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A new study from King’s College London has found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while low in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, is associated with reduced severity of psoriasis. The findings, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, highlight the potential role of diet in managing the chronic inflammatory skin condition.
Key Findings of the Study
The research analyzed data from 257 adults with psoriasis who participated in an online survey. Using a food frequency questionnaire, researchers assessed adherence to diet quality scores, including the Mediterranean Diet Score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index. Psoriasis severity was self-reported through a validated questionnaire.
The study revealed that individuals with low adherence to the DASH and Healthy Plant-based Diet Index had significantly higher psoriasis severity. Conversely, higher consumption of fruits, nuts, and legumes correlated with lower severity, although this relationship was influenced by body mass index (BMI).
Additionally, a closer examination of dietary components indicated that increased red and processed meat consumption was associated with more severe psoriasis, even after accounting for BMI.
Expert Insights
Sylvia Zanesco, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and lead researcher of the study, emphasized the importance of dietary interventions.
“Our findings point to the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes. Given the impact of psoriasis on physical and psychological well-being, incorporating dietary assessments into routine care could offer patients additional support in managing their condition,” said Zanesco.
Professor Wendy Hall, senior author of the study, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This research provides crucial evidence that dietary advice, alongside standard clinical care, may play a role in managing psoriasis symptoms. Our next steps will involve testing whether diets rich in healthy plant foods can actively reduce symptoms in a controlled clinical trial.”
Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, a consultant dermatologist and key investigator in the study, added, “Many patients ask how their diet affects their skin and whether changing their diet can help. This research brings us closer to providing science-backed answers.”
The Role of the DASH Diet and Plant-Based Eating
Originally designed to lower blood pressure, the DASH diet emphasizes nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Similarly, the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index focuses on plant-based foods such as legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and plant oils, minimizing unhealthy plant-based foods like refined starches and sugary drinks.
The study controlled for factors such as age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, energy intake, and mental health to ensure an accurate assessment of dietary patterns and psoriasis severity.
Implications for Psoriasis Management
This research adds to growing evidence supporting dietary modifications as a complementary approach to psoriasis management. While further studies, including clinical trials, are needed to establish direct causal links, the findings suggest that adopting a diet rich in healthy plant-based foods may help reduce psoriasis severity and enhance patients’ overall quality of life.
Disclaimer
The findings of this study are based on self-reported dietary intake and psoriasis severity, which may be subject to bias. While the study highlights associations between diet and psoriasis, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes to manage their condition.
