Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing flaky patches of skin that form scales. While the exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown, new research from King’s College London suggests that diet may play a significant role in the severity of the condition.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition by researchers at King’s College London analyzed data from 257 adults with psoriasis. Participants completed an online survey that assessed their adherence to various 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-assessed using a validated questionnaire.
The findings of the study revealed that individuals with very low adherence to the DASH diet index and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index were more likely to report higher psoriasis severity. Specifically, greater intake of red and processed meats was associated with more severe psoriasis, while higher consumption of fruits, nuts, and legumes was linked to less severe psoriasis.
“These findings point to the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes,” said Sylvia Zanesco, a Ph.D. student from the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and lead researcher of the study. “Incorporating dietary assessments into routine care could offer patients additional support in managing their condition.”
The DASH dietary pattern, originally designed to lower blood pressure, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats. A high Healthy Plant-based Diet Index is characterized by a diet rich in healthy plant foods and low in animal and unhealthy plant foods.
Professor Wendy Hall, senior author of the study, emphasized the broader implications of the findings, stating that “there may be a role for dietary advice in managing symptoms of psoriasis.” The researchers plan to explore whether diets rich in healthy plant foods can reduce psoriasis symptoms in a controlled clinical trial.
Overall, this study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting dietary modification as a complementary strategy in psoriasis management. Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, a consultant dermatologist involved in the study, noted that these findings bring us closer to understanding how diet may impact skin health and quality of life for individuals with psoriasis.
For more information, the study titled “Associations between diet quality indices and psoriasis severity: results from the Asking People with Psoriasis about Lifestyle and Eating (APPLE) cross-sectional study” can be found in the British Journal of Nutrition. This research was conducted as part of the APPLE project at King’s College London.
In conclusion, the link between diet quality and psoriasis severity highlights the importance of considering dietary interventions as part of comprehensive care for individuals with psoriasis. By incorporating dietary assessments and advice into routine care, healthcare providers can offer additional support in managing psoriasis symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life.
