Let’s talk about this again – the Mediterranean diet may slow the progression of psoriasis. Yet another study from July 2018 demonstrates that this type of diet should be part of the multidisciplinary management of moderate to severe psoriasis. But wait, there’s more.  An analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults showed that following a Mediterranean diet was linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This is great news for us because the Mediterranean diet is a delicious way to eat and drink.

Linking Mediterranean diet to psoriasis

There is an association between the adherence to an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet and either the onset or the severity of psoriasis. Patients with severe psoriasis displayed low levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

This finding is based on a complex and comprehensive survey of 35,735 people, of whom 3557 had psoriasis. It was conducted by French NutriNet-Santé program. The present study data was collected and analysed between April 2017 and June 2017. Patients with psoriasis were identified and then categorised by disease severity: severe psoriasis, non-severe psoriasis, and psoriasis-free. Data on dietary intake (including alcohol) were gathered during the first 2 years of participation in the study to calculate their adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the surveyed patients were scored according to how strictly, or not, they followed the diet. They were then also scored and adjusted based on their variables, such as age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, tobacco use, and a history of cardiovascular disease.

The findings of this research demonstrate that the Mediterranean diet may slow the progression of psoriasis, and is also shown to reduce chronic inflammation and has a positive effect on the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease or death.

Mediterranean diet highlights

The Mediterranean diet is a delicious, healthy and affordable way to eat. Switching to this way of eating does not necessarily cost more as it is simply replacing certain foods. Here are some specific steps to get you started:

• Fruits and vegetables – plant foods should make up the majority of your diet and should be snacked on all day long.
• Whole grains – switch to whole grain flours, pastas, cereals and rice.
• Nuts – Snack on small amounts of almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts. Choose natural peanut butter, rather than the kind with hydrogenated fat added. Try tahini (blended sesame seeds) as a dip or spread for bread.
• Olive oil – oil is good if it is the right oil and for the Mediterranean diet, good quality olive oil stored correctly. This should replace butter, margarine and vegetable oils which are extracted in an extremely unhealthy way.
• Fish – eat fish at least once a week, but just not fried.
• Avoid red meat – Replace meat with fish or poultry. Definitely sausage, bacon and other high-fat meats.
• Dairy – If you feel you want to eat dairy, make it low fat.
• Wine – If your doctor approves, have a glass of red wine at dinner. If, however you are not an alcohol drinker there is no need to start. Dark red fruit juices are a nice substitute.  

Reference

Phan C, Touvier M, Kesse-Guyot E, et al. Association Between Mediterranean Anti-inflammatory Dietary Profile and Severity of PsoriasisResults From the NutriNet-Santé Cohort. JAMA Dermatol. Published online July 25, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.2127