Nutritional Therapy in Persons Suffering from Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Immunological, genetic, and environmental factors, including diet, play a part in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Metabolic syndrome or its components are frequent co-morbidities in persons with psoriasis. A change of eating habits can improve the quality of life of patients by relieving skin lesions and by reducing the risk of other diseases. A low-energy diet is recommended for patients with excess body weight. Persons suffering from psoriasis should limit the intake of saturated fatty acids and replace them with polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega-3 family, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. In diet therapy for persons with psoriasis, the introduction of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and selenium is extremely important. Vitamin D supplementation is also recommended. Some authors suggest that alternative diets have a positive effect on the course of psoriasis. These diets include: a gluten-free diet, a vegetarian diet, and a Mediterranean diet. Diet therapy for patients with psoriasis should also be tailored to pharmacological treatment. For instance, folic acid supplementation is introduced in persons taking methotrexate. The purpose of this paper is to discuss in detail the nutritional recommendations for persons with psoriasis.

Automated summary

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with various factors contributing to its pathogenesis, including diet. Changing eating habits can improve patients' quality of life and reduce the risk of other diseases. Recommendations include low-energy diet for overweight individuals, limiting saturated fatty acids and replacing them with anti-inflammatory omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Antioxidants and vitamin D supplementation are important, along with alternative diets such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and Mediterranean diets that may have a positive effect. Tailoring the diet therapy to pharmacological treatment is also important.