The Psoriasis Diet is a diet intended for controlling the symptoms of psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder.

Principle of Psoriasis diet

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes patches of itchy, scaly and sometimes inflamed skin. These patches can occur anywhere, but are most commonly found on the knees, elbows, hands, feet, scalp or back.

The Psoriasis Diet is based on the idea that eating particular foods irritates the intestinal track, and causes excessive yeast to develop. The yeast interferes with the body's ability to absorb vital nutrients and toxins enter the body. The toxins then triggers the auto-immune system which ultimately results in outbreaks of psoriasis.

There is anecdotal evidence that certain foods can trigger psoriasis, including food that contains gluten, dairy products, meats and cultured food.

What are you allowed to eat on the Psoriasis Diet?

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Rice, rice bran and rice flour
• Sago
• Tapioca
• Soya and soya products
• Arrowroot
• Buckwheat
• Potato flour
• Fish and fish oil supplements

What is forbidden on the Psoriasis Diet?

The following should be avoided

• Wheat – such as pasta and wholemeal bread
• Barley and pearl barley
• Rye
• Semolina
• Most sausages
• Dairy products – such as milk and yogurt
• Most processed and fried foods – including those using breadcrumbs or batter

The Psoriasis Diet also recommends that red meat and poultry should be limited.

Pros and Cons of the Psoriasis Diet

The Psoriasis Diet is generally a healthy and balanced diet. It recommends healthy lifestyle changes, such as removing junk food from your diet.

While the above food lists are general recommendations, the Psoriasis Diet recommends that you find yourself which foods could trigger your psoriasis. Finding which foods may trigger your psoriasis can be time-consuming, as you have to monitor your diet as well as maintain a diet diary.

The Psoriasis Diet should be taken under doctor's supervision, as some of the recommended dietary changes can have adverse effects if you are not careful. For instance, the lack of dairy products means lowered calcium intake, and you should therefore take calcium supplements. Also, excessive consumption of fish and fish oil supplements may affect blood clotting.

While there is still no scientific proof regarding the link between psoriasis and diet, if you are sufferer of psoriasis, checking your diet could still be useful

Daily and Weekly Plans for the Psoriasis Diet

There are no daily or weekly plans for the Psoriasis Diet. The Psoriasis Diet varies according to your needs.

Expected Weight Loss for the Psoriasis Diet

There are no reports on expected weight loss on the Psoriasis Diet.

Psoriasis Diet Rating

Ease: 3/5 – Can be difficult as you are required to check your diet and maintain a diet diary.

Balance: 4/5 – Reasonably well-balanced, aside from the lack of calcium.

Maintenance: 5/5 – Once over the adjustment period, it can be easily maintained.

Overall: 4/5