Dietary interventions in management of skin diseases w.s.r. to Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common chronic, recurrent, immune mediated disease of the skin and joints. It can have a significant negative impact on the physical, emotional and psychosocial wellbeing of affected patients. Many Ayurvedic texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles Psoriasis. According to these references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. The ‘wrong diet’ is the major link for disease manifestation, hence elimination of this ‘wrong diet’ and implementation of corrective diet plays a major role in breaking the ‘Samprapti’. The Dietary interventions for Psoriasis or any skin diseases can have the following seven components - Nidana Parivarjana, Avashtaanusara Ahara Sevana, Matra consideration, avoiding unwholesome diet, observing proper mental status during food intake, prescription of specific disease related diet, and very important one - Education about Aahara. The article intends to uplift the importance of holistic approach towards diet prescription rather than only disease specific diet.