Omega-3s have been proven to help reduce psoriasis symptoms. Read on for more about omega-3s and which foods include them.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation. The most common symptom of psoriasis is dry, scaly patches of itchy skin. There are several treatment options for psoriasis, but there’s no cure.
Having psoriasis is a risk factor for heart disease and psoriatic arthritis. It’s important to have your psoriasis diagnosed properly before starting any traditional or holistic treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, you may have heard that certain diet adjustments can lessen symptoms. Omega-3s are one of the most proven and popular diet inclusions that doctors recommend for psoriasis.
Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that affect many bodily functions, from blood clotting to inflammation. They are nutrients that you can only get through certain foods. The human body doesn’t produce these nutrients naturally.
There are three kinds of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA): ALA is found in oils, vegetables, and nuts.
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA is found mainly in fish.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA is found in fish and shellfish.
ALA, EPA, and DHA are polyunsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats may not contribute to plaque buildup in your artery walls. They promote a healthy heart because they lower triglyceride levels and blood pressure levels in some people.
Long-chain omega-3s
The two omega-3s known as “marine†are EPA and DHA. You can mostly find them in fish and shellfish. Experts call them long-chain because of the structure of their chemical composition. The marine omega-3s are of particular interest to researchers for their benefit to brain growth and their anti-inflammatory properties.
Omega-3s help psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation. When they enter the bloodstream, they lubricate the cells of the body. This lubrication can have a healing effect on cells that are particularly in need of it, such as brain cells and cells that make up your joints. This lubrication can also reduce inflammation.
When a person has psoriasis, the immune system tells skin cells to turn over at an abnormally rapid rate. No one knows why this happens exactly. The result is redness, inflammation, and dry, scaly patches of skin that can cover almost any part of your body. The
Omega-3s are often used in conjunction with medical treatment for a long list of conditions, many of them autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
- ulcerative colitis
- lupus
- atopic dermatitis
A comprehensive review of
Fruits and vegetables
Several foods contain ALA omega-3s, including:
- berries
- green vegetables
- tofu
- chia seeds
- walnuts
- flaxseeds
- hemp seeds
Seaweed and sea vegetables are also high in omega-3 content.
Meats
Two of the three types of omega-3 fatty acids are found mostly in fish and shellfish. For those who love seafood, increasing consumption of this essential nutrient may be easy. Experts consider salmon, cod, and mackerel to have the highest levels of DHA and EPA omega-3s. Sardines and herring are also rich in omega-3s.
Supplements
Of all the nutritional supplements being researched for their effect on psoriasis, the American Academy of Dermatology
Omega-3s are an essential part of a balanced diet. They promote brain cell growth and memory function. They are also beneficial in regulating the contents of the bloodstream. People with psoriasis may benefit from their anti-inflammatory properties.
You may wish to consult a doctor before adding any new supplements to your diet. A healthcare professional can advise if omega-3s are worth trying as a supplement to your psoriasis treatment plan.