Plant-based, low saturated fat diet linked to lower psoriasis severity: study finds

New Delhi: A new study suggests that dietary changes could play a key role in managing psoriasis severity. Researchers found that a balanced diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low‐fat dairy, and lean meats while limiting salt, sugar, and red or processed meats—may help alleviate symptoms of the chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions worldwide.

The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, involved 257 adults with psoriasis who completed an online survey detailing their dietary habits and disease severity. Analysis revealed that participants consuming higher amounts of red and processed meats tended to experience more severe symptoms. In contrast, those following diets with a stronger emphasis on plant-based foods and low in saturated fat reported milder manifestations of the disease.

“Our findings highlight the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes,” said Sylvia Zanesco, a doctoral student in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London. Zanesco emphasized that integrating dietary assessments into routine care could provide additional support for individuals managing psoriasis, potentially improving both physical symptoms and overall quality of life.

The research points to an important link between nutrition and inflammatory processes associated with psoriasis. By reducing intake of certain animal products and saturated fats, and increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, patients may not only see an improvement in skin symptoms but also potentially reduce systemic inflammation that contributes to the condition.

Professor Wendy Hall, also from King’s College London, noted that the study adds much-needed evidence to the growing body of research on complementary strategies for psoriasis management. “This research brings new insights into how dietary advice could play a role alongside traditional clinical care,” Hall stated, calling for further studies to explore the impact of healthy, plant-rich diets on psoriasis in controlled clinical trials.

While the study underscores that dietary modification is not a standalone cure, it does suggest that tailored nutritional strategies could serve as a valuable complement to existing treatments. As more evidence emerges, health professionals may increasingly consider dietary advice as part of comprehensive care plans to help patients better manage their psoriasis symptoms.