3 Dietary Considerations for Psoriasis

Whitney Linsenmeyer, PhD, RD, LD, an assistant professor of nutrition at Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says:

1. An anti-inflammatory diet may be a useful strategy in managing psoriasis. 

The Mediterranean diet is a sound place to start; this approach is endorsed by leading health organizations, including the World Health Organization and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils. Dietary recommendations include 1) core foods to enjoy daily, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices, and nuts, and healthy fats such as olive oil; 2) fish and seafood at least twice weekly; 3) moderate portions of dairy, eggs, and occasional poultry; and 4) infrequent servings of red meat and sweets. 

2. Specific anti-inflammatory foods include:

• Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards 
• Fruit, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, oranges, and apples
• Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios 
• Fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines 
• Tomatoes
• Olive oil

3. For those managing psoriasis, avoiding specific foods that are known triggers or may worsen symptoms (ie, gluten in wheat, rye, barley) is vital.