Intermittent fasting found to reduce psoriasis severity
New research has found a link between intermittent fasting and a reduction in psoriasis symptoms.
In the first study to investigate the effects of modified intermittent fasting (MIF) in the format of a 5:2 diet – eating normally for five days and restricting calorie intake on two non-consecutive days– preliminary findings showed a significant reduction in scaling and thickness of the skin in patients with mild psoriasis after following the diet.
Although previous studies have uncovered a link between obesity and psoriasis severity1, the effect of dietary interventions on psoriasis severity has rarely been investigated, said the study’s authors.
This study sought to provide mechanistic evidence to inform whether there is a link between gut health and psoriatic lesions, as well as uncover any benefits of MIF in psoriasis management.
24 subjects with mild psoriasis were enrolled in the 12-week study, with half instructed to modify their diet with MIF, while the other half continued on their regular diet. Replicating the 5:2 diet, the fasting group were asked to consume a total of 500 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week, but were free to consume their usual daily calorie intake for the remaining days.
At the end of the study, fasting subjects reported significant improvement more frequently at weeks six and 12 (p<0.0001), mentioning less scaling and thickening, with 30% of patients also reporting a decrease in itching.
PASI also reduced in the fasting group (p<0.05), while consequentially, waist circumference and weight were comparable between the groups at six weeks but reduced significantly in the fasting group at week 12 compared to the control group (p<0.05 and <0.001, respectively).
“The effect of dietary interventions on skin health is a stimulating field of research in dermatology. The results of this study add to the growing body of evidence being undertaken to understand the relationship between the gut and skin, with some promising results for patients and the disease management of psoriasis, said Professor Marie-Aleth Richard, European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology board member and professor at the University Hospital of La Timone, Marseille.
The research was presented at the EADV Spring Symposium earlier this month.
REFERENCES
- Jensen, P., & Skov, L. (2016). Psoriasis and obesity. Dermatology, 232(6), 633-639. Available from:https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/455840 Accessed April 2021