Intermittent fasting has become a popular trend in dieting, with many believing it can help them lose weight and improve their overall health. But what about skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema? Could intermittent fasting help reduce the symptoms of these conditions? In this guide, we’ll explore the research behind this potential connection and provide tips for safely incorporating fasting for eczema or psoriasis into your lifestyle.

Can Intermittent Fasting Help Treat Psoriasis + Eczema?

Eating a solid three meals a day, along with a handful of snacks, has become a modern-day norm. Research shows we are eating and drinking more frequently than ever before.

We have always been taught that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and essential for a quick metabolism. But there is little actual evidence to back this up. In reality, there is little harm in skipping some meals, and this can be an effective weight-loss method. A recent study was conducted between groups eating the same amount of calories over 2 or 3 meals. The group eating all their calories for lunch + dinner lost on average 3-4 pounds more than those eating a traditional 3 meals a day. The 2 meals a day group also reported feeling less hungry.

After we eat, it takes a few hours for our food to be converted to energy. If we don't eat again, our body turns to glucose (glycogen) for energy. After 12 hours without food, our body starts to burn body fat for energy. If you eat regularly, the body does not run out of glucose and therefore does not need to burn fat stores. Fasting also targets visceral fat. This is the most dangerous type, that we tend to store around our middle. High amounts of visceral fat can lead to a host of health conditions such as diabetes and some cancers.

Intermittent fasting could also benefit those of us with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Studies show that those fasting have a decreased Psoriasis Area + Severity Index score.

How Does Intermittent Fasting for Eczema + Psoriasis Help With Symptoms?

1. Intermittent fasting regulates blood glucose levels and improves gut bacteria, both of which can have a positive impact on skin health. During periods of fasting, the body's insulin sensitivity improves, allowing it to utilise glucose more efficiently. By incorporating dedicated fasting windows into one's eating routine, individuals can optimise their body's ability to handle glucose, resulting in more stable blood sugar levels. Intermittent fasting also has been found to positively impact gut bacteria or the complex community of microorganisms in our digestive system. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting promotes a more diverse and balanced gut microbiome, favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria species. This microbial diversity is known to enhance nutrient absorption, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of various gastrointestinal disorders.
   

2. When fasting, you can observe which foods cause flare-ups or help alleviate symptoms of eczema or psoriasis, so you can make informed decisions about what’s best for you in the long term.

3. Fasting helps detoxify the body from all the toxins that lead to inflammation and other discomforts of skin health issues. By abstaining from foods that create toxic reactions in the body, it allows your system to naturally rid itself of contaminants and eliminate any clogging of organs or potential fatigue due to toxicity buildup over time.

4. Going on a periodic fast can be beneficial for boosting your overall immune system; this is especially helpful if you have an autoimmune issue such as psoriasis. Fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles caused by psoriatic arthritis, allowing your body to operate better overall when faced with similar challenges in the future.

5. Unlike commercial & chemical cleanses, fasting provides natural nutrition straight from within your own body due to breaking down & using fat stores as energy sources. This has its cleansing effects since we gain toxins not only from what we eat but also from what we ingest through air & chemicals. Plus, any indigestible material (fibre) has natural laxative-like properties that will assist with digestion & removal of waste even further!

6. Promote Healthy Skin Tissue Growth- Fasting helps increase blood flow throughout the entire body including skin tissue growth. This type of oxygenation promotes healthy cell regeneration while reducing inflammation associated with psoriasis and eczema. Less redness & itching means better quality sleep + an improvement in mood.

Methods of Intermittent Fasting

• Alternative Day Fasting- This diet involves eating normally one day, and then 0-25% of your normal food intake the next. There is evidence to show this is effective for weight loss, but it can be difficult to juggle socially. This could be a method you use every few weeks/months to kick-start a new diet or fasting regime.
  

• 5:2- The 5:2 diet involves eating approx. just 500 calories for 2 days a week, and normally the other 5 days. This is handy as you can make your diet work around your work and social schedule. Studies have shown followers of this diet lose twice as much on average as traditional calorie-controlled dieting.
  

• 16:8- The 16::8 method tends to suit most people and be the easiest to stick to. This diet is based on a basic principle- you can only eat for an 8-hour period each day. This involves skipping the first or last meal of the day. We recommend skipping breakfast and then having a Psoriasis Support Smoothie for lunch. The vitamins in the smoothie will be more effectively absorbed on an empty stomach. You could try experimenting with 12:12, to begin with, if 16:8 is a bit challenging.

If you have any pre-existing health condition, or if you are pregnant, you should avoid intermittent fasting. You should always consult your doctor before embarking on any new diet or health routine. While intermittent fasting may work for some individuals, it is not suitable for everyone, and its drawbacks should be carefully considered:

1. Nutrient Deficiencies: Restricting eating periods and reducing overall calorie intake can make it challenging to consume an adequate amount of essential nutrients. With limited eating windows, individuals may find it difficult to meet their daily requirements for vitamins, minerals, and other vital micronutrients. This can lead to deficiencies, negatively impacting overall health and well-being.

2. Disordered Eating Patterns: Intermittent fasting can easily evolve into an unhealthy relationship with food. For individuals predisposed to disordered eating habits, imposing strict time restrictions on eating can trigger feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety surrounding food. This may escalate into binge-eating behaviors during the allowed eating window, reinforcing an unhealthy cycle.

3. Decreased Energy Levels: While some people report increased energy during fasting periods, others may experience the opposite effect. Extended periods without food can lead to low blood sugar levels, resulting in fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. This can be particularly problematic for those with physically demanding jobs or those who engage in regular exercise.

4. Disruption of Hormonal Balance: Intermittent fasting can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, potentially affecting reproductive health in women. Irregular menstrual cycles or absent periods, or even fertility issues could arise as a result. Hormonal imbalances can have long-term consequences and should be considered by those considering intermittent fasting.

5. Difficulty Sticking to Your Plan: Sustaining an intermittent fasting routine over an extended period can prove challenging for some individuals. The strict timeframes and dietary restrictions involved may not be compatible with personal or social commitments. This difficulty in consistently sticking to your diet plan may lead to frustration, and stress, and ultimately result in abandoning your goals.

It is crucial to note that the potential negatives mentioned above do not apply to everyone. Intermittent fasting may be well-tolerated and even beneficial for certain individuals, depending on their unique circumstances and health conditions. However, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before deciding to embark on an intermittent fasting plan to determine if it is suitable for your specific needs.