Diet and Exercise for Psoriasis

Diet and Exercise

Diet and exercise play an important role in any healthy lifestyle. As with any disease, maintaining a healthy diet and participating in some form of exercise can be beneficial to your overall well-being. Although there is no specific diet or exercise regimen for psoriasis, there are certain foods and exercises that you can include in your daily routine that will benefit your condition.

Diet

Research has shown that a diet that includes antioxidants, beta-carotene, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc may help aid in the prevention and management of psoriasis.

There are several foods that you can eat that are beneficial to you:

• Oily fish(salmon, sardines, mackerel) - Oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that an increase in omega-3 fatty acids has helped patients reduse the use of steroidal creams.
• Seeds (especially flax, sunflower, and sesame) - These seeds have anti-inflamatory properties and can aid in the relief of the red, itchy patches you may experience.
• Carrots, apricots, mangoes, and leafy green vegetables - These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that improve the strength of the immune system.
• Brazil nuts- Brazil nuts produce an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme helps stop the formation of leucotrienes, which may worsen the psoriasis. Leucotrienes are enzymes that are responsible for the inflammatory response.
• Breakfast cereals- Breakfast cereals are rich in folic acid. People who suffer from psoriasis may have a deficiency of this vitamin.
• Broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts- Again, these vegetables are rich in folic acid.
• Shell fish - Shell fish are rich in zinc. People who suffer from psoriasis occasionaly suffer from a zinc defiency. A sign of a zinc deficiency are skin lesions like the ones seen in psoriasis.
• Dietary fiber- Dietary fiber helps rid the gastrointestinal tract of any toxins in the system that may be linked to psoriasis.

There are also several foods you should avoid or eat in limited amounts:

• Red meat
• Dairy products
• Alcohol
• Spices
• Citrus foods

Exercise

Exercise is beneficial to any healthy lifestyle. Exercise can help with your condition, especially if you are suffering from psoriatic arthritis. The best form of exercise includes stretching the muscles and improving the range of motion due to the stretching of the skin. Some exercises to consider are:

• Cycling - You can ride a bike outdoors or a stationary bike depending upon your preference.
• Tai Chi- Tai Chi can help with the range of motion, as well as, help with meditation and stress relief.
• Swimming (in a heated pool) - Swimming in a heated pool will help provide some comfort for psoriatic arthritis. Also, warm water will help with any scaling you may experience by loosening the skin cells.

While it is a wise decision to engage in any form of exercise, don’t push yourself. If you experience any pain or discomfort while engaging in these exercises you should immediately stop.