Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Its Link to Diet

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term skin condition characterized by painful bumps and abscesses that develop in areas where sweat glands are present, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. This chronic inflammatory disease occurs when the hair follicles get plugged with bacteria, debris, and overgrown skin cells leading to infection and inflammation.

While the exact cause of HS is unknown, various factors like genetics, hormonal changes, obesity, smoking, and environmental triggers are thought to play a role. There is currently no cure for HS, but making certain lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress levels can help reduce flare-ups.

In recent years, there has been growing interest around the use of dietary modifications to improve HS symptoms. Although there is limited research on specific diets for HS, many experts believe that eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, probiotics and healthy fats may be beneficial.

Let's take a closer look at the link between diet and HS.

How Does Diet Impact Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

While diet alone cannot cure hidradenitis suppurativa, it does appear to play a role in managing symptoms and progression of the condition. Here's what the research says so far:

• Obesity is a risk factor for developing HS. Excess weight leads to increased friction and skin irritation. Losing weight may help reduce flare-ups.
• Dairy products contain hormones and growth factors that may trigger inflammation. Some find that limiting dairy leads to improvement.
• High glycemic index foods like refined carbs, sugary foods and sodas promote inflammation. Cutting back may ease symptoms.
• Certain nutritional deficiencies like zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A and antioxidants are common in HS patients and may exacerbate symptoms.
• Food allergies or sensitivities to items like wheat, eggs or nuts may potentially worsen HS for some people.

Based on these associations, experts recommend adopting an anti-inflammatory diet to help manage HS. Such a diet focuses on nutrient-dense whole foods that reduce systemic inflammation and promote gut health.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

An anti-inflammatory diet for HS should emphasize natural, minimally processed foods that are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Foods to Eat

• Non-starchy vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, kale, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, beets, onions, mushrooms, etc.
• Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, melons, apples, bananas, mangos, etc.
• Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds.
• Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley, buckwheat.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish.
• Beverages: Water, green tea, herbal tea.
• Spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

• Processed and fried foods
• Refined carbs and sugars
• Excess alcohol
• Full-fat dairy
• Red and processed meats
• Packaged and sugary drinks
• Hydrogenated oils

Additionally, keep a food diary to identify any individual food triggers that may be exacerbating your HS flares. Common culprits include dairy, wheat, eggs and nuts. Eliminate suspected triggers for 2-4 weeks to see improvement.

Other Tips for an HS-Friendly Diet

Apart from choosing the right anti-inflammatory foods, here are some other diet tips that can benefit HS management:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas throughout the day.
• Manage weight by following a calorie-controlled diet with portion control.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol which can worsen inflammation.
• Take care of nutrient deficiencies with supplements if needed.
• Reduce intake of foods high in iodine like seaweed and iodized salt.
• Try eliminating gluten, dairy or other suspected trigger foods.
• Incorporate probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut for gut health.

Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for HS

Eating healthy anti-inflammatory meals is key to managing HS with diet. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:

Breakfast

• Avocado toast on whole grain bread with sunny side up eggs.
• Oatmeal made with rolled oats, almond milk, berries and walnuts.
• Veggie scrambles with eggs, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes.
• Chia pudding made with chia seeds, coconut milk and fresh fruit.
• Smoothies with leafy greens, frozen fruit, Greek yogurt and chia seeds.

Lunch & Dinner

• Salmon salad with mixed greens, avocado and lemon vinaigrette.
• Turkey burger on a whole wheat bun with roasted veggies.
• Quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables, chickpeas and tahini dressing.
• Taco bowls with ground turkey, lettuce, tomato, brown rice and guacamole.
• Vegetable and chicken stir fry with brown rice noodles.

Snacks

• Edamame hummus with carrot and celery sticks.
• Apple slices with almond butter.
• Greek yogurt with mixed berries.
• Kale chips drizzled with olive oil and sea salt.
• Nut trail mix with almonds, walnuts and dried fruit.

Beverages

• Green tea
• Herbal tea - chamomile, ginger, turmeric
• Vegetable juice
• Kombucha
• Water - plain or infused with fruit

Focus on cooking with fresh ingredients and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric and black pepper.

FAQs on Diet and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Is there a specific diet that can cure HS?

There is no one "HS diet" that can cure the condition. However, choosing a balanced anti-inflammatory diet with whole foods may help manage symptoms and reduce flares.

What foods should you avoid with HS?

Food triggers vary, but common items to avoid or limit include dairy, gluten, red meat, fried foods, processed foods, artificial additives, high glycemic index carbs and excess alcohol.

Can losing weight help with hidradenitis suppurativa?

Yes, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may lead to fewer HS flares. Obesity is a risk factor for HS.

Will going dairy-free help with HS symptoms?

For some patients, eliminating inflammatory dairy products can help minimize HS bumps and abscesses. Try cutting out dairy for 2-4 weeks to see if it makes a difference.

Are sugar and carbs bad for hidradenitis suppurativa?

Diets high in refined carbs and sugar can promote inflammation. Limiting these and opting for complex carbohydrates may improve outcomes.

What vitamins or supplements are good for HS?

Vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, turmeric, omega-3s, green tea extract and probiotics have shown potential benefit. Check with your doctor before starting supplements.

Can probiotics help with hidradenitis suppurativa?

Early research indicates probiotic foods or supplements may reduce inflammation in some HS patients by improving gut health and microbial balance.

What foods reduce inflammation naturally?

Salmon, walnuts, spinach, blueberries, turmeric, ginger, dark leafy greens, mushrooms, bone broth, avocados and extra virgin olive oil have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

Should you avoid yeast with hidradenitis suppurativa?

Limiting dietary yeast sources makes sense theoretically due to the potential inflammatory effects of yeast overgrowth. But there is limited evidence that this helps HS patients in practice.

The Takeaway

While more research is needed, diet and lifestyle measures appear promising as part of an integrated treatment plan for hidradenitis suppurativa. Focus on consuming a nourishing anti-inflammatory diet, achieving a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing stress and correcting nutrient deficiencies. Work with your dermatologist and nutritionist to develop a customized diet and supplementation plan to reduce HS flares and improve your quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.