Is there a Link between the Vegan Diet and Psoriasis + Eczema Symptoms?

Veganism is defined as a lifestyle that excludes any form of animal exploitation or cruelty. This involves making careful choices, mainly in terms of food and clothing. In recent years there have been many stories of eczema and psoriasis sufferers raving about how the vegan diet has improved their symptoms.

The vegan diet has grown hugely in popularity over the last few years, mainly fueled by celebrities like Beyonce, advocating the lifestyle as the best method for weight loss and general good health. 11% of us in the UK have undertaken the Vegan diet. The vegan food plan is a plant-based diet, which eliminates all meat and animal-produced products. This is a complete lifestyle change, as followers tend to not use or purchase any animal-based product, i.e. wool, leather, etc.

Some Vegans make other changes to their lifestyle to facilitate social change. These can include attending protests, not using cosmetics that are tested on animals, and not visiting zoos/aquariums.

Benefits of the Vegan lifestyle include:

-          Environmentally Friendly- Animal agriculture has a negative impact on our environment (65% of global nitrous oxide emissions). Animal products require more resources than plant-based alternatives. Agriculture can also lead to deforestation, which in time can result in endangering certain species, even leading some to become extinct.

 

-          Ethical – Most Vegans follow the diet for ethical reasons. Often the main driver is to lead a carry, considerate lifestyle. Vegans are often animal lovers, who believe animals have a right to life and freedom. Many Vegans believe modern farming practices are cruel and cause animal distress.

 

-          Reduces Risk of Disease- The Vegan lifestyle has been associated with a decreased risk of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. In turn, Vegans tend to have a longer life expectancy- by 6-10 years on average.

 

-          Weight Loss- Studies consistently find a link between a healthy BMI and Veganism. Many choose the lifestyle for its weight loss benefits.

 

There are several types of Veganism:

-          Dietary Veganism- Traditional dietary Veganism is a form of plant-based eating. Dietary Vegans do not consume animal products but may choose to use animal by-products in other areas of their life, including clothing.

 

-          Whole Food Veganism- Whole Food Vegans enjoy only whole, unprocessed foods including whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables.

 

-          Raw Food Veganism- Raw food Vegans eat only uncooked foods or foods cooked at a very low temperature.

 

-          Fruitarian Veganism- As the name suggests, Fruitarians eat a lot of fruit! This type of Veganism is also known as HCLF (high-carb, low-fat Vegans). This lifestyle advocates a low-fat diet, which relies heavily on fruit. Foods like avocados and coconuts are restricted.

 

-          Junk Food Veganism- This may sound like an oxymoron, but some Vegans fall into this category. A ‘junk food vegan’ is an individual who avoids animal products but ends up relying on processed foods instead. These include frozen foods, Quorn, crisps, and desserts.

The Benefits of a Vegan Diet for Psoriasis + Eczema

There is no conclusive evidence for this that a plant-based diet is effective for treating psoriasis or eczema. However, the initial findings appear positive, with some sufferers claiming the diet has cured their skin condition completely. There’s emerging evidence for the positive link between a plant-based diet and psoriasis or eczema.

Why veganism can benefit those with a skin condition:

1. Avoiding Dairy- One of the most popular ways to tackle Eczema + Psoriasis is by avoiding dairy, which goes hand-in-hand with Veganism. Dairy can be inflammatory for some people and can cause an allergic reaction. Of course, if you still suffer from skin conditions even after removing dairy from your diet, further steps may need to be taken.

2. Omega-3-rich Foods- The vegan diet typically includes more Omega-3-rich foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy inflammation regulation and are incredibly important when dealing with skin conditions like Eczema + Psoriasis. Great sources of plant-based omega-3s include ground flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, edamame, kale, spinach and Brussels sprouts.
   

3. Fermented Foods- Many vegans try and include some fermented foods within their diet. Fermented foods such as tempeh (fermented soybeans), sauerkraut (cultured cabbage), miso (fermented soybeans) and kimchi have high levels of probiotics which helps to reduce inflammation in the body which also reduce symptoms of Eczema + Psoriasis such as redness and itching while increasing immunity in general. These foods are great for gut health, which has been associated with skin conditions.

4. Organic Fruits And Vegetables- The vegan diet includes significant amounts of fruits and vegetables. Organic fruits and vegetables will likely not contain preservatives that trigger sensitivity reactions within our bodies - making their consumption safer for those looking to ease unpleasantly inflamed skin symptoms such as what we experience with eczema and psoriasis flare-ups! Other organic goodies that work well with reducing eczema and psoriasis symptoms would include things like quinoa, brown rice, coconut oil, aloe vera, etc. Fruit and vegetables are anti-inflammatory. Any diet which reduces inflammation is beneficial for psoriasis and eczema sufferers. The vegan diet typically includes more antioxidants than a normal diet which has many health benefits.
   

5. Weight Loss- Followers swear by the diet for weight loss and sticking to a healthy weight is essential in tackling eczema and psoriasis.
   

6. Cutting Out Red Meat- Red meat contains an unpolysaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid. This increases inflammation- a huge factor in eczema and psoriasis.

If you are trying the vegan lifestyle, you may wish to explore topical treatments for eczema + psoriasis which are vegan-friendly. These will typically be herbal or plant-based like coconut oil or aloe vera. Avoid popular skincare ingredients which are animal-derived including honey, beeswax, and royal jelly.

Luckily, due to the increasing popularity of the diet, there are now more vegan-friendly options available than ever before.

Foods to Include in a Vegan Diet for Psoriasis or Eczema

-       Vegetables- particularly leafy greens like spinach and kale as they are rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation.

-       Fruit

-       Tofu

-       Herbal Tea

-       Plenty of Water

-       Whole Grains

-       Nuts- rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to improve psoriasis symptoms

-       Potato

-       Fermented Foods- Probiotic rich foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi can help improve gut health and boost overall immune function.

-       Seeds- great sources of antioxidants

-       Eczema Smoothies

-       Psoriasis Support Smoothie

Foods to Avoid in a Vegan Diet for Psoriasis or Eczema

-       Eggs

-       Meat- cut back if you don’t want to cut meat out completely. Avoid red meat.

-       Milk- there are many healthy, plant-based alternatives available

-       Cheese- you can purchase nut-based alternatives

-       Honey- maple syrup is a good substitute

-       Fish

-       Yoghurt

-      Butter- For cooking, this can be replaced by coconut oil or olive oil. As a spread, there are many plant-based alternatives available. Some Vegans like to use avocado or mashed-up bananas.

-       Gelatine- Can be found in sweets and jelly

-        Whey- Whey is often found in protein powders, look for a pea protein instead

 

Be cautious when choosing pre-made Vegan-friendly options. Not only can they be more expensive, but they can also contain significant hidden sugars, additives, fats, and artificial ingredients. The best option is to buy whole, raw ingredients, and prepare your meals yourself.

A plant-based diet is by no means easy to follow, especially if you are a meat lover. It requires a great deal of commitment. However, if it suits your lifestyle and tastes, veganism can have huge benefits, for weight loss, health, and skin conditions. Some followers stick to the diet plan 80-90% of the time to make it more convenient and social life-friendly.

If you do choose to adopt this anti-inflammatory lifestyle, ensure you are still getting the vitamins and nutrients that meat and animal-based products were providing. Stick to your Psoriasis Supplement Schedule or Eczema Supplement Schedule.

Tips for Transitioning to a Vegan Diet for Psoriasis + Eczema Relief

If you're considering transitioning to a vegan diet to alleviate psoriasis or eczema symptoms, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, start slowly and gradually incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. This can help your body adjust and prevent any digestive discomfort. Second, make sure to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods can provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs to support healthy skin. Finally, consider working with a registered dietitian to ensure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs and to create a personalised meal plan that works for you.