Is the Mediterranean diet beneficial for psoriasis?

Learn how the Mediterranean diet may help people with psoriasis according to current scientific evidence.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that typically affects the skin and affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by inflammatory, red and scaly skin lesions that may be painful and itchy. It is also associated with other conditions, or comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease.

A wide range of medical treatments is available for psoriasis, including topical, oral, systemic and biological therapies. In addition, diet, together with other healthy lifestyle habits, may play an important role in the overall management of the disease. In recent years, the Mediterranean diet has attracted particular interest because of its potential benefits for people with psoriasis.

In this article, I will review the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet in psoriasis based on available scientific evidence and on what we observe in clinical practice. However, further research is still needed to clarify this relationship. In fact, the research group I lead is currently involved in one such study.

The Mediterranean diet provides a balanced nutritional approach

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional eating patterns of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain. It is characterised by a high intake of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, fish and olive oil. This dietary pattern has been associated with a range of health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and several inflammatory conditions.

What is the link between the Mediterranean diet and psoriasis?

Several scientific studies have investigated the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and psoriasis, with findings suggesting a potentially beneficial association. Some of the key components of the Mediterranean diet may have a favourable influence on psoriasis by contributing to lower inflammatory activity, supporting symptom control and also benefiting several of the comorbidities associated with the disease.

Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables provides antioxidants and phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, may also contribute to reducing inflammatory activity in the skin and other organs.

Specific potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for psoriasis

The Mediterranean diet may offer specific benefits for people with psoriasis. Fish, particularly oily fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may help modulate inflammatory activity. Whole grains, another important component of the Mediterranean diet, provide fibre and essential nutrients that support general health and may contribute to normal immune function.

As mentioned above, the antioxidants and phytochemicals found in fruit and vegetables also have anti-inflammatory properties.

What does the scientific evidence say?

To summarise what the current evidence suggests about the relationship between obesity, the Mediterranean diet, health and psoriasis, I think you may find this presentation by the physician and researcher Miguel Ángel Martínez particularly interesting. It was delivered at the annual psoriasis event that I organise together with Grupo Pedro Jaén, The Psoriasis Revolution.

Recommendations for following a Mediterranean diet

If you are interested in following a Mediterranean diet as part of an overall strategy to support psoriasis management and reduce the risk associated with some of its comorbidities, the following recommendations may be helpful:

· Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, including a wide variety of colours and types.

· Choose whole grains such as whole wheat, quinoa and barley rather than refined products.

· Include oily fish regularly as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.

· Use extra virgin olive oil as your main source of dietary fat instead of saturated fats or highly refined oils.

· Limit highly processed foods and excessive intake of red meat and foods high in saturated fat.

· Include nuts, seeds and pulses as sources of plant protein and healthy fats.

· Drink adequate amounts of water and limit sugary drinks and alcohol.

In summary

Current scientific evidence supports the potential role of the Mediterranean diet as part of the overall management of psoriasis. Following a balanced, nutrient-rich Mediterranean dietary pattern may contribute to reducing inflammatory activity, supporting symptom control and improving overall health in people with psoriasis. However, responses to dietary changes vary between individuals, and diet should not be regarded as a substitute for appropriate medical treatment.

It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or dietitian, before making substantial changes to your diet, particularly if you have other medical conditions or are receiving treatment.