Skin moisturizer can help, but drinking water is another matter.
Psoriasis (psoriasis), where the skin looks cracked like a turtle shell, is quite an unpleasant disease. The first characteristic of dryness is that the skin becomes dry. For this reason, it is common knowledge that if you have psoriasis, you need to apply a moisturizer to your skin. Dr. Steven Feldman, a dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis in the United States, said, “Because the skin barrier in the area of psoriasis is abnormal, moisture can be lost through the skin.”
What if you drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated? “There is no evidence to suggest that drinking more water improves psoriasis,” says Feltman. Because drinking water is a different form of hydration.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is good for your overall health, whether you have psoriasis or not. According to the American Association of Family Physicians, cells, tissues and organs need water to function properly. This is because water is an important factor in regulating body temperature and removing waste products from the body.
The US National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine announced that “Women need about 11.5 cups of water a day, and men need about 15.5 cups of water a day.” Recommended hydration includes water, other drinks, and water from food. People get about 20% of their daily water intake from food, not drinks. If your urine is colorless or pale yellow and you are rarely thirsty, it means you are adequately hydrated.
Could a vitamin D-fortified drink in a psoriasis treatment cream help? Does alcohol make psoriasis worse? Health and medical media ‘Everyday Health’ looked into this recently.
Can vitamin D fortified drinks help?
The National Psoriasis Foundation of the United States said, “There is no strong evidence to show that vitamin D-fortified drinks can help with psoriasis.”
The Mayo Clinic notes that “People with psoriasis often have lower-than-normal levels of vitamin D, which can be worsened by reduced daylight hours, especially in the fall and winter.” According to the National Institutes of Health, “Vitamin D is important for overall health for many reasons, including helping the body absorb calcium for building bones and maintaining immune function.”
If you want to increase your vitamin D intake through drinks, vitamin D fortified milk and orange juice are good sources. However, consult your doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement.
Is tea with antioxidants good for psoriasis?
“There is no evidence that the antioxidants found in black tea, green tea or herbal tea will improve the symptoms of psoriasis,” says Feltman. However, it should be remembered that people with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The antioxidants in tea can help protect the heart and brain by reducing inflammation throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system.
Do alcohol and sugary drinks make psoriasis worse?
“Drinking too much alcohol will have a direct adverse effect on psoriasis,” said Dr Feltman. Although there is not much research on how alcohol affects psoriasis, there is evidence that drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing psoriasis and may worsen inflammation in people who already have psoriasis. This appears to be due to the adverse effects of alcohol on the gut microbiome. Also, some people with psoriasis are sensitive to gluten, which is found in alcohol such as beer.
In addition, alcohol, high calorie drinks such as juice and sodas can cause weight gain. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “For people with psoriasis who are overweight or obese, eating a healthy, balanced diet that promotes weight loss can reduce attacks and cause less severe illness.” Scientists also noted that “eating too much sugar can worsen psoriasis by increasing chronic inflammation.”
“If you have psoriasis, you don’t need to drink more water than the average person,” says Dr Feltman. He recommends drinking enough water to maintain overall health while limiting sugary drinks and alcohol.
