Dietary habits and perceptions of psoriatic patients: Mediterranean versus Asian diets

BACKGROUND Mediterranean diets have been reported to improve psoriasis. Asian food has a unique character and differs from Mediterranean diets. METHODS This study compared the dietary intake of psoriatic patients and individuals without psoriasis, and investigated the association between diet and psoriasis severity. Data were collected on the frequency of consumption of Mediterranean and Asian diets. RESULTS One-hundred psoriatic patients and 100 individuals (age- and sex-matched controls) was conducted. In the case of the anti-inflammatory diets, the psoriatic patients consumed significantly less olive oil, berry fruits, fish, seafood, tree nuts, and eggs than the controls. As to the pro-inflammatory diets, greater quantities of dairy products and soft drinks were consumed by the psoriatic patients than the controls. Regarding Asian food, the patients consumed significantly less pickled foods and brown rice/Riceberry (a rice variety), but more coconut milk, than the controls. In terms of psoriasis severity, the patients with lower severities consumed significantly more vegetables; in contrast, a higher consumption of red meat, belly meat, and instant noodles was associated with greater psoriasis severities. CONCLUSIONS Our study adds further information on the role of diets-especially Asian diets-and psoriasis. These data should help patients and clinicians to focus more clearly on diet management.