5 Foods to Fight Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder, but that’s little comfort when you are experiencing the pain and intense itching of a flare-up. The condition causes scaly, red patches to appear on the scalp, and can occur in random patches or spread all over the head. Scalp psoriasis is not contagious, but it still stinks to have to explain that to everyone who gawks at your rash.
The first line of defense for scalp psoriasis, which sadly has no cure, is topical treatment. This can include medicated creams, lotions, gels, foams, oils, ointments, shampoos, and soaps. Doctors still can’t be sure what causes the condition (part of it is genetic), but they agree that inflammation can worsen the symptoms.
If you are looking to do more to combat your scalp psoriasis, consider an anti-inflammatory diet. The following foods have been shown to reduce inflammation, which offers a ton of benefits for your scalp and every part of the body.
1. Fruits & Vegetables
Produce like fruits and veggies are loaded with antioxidant goodness. Antioxidants help lower disease risk by binding with the free radicals in your body. Left unchecked, free radicals cause all kinds of cellular damage that leads to inflammation.
Another benefit of including lots of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet is that they are whole foods that have not been excessively processed and filled with the kind of additives – salt, sugar, fat, and chemical preservatives – that have been shown to spark inflammation.
All fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, but go for berries and leafy greens like kale and spinach to get the most benefit. Avocados are another fantastic and delicious choice. But really, you can’t go wrong with healthy produce.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are an excellent and versatile addition to meals and can also be eaten on their own as a snack. Generally speaking, nuts and seeds are high in healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help you to feel full after eating them.
What these delightful crunchy nuggets do not have is a ton of saturated fat, an ingredient that can spike inflammation and impact your cardiovascular health at the same time.
Nuts also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, some of which are considered anti-inflammatory, like vitamin E. Vitamin E is great for skin concerns, so may be especially helpful for people fighting scalp psoriasis. Get started with walnuts, peanuts, almonds, flaxseed, and chia seeds for the biggest impact.
3. Oily and Cold-water Fish
Another important nutrient for reducing inflammation is omega-3 fatty acid, found in high concentration in certain fatty fish. There are several types of omega-3, with the most prevalent being EPA and DHA.
These compounds have been found to not only reduce inflammation, but also offer protection against heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and kidney disease.
Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids because it is otherwise quite low in saturated fat. You also get a good amount of protein to keep you feeling full and energized. The best choices for an anti-inflammatory diet include salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies, and sardines.
4. Beans
Beans are fantastic in your anti-inflammatory diet because they are high in antioxidants, protein, and fiber. They are also a great source of skin-friendly vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, zinc, and selenium.
Best of all, beans are extremely inexpensive and come in a huge number of varieties. They are a great substitution for meat in all kinds of recipes, or as a nice addition to soups, stews, and salads.
It’s best to soak and cook beans thoroughly before eating them. Some types contain compounds that can interrupt digestion and cause flatulence, but soaking and cooking removes most of the problematic elements.
5. Whole Grains
One of the worst things you can eat when it comes to inflammation is refined carbohydrates, which are typically made from grains. Whole grains that are processed heavily have all of their natural nutrition stripped away, leaving behind a product that will spike your blood sugar and lead to a crash in a few short hours. Inflammation is one of the hallmarks of high blood sugar, so it is wise to avoid this condition if possible.
Examples of refined grains include white flour and everything made with it, such as white bread and pasta. White rice has also been refined. When left whole, these grains are naturally high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
Excellent choices in whole grain include oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. And bonus – popcorn is also a whole grain that makes for an excellent snack. Just be sure to avoid drowning it in butter and salt.
If you are struggling with scalp psoriasis, chances are you’d do just about anything to minimize the frequency and severity of your flare-ups. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can do wonders, and has the added bonus of improving your overall health. Just make a few simple dietary substitutions to reap the rewards.
