A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and low in salt and sugar was associated with reduced severity of psoriasis in a new observational study. The study was conducted by a team at King’s College London and published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease that causes flaky patches of skin that form scales and is thought to be caused by the immune system.

In the study, researchers analyzed data from 257 adults with psoriasis who completed an online survey. Participants were evaluated for adherence to certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Healthy Plan-based Diet Index. Psoriasis severity was self-assessed via a validated questionnaire.

Individuals with very low adherence to the DASH diet index and Healthy Plant-based Diet index were significantly more likely to report more severe psoriasis.

Greater consumption of red and processed meat was also associated with more severe psoriasis, even when body mass index was considered. Fruit, nut, and legume intake was linked to less severe psoriasis, but only in those with a healthy BMI.

“Our findings point to the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes,” said Sylvia Zanesco, PhD student from the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London who led the research. “Given the impact of psoriasis on physical and psychological well-being, incorporating dietary assessments into routine care could offer patients additional support in managing their condition.”

The DASH dietary pattern was designed to lower blood pressure and advises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Healthy Plant-based Diet index is centered around fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, and plant oils rich in unsaturated fats, while also low in animal foods, sugar, and refined starches.

The study accounted for several confounding factors including age, sex, smoking status, alcohol, energy intake, and mental health.

“This research brings much-needed evidence that there may be a role for dietary advice, alongside standard clinical care, in managing symptoms of psoriasis,” said Wendy Hall, professor of nutritional sciences at King’s College London and senior author of the study. “Our next steps will be to explore whether diets rich in healthy plant foods can reduce symptoms of psoriasis in a controlled clinical trial.”

“People with psoriasis often ask about how the food they eat affects their skin, and whether changing their diet helps; this research brings us closer to answering these important questions,” said Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, a consultant dermatologist and key investigator on the study.