Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and the accelerated production of skin cells. This overproduction of skin cells creates thick, scaly patches called plaques on the skin’s surface in 80 percent to 90 percent of people with psoriasis.
Psoriasis can affect your life in many ways — appearance, self-esteem, and overall health. Psoriasis is usually a chronic or lifelong condition, and it affects both men and women at equal rates. The itch and appearance of this skin condition can vary in severity.
The good news is that psoriasis is a manageable, treatable condition. Treatments include topical medication, phototherapy, and biologic therapies. There are also several lifestyle changes that can help manage your symptoms and disease progression — all of which are within your control.
There is no single diet that can treat or cure psoriasis. There is some evidence that low-calorie or anti-inflammatory diets, like the Mediteranean diet, may improve psoriasis symptoms. Foods and nutrients with proven anti-inflammatory effects on the body include omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, antioxidants, and whole grains. Eliminating inflammatory trigger foods may also help control psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis.
A psoriatic arthritis diet focused on anti-inflammatory foods may help address symptoms of psoriatic arthritis-like joint pain and stiffness — as well as help you maintain a healthy weight. Watching what you eat can also reduce your risk of developing co-occurring conditions associated with both psoriasis and being overweight, such as heart disease and diabetes.
People with psoriasis who live a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to experience flares and severe psoriasis symptoms. They’re also at greater risk of developing comorbidities associated with psoriasis, such as depression, fatty liver disease, and metabolic diseases.
However, studies suggest that people with psoriasis are less likely to exercise than those without psoriasis. This may be due to the discomfort of their symptoms or self-consciousness about the appearance of their skin. If your psoriasis makes it painful or uncomfortable to exercise, discuss your concerns with your health care provider. Simple tweaks, like changing the material of your gym clothes, may help.
Exercise can be helpful for psoriasis symptoms and your overall health. Getting regular exercise, in tandem with a healthy diet, is an effective weight management strategy. Additionally, physical activity helps reduce stress — a likely psoriasis trigger — and improves your mental health.
“Exercise” doesn’t mean you need to adopt an Olympic athlete’s training regimen. All it takes is 20 to 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity. Doing something you enjoy, like walking the dog or doing tai chi, can make getting the recommended exercise easier. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Stress has been shown to trigger psoriasis flares and exacerbate symptoms of psoriasis. People with psoriasis are also more at risk of becoming depressed. Difficulty coping with stress — along with the potentially isolating effects of psoriasis — compound the risk of other mental health issues, such as anxiety.
It’s impossible to eliminate all stress from your life, but learning strategies to cope with life’s stressors is an achievable goal. Stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or getting a massage, are enjoyable and effective. Also, a great option is the Relax Patch daily for overall relaxation. Activities like tai chi and yoga are both relaxing and good exercise. Lastly, gathering a community of support — other people with psoriasis, your friends, and your family — is a great way to help manage your everyday stressors and the stress related to psoriasis symptoms.
References
This post was last modified on March 4, 2022 8:01 am
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