Mediterranean Diet Added to Standard Therapy Holds Benefit for Patients with Psoriasis

A healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a proper weight, physical activity, and good nutritional choices can positively affect the course of psoriasis, according to a study published online in Nutrients.

“Dietary manipulation may not be intended as the primary treatment for psoriasis, but it can synergistically promote successful treatment outcomes and reduce the incidence of life-changing comorbidities including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease,” wrote a research team from Rome, Italy.

The study was a review of recent evidence involving nutrition management for patients with psoriasis.

According to the findings, a Mediterranean diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols appears a sound strategy for controlling psoriasis symptoms. Specifically, the diet improves clinical expression of psoriasis while reducing the risk of associated comorbidities. A 2018 systematic review in JAMA Dermatology deemed the Mediterranean diet the gold-standard nutritional approach for patients with psoriasis.

“The effectiveness of this diet lies not only in its anti-inflammatory power, but also in its ability to favorably influence the intestinal microbiota and counteract dysbiosis, which is a risk factor for many autoimmune diseases,” researchers reported.

Low-calorie and gluten-free diets have also shown benefit for helping with psoriasis symptoms. However, the review found the former is difficult to adhere to, while the latter requires further study. Exercise can also improve symptoms in some patients because excessive weight is associated with psoriatic inflammation.

Researchers also advised the need for an interdisciplinary approach.

“Given the scientific evidence of the decisive contribution of nutrition in psoriasis therapy,” they wrote, “the role of the clinical nutritionist in the care and involvement of the patient is fundamental.”

Reference

Cintoni M, Palombaro M, Maramao FS, et al. Metabolic disorders and psoriasis: exploring the role of nutritional interventions. Nutrients. 2023;15(18):3876. doi:10.3390/nu15183876