A detox diet, or detoxification diet, refers to a diet that usually involves fasting (going without food), followed by a period of restricted eating. Some people claim that psoriasis detox diets can provide relief from symptoms by cleansing the body of “toxins” and substances that can trigger flare-ups. Although making certain changes to your diet may help keep psoriasis flare-ups at bay, there is little evidence that detox diets can eliminate toxins from the body or treat psoriasis.

Are Psoriasis Detox Diets Effective?

The specific parameters of a detox diet for psoriasis can vary. However, they often involve avoiding foods that trigger inflammation in the body, including refined carbohydrates, dairy products, alcohol, red meats, nightshade vegetables, and fried foods. These foods are replaced with anti-inflammatory foods that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, and nuts.

Some members of MyPsoriasisTeam share that they have had success by following detox diets alongside their conventional treatments. As one wrote, “Years ago, I went to see a naturopathic doctor in Houston. I was put on a liver detox regimen, and it helped a lot, especially with the itching. Within the week, I could feel the itching subside on my shins and elbows. I am on Otezla now, but I keep up with my liver detox.”

Despite anecdotal (reported) evidence, there is little scientific evidence to support the claim that detox diets remove toxins from the body. It is believed that the benefits of detox diets reported by people living with psoriasis are due to the elimination of highly processed, inflammatory foods high in added sugars and solid fats.

Research has shown that certain foods can worsen psoriasis, and making dietary changes may improve psoriatic symptoms like itchy skin. Your diet can sometimes affect psoriasis as well as how your body processes drugs used to treat the condition.

Elimination Diets

If you are interested in eliminating inflammatory foods or foods that trigger your psoriasis symptoms, talk to your doctor about trying an elimination diet. Like detox diets, elimination diets are temporary — you don’t stick to them in the long term. Instead, this diet involves eliminating certain foods from your diet temporarily, then slowly reintroducing them during what’s known as a challenge period. This approach makes it easier to observe which foods may be causing your psoriasis symptoms to flare up.

The Link Between Diet and Psoriasis

Scientists have not yet found a conclusive link between what you eat and the types and severity of psoriasis symptoms you experience. However, many people who live with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis find that certain foods can trigger symptoms — and that avoiding specific ingredients can help keep symptoms at bay.

There is no one diet recommended to prevent, cure, or improve psoriasis symptoms, but eating foods associated with an anti-inflammatory diet, such as a Mediterranean diet or plant-based diet, may be beneficial. These foods are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and other organic compounds, including leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds. Some members of MyPsoriasisTeam also find that sticking to a gluten-free diet is beneficial. Your dermatologist can help you understand how dietary changes may influence your symptoms or refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist to devise a tailored diet plan.

Potential Risks of Psoriasis Detox Diets

Highly restrictive detox diets may pose certain risks to your health or well-being. Limiting your food intake or your consumption of necessary nutrients, such as protein, can lead to fatigue or even nutritional deficiencies in the long term. Some detox diets also involve the use of supplements or herbs, which may cause unwanted side effects.

Talk to your dermatologist or a health care provider if you are considering eliminating certain foods from your diet or trying a detox diet. As the Mayo Clinic suggests, you may want to think about a detox diet as a way of kick-starting healthier eating habits in the long run. After all, making healthy, sustainable alterations to your diet is more beneficial than making changes that are drastic but temporary.

Although diet plays an important role in total health and symptom management, dietary changes alone are usually not a replacement for the medical therapies for psoriasis recommended by your dermatologist or health care provider. Be sure to discuss strategies for managing your psoriasis, including diet, with your doctor.

Meet Your Team

Managing psoriasis symptoms often involves trial and error. If you’re wondering what has worked for others with your diagnosis, reach out on MyPsoriasisTeam. Here, nearly 100,000 members from around the world come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and meet others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried a detox diet? What dietary changes have improved your psoriasis symptoms? Share your story in the comments below or by posting on MyPsoriasisTeam.