Can an anti-inflammatory diet help with psoriasis?

While research doesn't specifically prove that an anti-inflammatory diet treats psoriasis, many patients have seen significant improvement. Dermatologist Melissa Levin, MD, explains which foods to avoid for psoriasis.

Transcript

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Foods to avoid that are high in inflammation are fatty processed meats, processed foods in general, refined sugars, and interestingly,

00:08

certain vegetables, such as potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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There is currently very little evidence that an anti-inflammatory diet can actually treat your psoriasis.

00:25

Many of my patients, however, have noticed that when they lost excessive weight, changed to a healthy diet, lowered their cholesterol,

00:32

and reduced their blood sugar, all of these changes actually improve their psoriasis. It's hard to say at this time whether it actually

00:41

is a proven definitive treatment for psoriasis, but losing weight, eating healthy is empowering.

00:47

And that can help your skin in many other ways. It may or may not help your psoriasis, but it can improve your overall well-being.

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An anti-inflammatory diet may help your psoriasis because psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition.

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Foods to avoid that are high in inflammation are fatty processed meats, processed foods in general, refined sugars, and interestingly,

01:10

certain vegetables, such as potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes. Foods that have shown to reduce inflammation

01:16

include fish that are high in omega 3 fatty acid, certain nuts like pumpkin seeds and walnuts,

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oils like flaxseed oil and olive oil, and colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. [AUDIO LOGO]