As a dermatologist who has worked in psoriasis clinical care and research for more than a decade, I am asked almost every day the same question: “Doctor, can I not eat seafood, beef and mutton, or spicy food? Are there any foods that can ‘detoxify’ and cure psoriasis?” Facing these anxious yet hopeful looks, I understand clearly that dispelling dietary misconceptions and providing scientific guidance are indispensable parts of disease management.

First, we must dispel a fundamental misunderstanding: psoriasis is not “accumulation of toxins in the body,” but a chronic inflammatory skin disease driven jointly by genetic susceptibility, abnormal activation of the immune system, and environmental factors. Therefore, there is no such thing as a “detox diet” or a definitive list of “trigger foods.” The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) both explicitly state that there is currently no high-quality evidence to support that specific foods can “cure” psoriasis, but a reasonable dietary pattern can indeed play a positive role in controlling inflammation and reducing relapse.

So, how should one eat? A large body of epidemiological and clinical research supports the Mediterranean dietary pattern as the most favorable for patients with psoriasis. This diet emphasizes:

Increased intake of fresh vegetables rich in antioxidants (such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes) and fruits (blueberries, oranges);

Choosing whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa) instead of refined carbohydrates;

High-quality fat sources centered on olive oil, nuts, and avocado;

Prioritize protein from legumes and fish (especially Omega-3–rich salmon, mackerel, sardines), and limit red meat and processed meats;

Strictly abstain from alcohol — this is a clear trigger and aggravating factor; it not only activates inflammatory pathways but also reduces the efficacy of drugs such as methotrexate and increases the risk of hepatotoxicity.

Among these, the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) are particularly notable. They can inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduce the release of key proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-17, thereby “cooling down” the immune response at its source. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that daily supplementation with 3 g of Omega-3 resulted in an average 30% reduction in PASI score after 12 weeks.

In addition, obesity is highly comorbid with psoriasis. Adipose tissue (especially visceral fat) secretes proinflammatory factors such as leptin, resistin, and IL-6, creating a vicious “inflammation–obesity” cycle. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is more important than indiscriminate dieting. If BMI ≥ 25, a personalized weight-loss plan should be developed under the guidance of a nutritionist, with a target weight loss of 5%–10%, which can significantly improve lesions.

Special reminder: Some patients have coexisting celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and may try a gluten-free diet to observe the response, but blind implementation for everyone is not recommended. Do not believe pseudoscientific claims such as “alkaline diets cure all” or “fasting detoxes” — extreme dieting can lead to malnutrition and actually weaken immune regulatory capacity.

Final emphasis: Diet is an adjunct measure and cannot replace standard treatment. Treat diet as part of a long-term healthy lifestyle, not as a short-term “therapy.” Keep a “diet-skin lesion” diary to identify personal triggers; that is the scientific approach. Remember, you are not “avoiding foods,” you are “nourishing” your immune system.