Intermittent Fasting and Psoriasis: Exploring Benefits, Risks, and Essential Insights

Scientific studies on the impact of intermittent fasting for psoriasis remain scarce. While certain dietary adjustments, such as calorie restriction, might ease symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider before making changes is crucial.

Intermittent fasting emphasizes when you eat rather than what you consume. Typically, it involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting during the day—for example, eating between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., then fasting until the next day.

This eating pattern has become popular for weight management and metabolic health. However, evidence supporting its benefits specifically for psoriasis is minimal, and fasting might even pose risks for some individuals.

Although some dietary modifications show promise in alleviating psoriasis symptoms, the evidence remains limited.

If you're considering intermittent fasting, it’s important to weigh its pros and cons with a qualified medical professional. Below, we delve into the potential advantages and drawbacks of intermittent fasting for those living with psoriasis.

Potential Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Psoriasis

Research connecting intermittent fasting and psoriasis is still in its infancy, primarily consisting of small observational and animal studies.

A 2019 observational study involving 108 individuals with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who fasted during Ramadan found a notable reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores post-fasting.

Another 2019 investigation with 37 participants suffering from psoriatic arthritis observed improvements in disease activity following short-term fasting. Yet, a comprehensive 2019 review examining Ramadan and other fasting methods concluded that current evidence is insufficient to confirm these benefits.

A 2018 review highlighted that adopting nutritional strategies focused on weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices significantly lowered PASI scores in people with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Low-calorie diets and intermittent fasting have also been linked to reduced psoriasis severity in individuals with obesity.

Further research is essential to clarify whether intermittent fasting can meaningfully improve psoriasis symptoms. Meanwhile, maintaining a health-conscious lifestyle and considering calorie-controlled diets may offer some relief.

Discover more about anti-inflammatory foods that support psoriasis management.

Possible Risks of Intermittent Fasting for Psoriasis

There is limited proof that intermittent fasting directly benefits psoriasis symptoms, and fasting may introduce certain risks or unhealthy behaviors.

Potential side effects include:

• Development of eating disorders or unhealthy eating patterns, such as binge eating on non-fasting days
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion, especially when combined with physical activity
• Dangerous drops in blood sugar levels for individuals on diabetes medications
• Increased risk of obesity linked to skipping breakfast
• Lowered energy and fatigue

Current dietary guidelines for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis emphasize calorie reduction for those with overweight or obesity. While some foods and diets may help alleviate symptoms in certain cases, ongoing medical treatment remains essential rather than relying solely on diet.

Although intermittent fasting is a trendy weight loss approach, there is insufficient scientific data to confirm its overall health benefits, particularly for psoriasis.

Intermittent fasting may be unsuitable or risky for people with specific health conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• Those with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating

Final Thoughts

More comprehensive studies are needed to confirm or refute the effects of fasting on psoriasis symptoms.

Most existing research is animal-based, with only a handful of small human studies suggesting potential symptom improvement through low-calorie or short-term fasting regimens.

Consulting with a healthcare provider or nutrition expert can help you understand how dietary changes might support your psoriasis management plan.

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