13If you’ve ever had the misfortune of suffering from psoriasis, you know how uncomfortable and painful this disease can be. With scaly patches appearing on your skin out of nowhere and an annoying itchy feeling that never seems to go away, it’s no wonder so many people are looking for ways to reduce their symptoms. When it comes to modifying the diet to relieve this condition, one thing is certain: certain foods should be avoided in order to prevent flare-ups or make them worse. In today’s article, we’re going to discover yet another component in some healthy foods that may aggravate the sensitivities caused by psoriasis. Keep reading!
Research conducted by North Carolina State University has uncovered the dangers certain types of healthy foods can have on people with psoriasis. These foods contain a high concentration of a fatty acid found in most Western diets, and studies suggest it may lead to an increase in painful psoriasis symptoms. This type of fatty acid would contribute to the increased sensitivity to temperature and pain of psoriatic lesions.
Linoleic acid is largely responsible for the development of psoriasis.
According to Santosh Mishra, associate professor of neuroscience at North Carolina State University, linoleic acid may trigger the painful symptoms of psoriasis by interfering with the organization of the cell structure of the skin. Specifically, linoleic acid is thought to disrupt the natural communication between cells, which helps keep skin healthy and regulated.
When this communication is disrupted, skin cells can lose their shape or size. This can impair the integrity of the skin barrier and lead to inflammation, which is a hallmark symptom of psoriasis. Linoleic acid has been found in higher concentrations in psoriatic patients than in those without, suggesting that its presence may be a contributing factor to psoriasis flares.
Prof. Mishra believes that further research into the role of fatty acids in psoriasis could lead to more effective treatments for people with the disease. In addition to disrupting cell communication, researchers are investigating how fatty acids such as linoleic acid might influence other biological processes associated with psoriasis, such as cell signaling and apoptosis (cell death). By understanding how these processes interact at the molecular level, healthcare professionals could develop targeted therapies that reduce inflammation and prevent new flare-ups from occurring in vulnerable people.
Linoleic acid: What is it and where is it found?
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid found in many plant foods, such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. It is a polyunsaturated fat, which means it has two or more double bonds in its chemical structure. This type of fat has been linked to health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels and promoting healthy skin.
Linoleic acid is also known as an omega-6 fatty acid, and it’s important to have the right balance between linoleic acid and its counterpart, omega-3 fatty acids. Too much of any of them can upset our body’s balance and lead to health problems.
Good sources of linoleic acid are:
- Sunflower oil.
- Safflower oil.
- Soybean oil.
- Nuts.
- The almonds.
- Pistachios.
- Cashew nuts.
- Soy, sesame, sunflower, chia and poppy seeds.
- Some animal products, such as free-range eggs, may also contain linoleic acid.
To relieve psoriasis symptoms, avoid all foods that contain linoleic acid and here are some other tips to consider.
Tip #1: Rest!
It is important to get enough rest each night to deal with the symptoms of psoriasis. Make sure you get enough sleep each night; 7-9 hours is recommended for adults. Also try to stick to a regular sleep schedule (going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning) to help your body get in sync.
Tip #2: Change your diet.
As for diet and lifestyle changes that can help relieve psoriasis symptoms, eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins A and D can be beneficial in reducing the inflammation associated with this condition. Eating fatty fish like salmon or mackerel once or twice a week can also help provide omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce psoriasis symptoms.
Also, avoiding processed foods high in saturated fat may help reduce flare-ups associated with this condition.
Tip #3: Engage in gentle physical activity.
In addition to dietary changes, exercise can also help relieve psoriasis symptoms, as physical activity can help reduce stress levels, which have been linked to worsening of this common skin condition. Practicing exercises such as yoga or tai chi can be particularly beneficial, as they both involve deep breathing techniques, which are believed to help reduce stress levels while increasing overall well-being. .
Tip #4: Stay hydrated.
It is essential for people with psoriasis to hydrate regularly, as dryness can make skin irritation worse. However, moisturizers should not contain dyes or fragrances, as these ingredients can further irritate the skin instead of soothing it as intended.
Also, taking a bath with lukewarm (rather than hot) water and adding colloidal oatmeal (available at most drugstores) to it will not only help moisturize the skin, but also soothe the feelings of itching often felt by people suffering from this disease. Thanks to its anti-irritant properties and its ability to act as an emollient to better retain moisture in the skin, which significantly improves overall hydration levels over long periods of time.
Tip #5: Do not hesitate to consult a health professional.
In severe cases where home treatments don’t seem to be effective enough, there are also various over-the-counter topical creams, including steroid creams that should only be used under strict medical supervision. As well as phototherapy treatments administered by trained medical professionals that use targeted exposure to light (usually using laser technology) aimed specifically at the affected regions. This allows people with psoriasis to access more targeted treatment regimens designed specifically for them based on their individual needs and preferences.
