Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Role of Diet in the Management of Psoriasis: A Review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Introduction
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 3% of India's population, with its prevalence on the rise. While the exact cause remains elusive, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors, alongside dietary and lifestyle changes, play critical roles in the disease's onset and exacerbation. In Ayurveda, skin diseases, including psoriasis, are categorized under "Kushta," and psoriasis is correlated with "Kitibha Kushta" due to symptom similarities. Key triggers for psoriasis flares include psychological stress, gut dysbiosis, and inappropriate dietary choices, highlighting the significance of both prevention and management through dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments.
The Role of Diet in Psoriasis Management
Diet is considered a fundamental element in Ayurvedic practice for maintaining health and treating diseases. The Ayurvedic philosophy emphasizes that improper diet (termed "Apathya") can notably contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Notably, various dietary components such as excessive salt, sour food, hard-to-digest items, and incompatible food combinations are identified as major contributors to skin disorders. Following a "Pathya" diet—wholesome and balanced—is believed to prevent disease manifestation and aid in recovery, reinforcing the notion that dietary modification is essential in managing psoriasis.
Dietary Influences on Immune Response
Recent research highlights the significant impact of diet on immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, including psoriasis. Modern dietary patterns, particularly those rich in processed foods and high glycemic index items, have been linked to increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which exacerbates the condition. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—like the Mediterranean diet—are linked to lower inflammatory responses and improved health outcomes. Techniques such as intermittent fasting and specific nutritional strategies, including the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich foods, have shown promise in enhancing treatment efficacy and preventing recurrences of psoriasis.
Conclusion
The dietary landscape plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis, exacerbation, and management of psoriasis. In Ayurveda, unwholesome dietary practices are viewed as significant etiological factors, marking the need for dietary modifications as a primary treatment modality. Implementing a balanced diet tailored to individual needs not only aids in the management of psoriasis but also improves overall quality of life while reducing associated comorbidities. Future research is essential to further validate these findings and to develop comprehensive dietary guidelines for individuals affected by psoriasis.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Author(s):
Rupali Ramadas Patil
PhD Scholar, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Mahrashtra, India
Anupama Bathe
PhD Scholar, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Mahrashtra, India
Digambar Dipankar
Professor, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Mahrashtra, India
Gunvanta Yeola
Professor, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Mahrashtra, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Role of Diet in the Management of Psoriasis: A Review
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9iSuppl1.914
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is psoriasis and how prevalent is it in India?
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated skin disease affecting approximately 3% of India's population. Its prevalence is increasing, and it can lead to both cutaneous and extra-cutaneous manifestations, including psoriatic arthritis and various comorbidities.
How does diet play a role in managing psoriasis?
Dietary modification is crucial in managing psoriasis. An unwholesome diet and lifestyle are key etiological factors. Wholesome diets can help prevent disease onset, reduce severity, and prevent recurrence, making dietary choices essential for effective treatment.
What are some dietary factors that exacerbate psoriasis?
Factors such as excessive intake of sour, oily, or hard-to-digest foods, along with incompatible food combinations (Viruddhaahara), can aggravate psoriasis symptoms. A balanced and wholesome diet is essential for managing the condition effectively.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Role of Diet in the Management of Psoriasis: A Review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
Food
Food is mentioned as an essential component in Ayurveda for maintaining a healthy and disease-free life. The right food, known as Pathya, ensures a balanced diet that supports bodily functions and prevents diseases such as psoriasis.
Diet
Diet refers to the sum of food consumed by individuals. In the context of psoriasis, dietary modification, avoiding Viruddha-ahara (incompatible foods), plays a key role in reducing disease severity and prevention.
Disease
Psoriasis is identified as a non-infectious, chronic inflammatory skin disease. Correct diet and lifestyle, including avoiding Apathya (unwholesome diet), can prevent onset, reduce severity, and prevent recurrence of diseases like psoriasis.
Milk
Milk consumption is discussed in terms of its compatibility with other foods. For instance, intake of milk with fish, or fruits like sour substances, is considered Viruddha-ahara and detrimental to health.
Ahara
Ahara in Ayurveda refers to diet or food. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced Ahara for maintaining health and treating diseases. Pathya-Ahara is recommended for psoriasis management.
Substance
Substances causing incompatibility (Viruddha) in diet, such as sour substances combined with milk, can lead to various health issues and are considered Apathya.
Honey
Honey, especially when combined with ghee or taken after heating, is considered Viruddha-ahara and may have harmful effects according to Ayurvedic principles.
Fish
Fish, especially when consumed with milk, is classified as Viruddha-ahara and can cause various diseases, including skin conditions like psoriasis according to Ayurvedic texts.
Curd
Curd consumption, particularly sour curd or curd combined with certain foods, is considered Apathya in Ayurveda and can aggravate skin diseases including psoriasis.
Medicine
Diet is emphasized alongside medicine in Ayurveda. Without a wholesome diet (Pathya), medicines may be ineffective in treating diseases such as psoriasis.
Sour
Excessive intake of sour foods is cited as an etiological factor in skin diseases, including psoriasis. Avoiding Amla Rasa (sour foods) is recommended for psoriasis management.
Jaggery
Nava Guda (new jaggery) is recommended to be avoided as regular intake of jaggery and its products is considered unwholesome (Apathya) for skin diseases like psoriasis.
Pathya
Pathya refers to a diet that is wholesome for the body. Following a Pathya diet, which includes easily digestible foods and avoids incompatible foods, is key in managing psoriasis.
Patil
[see source text or glossary: Patil]
Ghi (Ghee)
Ghee, especially in excess or when combined with honey in equal parts, is considered Viruddha-ahara and can lead to undesirable health effects.
Vihara
Vihara relates to lifestyle practices. Like diet, correct Vihara (right lifestyle practices) is considered significant in preventing and managing diseases such as psoriasis.
Animal
Consumption of meat from certain animals, especially those from marshy or aquatic habitats, combined with other incompatible foods, is considered harmful and can contribute to skin diseases like psoriasis.
Rasa (Rasha)
Rasa refers to the taste of food. Inappropriate intake of certain Rasas, like excessive sour or salty foods, is linked to the aggravation of doshas and diseases like psoriasis in Ayurveda.
Rice (Rce)
Rakta Sali, or unpolished brown rice, is recommended as Pathya (wholesome) for those with skin disorders, including psoriasis.
Viruddhahara (Viruddha-ahara)
Viruddha-ahara is a concept of incompatible foods that can aggravate doshas and lead to diseases. Avoiding Viruddha-ahara is crucial in managing psoriasis.
Pradhana
Certain Rasa (taste) pradhana foods, predominantly one taste such as sour or salty, are identified as aggravators in the pathogenesis of diseases like psoriasis.
Annapana (Anna-pana)
Annapana refers to diet and drinks. Consuming heavy (guru) or oily (snigdha) foods in excess is detrimental and considered Apathya for managing psoriasis.
Apathya
Apathya refers to an unwholesome diet that includes incompatible foods and lifestyle practices. Avoiding Apathya is essential in managing chronic diseases like psoriasis.
Dosha (Dosa)
[see source text or glossary: Dosa]
Anupa
Anupa refers to marshy lands. Consuming foods like meat from animals in these regions with certain other foods is advised against in managing psoriasis.
Anna
[see source text or glossary: Anna]
Kitibha
Kitibha is a type of Kushta (skin disease) in Ayurveda that is similar to psoriasis. It is characterized by symptoms like scaling, itching, and discoloration of the skin.
Bitter
Foods with a dominant bitter taste (Tikta Rasa) are recommended in managing psoriasis due to their beneficial properties in balancing doshas.
Nature
The nature (Prakriti) of food, such as its inherent qualities, impacts health. Foods incongruent with individual Prakriti can exacerbate conditions like psoriasis.
Dadhi
Intake of curd (Dadhi), particularly sour or improperly set curd, is considered Apathya (unwholesome) and can aggravate skin diseases like psoriasis.
Rakta
Rakta (blood) vitiation is linked to skin diseases. Ayurvedic management of psoriasis includes dietary changes to purify and balance Rakta.
Taila (Thaila)
[see source text or glossary: Taila]
Desha (Desa)
Desha (habitat) influences the suitability of diet. Foods that are incompatible with the region's climate and conditions can lead to health issues like psoriasis.
India
Psoriasis affects approximately 3% of India’s population, emphasizing the importance of diet and lifestyle modifications for its management within the Indian context.
Masha (Masa, Ma-sha)
Excessive intake of black gram (Masha) is listed as a dietary factor aggravating skin diseases, making it Apathya for psoriasis patients.
Visha (Visa)
[see source text or glossary: Visha]
Tila
Regular use of sesame (Tila) in the diet can be considered Apathya in managing skin diseases such as psoriasis.
Guda
Avoiding new jaggery (Nava Guda) is crucial in dietary management for psoriasis, as excessive intake is considered unhealthy (Apathya).
Mustard oil
Mustard oil, if used appropriately, is suggested, while improper usage or combination with other incompatible foods is advised against in psoriasis management.
Human body
The human body is described in Ayurveda as being formed by Panchmahabhutas (five elements), and an imbalanced diet affects the body's equilibrium, causing diseases like psoriasis.
Ashtavidha (Astavidha, Ashtan-vidha)
Ashtavidha Aharavidhi Visheshayatana refers to eight factors of ingestion. Adhering to these factors ensures a balanced diet crucial for managing conditions like psoriasis.
Butter milk (Buttermilk)
Buttermilk should be monitored as improper combination with certain foods is identified as a triggering factor for skin diseases, making its careful consumption important in psoriasis.
Ayurveda (Ayus-veda)
Ayurveda, a holistic science, emphasizes the preventive and therapeutic role of diet (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) in managing chronic diseases like psoriasis.
Prakriti (Prakrti)
Prakriti refers to an individual's constitution. Diet fitting one's Prakriti is important for health and managing diseases such as psoriasis; an incompatible diet is harmful.
Tamarind
Consumption of sour substances like tamarind in combination with milk is advised against as it results in Viruddha-ahara and can aggravate diseases like psoriasis.
Jangala (Jamgala)
Jangala (dry/hilly regions) foods should be consumed mindfully. Inappropriate consumption relative to one’s habitat can contribute to the development of skin diseases.
Virudha
Virudha or incompatible foods and combinations cause significant health issues. Avoiding Viruddha-ahara is emphasized for managing psoriasis effectively in Ayurveda.
Mustard
Mustard oil or mustard consumption should follow specific guidelines in Ayurveda; improper use or combination can aggravate conditions like psoriasis.
Buffalo (Buffaloes)
Buffalo milk along with certain incompatible foods (Viruddha-ahara) such as fish or sour substances contributes to the disease pathogenesis, including skin disorders like psoriasis.
Matsya
Fish (Matsya) when consumed with milk or milk products is considered a Viruddha-ahara and is leading cause of psoriasis and other dermatological disorders.
Ghrita (Ghrta)
Excessive consumption of Ghrita (ghee), or its combination with incompatible foods, is detrimental, making its moderation essential in managing psoriasis.
Gramya
Gramya refers to domesticated animals. Consumption of gramya animal meat with milk is considered Viruddha-ahara and can potentially cause various health issues including psoriasis.
Nidana
Nidana refers to the causative factors. Understanding the Nidana, such as incompatible diets, is crucial for preventing and managing diseases such as psoriasis.
Vyadhin (Vyadhi)
Vyadhi denotes a disease. Psoriasis is a chronic Vyadhi where dietary interventions and avoiding Apathya (unwholesome) practices are essential for effective management.
Garlic
Garlic consumption is advised against in excess particularly with milk or other common food items, as it is potentially harmful and can aggravate skin diseases like psoriasis.
Summer
Eating hot and pungent foods in summer is considered Kalavirodha (incompatible with season) and can exacerbate conditions like psoriasis due to climatic mismatch.
Kapha
Kapha, one of the three doshas, must be balanced through proper diet for disease prevention. Foods aggravating Kapha should be avoided to manage conditions like psoriasis.
Sneha
[see source text or glossary: Sneha]
Sugar
Ingestion of high amounts of sugar or sugary substances can be problematic and is considered Apathya in Ayurvedic management of psoriasis.
Birth
Birth, or Janma, can indicate hereditary factors (Anuvanshika) related to diseases like psoriasis, which emphasizes the importance of dietary management from an early age.
Blood
Rakta or blood vitiation is a significant factor in the development of psoriasis. Ayurveda prescribes dietary and lifestyle interventions to rectify such imbalances.
Guru
Guru refers to heavy foods that are hard to digest. Such foods are considered Apathya as they can aggravate psoriasis and other skin disorders.
Agni
Agni refers to digestive fire. Proper Agni is essential for health; Viruddha-ahara disturbs Agni, leading to the buildup of toxins and diseases like psoriasis.
Katu
Katu (pungent) foods can aggravate Pitta and should be avoided in conditions like psoriasis to prevent exacerbation.
Vega
[see source text or glossary: Vega]
Vata
Vata, one of the three doshas, must be balanced through appropriate diet. Foods that aggravate Vata should be avoided in managing psoriasis.
Vada
[see source text or glossary: Vada]
Aha (Ahan, Ahar)
Appropriate Ahar (diet) that is balanced and free from incompatible combinations (Viruddha-ahara) is crucial for managing and preventing psoriasis.
Kala
Kala refers to time or season. Consuming foods out of sync with seasonal requirements is called Kalaviruddha and can lead to diseases including psoriasis.
Salt (Salty)
[see source text or glossary: Salt]
Rock salt
[see source text or glossary: Rock salt]
Cow milk (Cow's milk)
Cow milk is considered Pathya (wholesome) in moderate amounts for psoriasis. However, combinations with incompatible foods should be avoided.
Fish oil
[see source text or glossary: Fish oil]
Samyogaviruddha (Samyoga-viruddha)
This refers to incompatible combinations of foods like fruit salads with milk. Avoiding Samyoga-viruddha is crucial for managing skin diseases like psoriasis.
Avasthaviruddha (Avastha-viruddha)
Avastha-viruddha denotes foods incompatible with one's physical or health state; for example, eating Vata-aggravating foods post-exercise, advised against in psoriasis.
Satmyaviruddha (Satmya-viruddha)
[see source text or glossary: Satmya-viruddha]
Sarshapataila (Sarsapataila, Sarshapa-taila)
Sarshapa-taila or mustard oil should be used appropriately as per dietary guidelines; its misuse can aggravate conditions like psoriasis.
Deshaviruddha (Desaviruddha, Desha-viruddha)
Desha-viruddha highlights incompatibility of diet with the habitat, like consuming dry foods in arid regions, contributing to health issues such as psoriasis.
Doshaviruddha (Dosaviruddha, Dosha-viruddha)
Dosha-viruddha refers to foods incompatible with an individual's dosha. For psoriasis, foods aggravating Pitta or Kapha should be avoided for balance.
Matraviruddha (Matra-viruddha)
Matra-viruddha entails incompatible quantities of foods like honey and ghee in equal parts, which are contraindicated in psoriasis.
Agniviruddha (Agni-viruddha)
Agni-viruddha pertains to foods incompatible with digestive capacity. Consuming heavy foods during low digestive power can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
Kalaviruddha (Kala-viruddha)
Kala-viruddha refers to seasonal incompatibility of foods, like cold foods in winter. Adhering to seasonal dietary guidelines helps manage diseases like psoriasis.
Inflammation
Psoriasis involves chronic inflammation. Dietary and lifestyle modifications in Ayurveda aim to reduce inflammation and manage the disease effectively.
Dushivisha (Dusivisa)
Dushi-visha refers to long-term toxins from chronic dietary incompatibilities (Viruddha-ahara), contributing to the manifestation of diseases like psoriasis.
Lavanarasa (Lavana-rasa)
Excessive salty foods (Lavana-rasa) are noted as aggravators in psoriasis, which should be moderated in one's diet to manage the condition.
Adhyashana (Adhyasana)
Adhyashana, or eating food before the prior meal is digested, is considered harmful and should be avoided to prevent aggravating conditions like psoriasis.
Raktashali (Raktasali, Rakta-shali)
Rakta-sali (unpolished brown rice) is recommended as Pathya in managing psoriasis due to its favorable impact on health and digestion.
Tilataila (Tila-taila)
Usage of sesame oil (Tila-taila) must follow Ayurvedic guidelines to avoid exacerbating conditions like psoriasis. Incorrect usage can lead to adverse effects.
Garavisha (Garavisa, Gara-visha)
Gara-visha denotes slow-acting toxins accumulated from long-term Viruddha-ahara, which can contribute to diseases like psoriasis.
Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha)
Pittadosha, associated with heat, should be balanced by avoiding aggravating foods like spicy or sour items to manage psoriasis effectively.
Green gram
Green gram (Mudga) is recommended as Pathya in psoriasis management for its favorable digestive properties and contribution to a balanced diet.
Discussion
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
Alcoholism
[see source text or glossary: Alcoholism]
Science (Scientific)
[see source text or glossary: Scientific]
Sadharana
[see source text or glossary: Sadharana]
Saindhava (Saimdhava)
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava]
Vanaspati
[see source text or glossary: Vanaspati]
Matulunga (Matulumga, Matulamga)
[see source text or glossary: Matulunga]
Sadvritta (Sadvrtta, Sat-vritta)
[see source text or glossary: Sadvritta]
Praklinna
[see source text or glossary: Praklinna]
Amlarasa (Amla-rasa)
Foods with a sour taste (Amla-rasa) should be avoided in psoriasis management, as they can aggravate doshas and exacerbate skin conditions.
Pishtanna (Pistanna, Pishta-anna)
[see source text or glossary: Pishtanna]
Papakarman (Papakarma, Papa-karma)
[see source text or glossary: Papakarma]
Blindness
[see source text or glossary: Blindness]
Trembling (Tremble, Trembled)
[see source text or glossary: Trembling]
Katurasa (Katu-rasa)
Pungent foods (Katu-rasa) should be minimized as they can aggravate Pitta and contribute to the exacerbation of psoriasis.
Vitiation (Vitiated)
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]
Vagbhata
[see source text or glossary: Vagbhata]
Pushkara (Puskara)
[see source text or glossary: Pushkara]
Sarshapa (Sarsapa)
[see source text or glossary: Sarshapa]
Mountain
[see source text or glossary: Mountain]
Vomiting
[see source text or glossary: Vomiting]
Deafness
[see source text or glossary: Deafness]
Richness
[see source text or glossary: Richness]
Epilepsy
[see source text or glossary: Epilepsy]
Amalaka
[see source text or glossary: Amalaka]
Kshudra (Ksudra)
[see source text or glossary: Kshudra]
Samyoga
[see source text or glossary: Samyoga]
Godhuma (Go-dhuma)
[see source text or glossary: Godhuma]
Jambira
[see source text or glossary: Jambira]
Dharana
[see source text or glossary: Dharana]
Kulatha
[see source text or glossary: Kulatha]
Phanita
[see source text or glossary: Phanita]
Snigdha
[see source text or glossary: Snigdha]
Avastha
[see source text or glossary: Avastha]
Samstha (Shamstha)
[see source text or glossary: Samstha]
Kodrava
[see source text or glossary: Kodrava]
Raktaja
[see source text or glossary: Raktaja]
Habitat
[see source text or glossary: Habitat]
Hygiene (Hygienic)
[see source text or glossary: Hygiene]
Purana
[see source text or glossary: Purana]
Vidahi
[see source text or glossary: Vidahi]
Sevana
[see source text or glossary: Sevana]
Ruksha (Ruksa)
[see source text or glossary: Ruksha]
Harita
[see source text or glossary: Harita]
Mulaka
[see source text or glossary: Mulaka]
Satmya
[see source text or glossary: Satmya]
Shrama (Srama)
[see source text or glossary: Shrama]
Payasa
[see source text or glossary: Payasa]
