Examining the Carnivore Diet for Psoriasis
An estimated 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, an inflammatory autoimmune condition causing skin cell overproduction. The resulting itchy, painful plaques prove extremely challenging to treat fully. Sufferers often seek integrating dietary changes with traditional treatments to find relief. Recently, some adopted an ultra low-carb, animal food-based "carnivore diet" aiming to reduce inflammation driving psoriasis symptoms. But does current evidence support safety and efficacy?
Understanding the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet consists of eating only animal flesh and fat, eliminating all other foods. Typical staples include red meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy like cheese or butter. People may eat up to 100% of calories from animal products. Supporters claim potential benefits like blood sugar regulation, inflammation reduction and mental clarity.
However, excluding all plant foods means complete avoidance of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients also linked with positive impacts. And high intake of certain animal products brings increased heart disease or cancer risk over time. So the true effects of a strict, long term carnivore diet remain largely unstudied in humans so far.
Connection Between Inflammation and Psoriasis
Research clearly demonstrates links between inflammatory pathways and psoriatic outbreaks. Certain compounds like TNF-alpha and IL-17 directly trigger increased skin cell turnover. Furthermore, observational studies associate psoriasis severity with levels of C-reactive protein indicating systemic inflammation.
Therefore, anti-inflammatory diets may potentially complement traditional psoriasis treatments like steroid creams, retinoids and phototherapy. Benefits likely depend heavily on individual foods allowed and nutrients provided or restricted.
Examining Nutrients and Impacts
Meats contain highly bioavailable protein and essential micronutrients like B12, iron and zinc. Grass-fed beef also provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Eggs and fatty fish like salmon boast vitamin D with documented benefits for skin conditions.
However, carnivore diets also completely eliminate dietary fiber essential for healthy gut bacteria tied to immune regulation. They similarly restrict produce containing antioxidants and plant compounds offering protection against inflammation and oxidative stress.
These restrictions may negatively impact conditions driven by inflammatory pathways over months or years. But no direct evidence yet clarifies carnivore diet influence specifically on psoriasis.
Additional Diet Options for Symptom Relief
Elimination diets like carnivore proves extremely limiting and difficult to sustain forever. Thankfully, less extreme approaches also show promise for easing psoriasis symptoms.
Mediterranean and anti-inflammatory diets consisting mainly of lean protein, produce, legumes, healthy fats and whole grains correlate to reduced psoriasis severity. Supplements like curcumin, vitamin D, omega-3s and zinc also exhibit benefits.
Working with registered dietitians enables personalizing meal plans based on foods well tolerated and enjoyed. Monitoring symptoms while slowly reintroducing eliminated categories also helps determine perfect balance for each individual.
Weighing Pros and Cons of Carnivore for Psoriasis
Current evidence does not yet support adopting extremely restrictive diets like carnivore long term, even for symptom relief. However, integrating certain low inflammation principles within balanced healthy eating proves beneficial for some with psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.
Potential Benefits
- Provides high quality complete proteins
- Rich in micronutrients like B12, selenium, iron
- Higher in EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids
- Restricts high glycemic foods
- Dairy offers probiotics
Potential Risks
- No antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
- Completely eliminates dietary fiber
- Higher saturated fats, cholesterol
- May promote nutrient deficiencies long term
- Safety unknown for extended periods
People with psoriasis should work closely with healthcare teams to determine diets meeting individual needs. Testing different approaches while monitoring symptoms enables finding optimal balance and relief.
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.
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