Psoriasis and Diet

Posted Tue 3 Jul 2018 13.52 by Amanda

I had psoriasis for 25 years. The severity used to fluctuate and I used all the usual calcipotriol creams, lotions and ointments. I even had UV treatment when my skin was at its worst. In February of this year, wanting to lose weight, I decided to try changing my diet to the Ketogenic diet. This diet reduces your intake of carbohydrate to under 20g a day. In short, you can eat meat, fish and cheese, certain nuts like Brazils, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts and green leafy vegetables. You need to avoid most fruit as it contains fructose which is a sugar and hence a carbohydrate, but you can eat strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cherries. After two months after switching to this Keto diet, I've lost weight and more amazingly, my psoriasis has gone completely. I do have days off when eating out or dining with friends and family and on other special occasions, but these odd days of diet breaks, when I do eat more carbohydrate, have not given me any flare-ups at all. I have decided to stick to this new diet regimen because it appears to have 'cured' my psoriasis.

Posted Fri 6 Jul 2018 20.49 by Sarah

Hello, I agree with you both as I’m trying to sort my diet out and I’m cutting out gluten on certain food and I find that helps.I have stomach problems too so it’s helping 2 problems. Do vitamin D supplements help at all? And what ones do you take? Many thanks... Sarah

Posted Fri 6 Jul 2018 23.40 by Vishal (edited Fri 6 Jul 2018 23.41 by Vishal)

Hi Amanda, Thank you for sharing your experience, I am suffering from psoriasis from past 10 years but from last 6 months it is worst earlier I used have few places on legs, elbows now it spread whole body on face, ears, hands etc. currently I left job to dedicate on to cure my psoriasis. Could you please share more on keto diet like after starting diet within how many days or weeks we can notice healing psoriasis and what are signs that psoriasis healing. I mean your observations while healing. I would really appreciate response. Many thanks in advance. Vishal

Posted Sat 7 Jul 2018 20.29 by Sarah

Hi Wendy,thank you for your advice.I will give it some time and see how I go.Its so annoying having 2 things wrong with you but as you say both things connected. Also my age doesn’t help as I think since I’ve touch my 40’s it’s all gone wrong Heath wise. That’s another subject! Many thanks again.

Posted Mon 9 Jul 2018 16.46 by Billy2018

Hi, I’m 26 years old suffering with scalp psoriasis and I’ve had it around 2 years now, I believe it’s linked to my diet/alcohol intake. I’m 5ft 10inches probably around 92kg so I’m overweight for my height. I have tried all sorts of treatments from the GP & Specialist but nothing seems to settle it, it really gets aggravated when I’ve had a night out drinking. I have been reading about food intolerances and leaky gut which can be a cause of psoriasis. I was wondering what sort of diet changes people have made to see changes in their psoriasis. What foods/drink flare it up and which is good for it? Also does vitamin D supps help as my sister did suggest this? Thanks Billy

Posted Wed 11 Jul 2018 07.46 by Billy2018

Hi Wendy Thanks very much for the reply it’s been much appreciated. I’m my own worst enemy at times because as soon as I have a healthy week. Good foods such as white meat, green salads, plenty of water and exercise with not a drop of alcohol my head pretty much clears up with out any medication or lotions. I’ve recently been experiencing a lot of bloating, wind and diarrhoea after a bad diet, I’m due to go back to see the dermatologist at my local GP next week so I’m going to ask questions around food intolerances and psoriasis as I was never told about any connection. It was all found out off my own research on the internet and listening to a podcast. Thanks Billy

Posted Fri 20 Jul 2018 08.53 by Sue P

I’d just like to say thank you Wendy for taking the time to share your experience & knowledge. This site is for people sharing ideas & making there choices. It does frustrate me when some people try & ridicule or Shoot your ideas down in flames just because they’re different. Thanks again.

Posted Sat 21 Jul 2018 20.09 by Eatmorechocolate

I have discovered natural probiotic goats milk kefir and diet changes. After 15 years (I am 60) and 6 weeks of diet change my plaques are fading fast. My skin was being kept reasonably under control with Skin Savation and other emollients and steroids when It was really bad. However my scalp was not. I had tried at least 30 different shampoos and the only thing that stopped the crazy itching and showers of flakes was steroids. But now I am using Eucerin shampoo and scalp treatment (leave on) and avoiding (low not no) gluten, sugar and cows milk and drinking kefir everyday as well as other fermented foods. The scalp has calmed down and the flaking gone. There is still a slight itch but I am so happy. Search for the Good Skin Solution it is an amazing story.

Posted Thu 20 Feb 2020 08.46 by Em

Thank you for you reply’s. I’m just come off a deep detox to try and rid myself of any toxins. And had a pundit of blueberries for the first time in an attempt to rid myself using blueberries. Well I got very itchy, has anyone else experienced this on day 1? Could you please give me a breakdown of the effects eg, itching in week 1, week 2 more flakes, etc etc. Thank you so much. I just want to make sure I’m on the right track. Xx

Posted Thu 20 Feb 2020 11.28 by Eatmorechocolate

Yes I had 2 new flares on my forearms within a week of stating blueberries. These are now fading slowly but did get worse while my older and thicker lesions got better I always wash the berries very well to remove any sprays, pesticides etc.

Posted Sun 23 Feb 2020 22.07 by Amber

Hi everyone, I’m reaching out for some advice and help as I’m nearing the end of trying to find out what is going to make my scalp psoriasis better. I’ve had it for about 3 years on and off but it’s worse now than it was before. I’m 34 and I have pcos so I’m trying to eat as healthy as possible. But my scalp itches and flakes fall I have black hair so it shows more too. I’m sick of trying to find clothes to wear where the fall out doesn’t show. I’ve noticed my hair is falling out too and is weak and feels snappy. I’ve been to the doctor they gave me t gel shampoo initially it helped clear it up. But it’s not working now. Is there anything else I can try to get a break from my scalp feeling like sandpaper. Any vitamins or shampoos I can try that don’t make my hair fall out and smell bad. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Amber

Posted Sun 23 Feb 2020 22.44 by Em

Hi Amber, I have put olive oil in my hair! It didn’t get rid for me but improved how thick and dry my scalp was, plus it makes your hair nice and soft. Wet hair and rub olive oil on your scalp like you would shampoo. Wrap in a towel and leave for however long you want (minimum 30mins), I left mine all day. When your ready to wash shampoo twice and don’t use conditioner. The oil makes your hair moist enough, conditioner can make it feel greasy after. I hope it works for you. Good luck. X

Posted Sun 23 Feb 2020 22.58 by Amber

@em thank you for getting back to me I will definitely try this. Can I please ask what shampoo you use,? I’ve tried coconut oil in hair but I feel my hair still falls out in the shower. Have you ever tried a scalp massager brush? Thanks X

Posted Mon 24 Feb 2020 00.16 by Em

Hey Amber, No I’ve not tried it, are they gentle? I try and avoid being to rough with my scalp when I’m having a flare up. Makes it worse or sore. T gel shampoo would work. I just used normal shampoo, the herbal essences natural brands seem to not aggravate my scalp like other shampoos do.

Posted Mon 24 Feb 2020 06.49 by Eatmorechocolate

I tried loads of shampoos and other applications and I have settled with cowashing (washing with conditioner only) with a sulphate free conditioner.

Posted Mon 10 May 2021 10.29 by GrimHeed

Hi there, I just wanted to update this conversation with my experience. I have been on a Keto Diet for 6 weeks and it has completely cleared my Psoriasis scabs on my head. I believe it has something to do with the reduction in sugar, specifically the lack of sugar leading to a reduction in inflamation and immune system response. I don't know the science yet, but in my experience, it works. I still get ingrown hair scabs at my hairline, but I shave my head, so that's to be expected. I can't tell you how good it is to shave my head without all of the scabs. I'm not saying you should go on a Keto diet, but think about reducing sugars in your diet.

Posted Mon 10 May 2021 11.31 by Sue P

Hi, just got your post as I must still be registered on the site. I have been completely free for 2 years now. My psoriasis appeared about 4 years ago on my hands & feet. It was horrendous & had a devastating effect on my life. I tried everything my Dermatologist gave me until until I made the decision to say “no more “ due to the side effects of the drugs. After a good chat with him about diet he agreed with me but said he wasn’t able to advise about that due to science !!! He also said a friend of his was involved in research & hopefully things would change. I read the Gut Diet by Michael Mosley which I found amazing. I gave up alcohol & changed my diet & as I said am now free. Anything is worth a go. Time & effort required, good luck all

Posted Sun 23 May 2021 16.50 by Tor

Recently been diagnosed with scalp psoriasis which is spreading to forehead - a few patches on legs too Recently told to use betacap for a month which I have recently finnished . Had a stressful few weeks and it's back with vengeance. Has anybody tried Eucerin dermocappilaire urea shampoo ? My scalp is so dry and hair falling out

Posted Sun 13 Jun 2021 13.12 by Mary1968

Like GrimHeed and Sue P, ......I also cleared with diet.

Posted Sun 13 Jun 2021 15.54 by Tor

I have heard it's very good but haven't tried it yet

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