, fatty fish, shellfish.