From the Research
Dietary modifications, such as an anti-inflammatory diet that reduces dairy, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods, may help manage symptoms in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
Key Recommendations
- An anti-inflammatory diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is often recommended for patients with HS 1.
- Weight loss through healthy eating may benefit overweight patients with HS, as obesity is a known trigger for inflammation and can worsen symptoms.
- Some patients report improvement when avoiding specific trigger foods, particularly dairy products, brewer's yeast, and foods with high glycemic index.
- A Mediterranean diet pattern rich in olive oil, fish, nuts, and plant foods may be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Maintaining adequate hydration and consuming foods rich in zinc (like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds) and vitamin D may support immune function.
Foods to Avoid
- Sweets (67.9%)
- Breads and pasta (51.1%)
- Dairy (50.6%)
- High-fat foods (44.2%)
Foods to Emphasize
- Vegetables (78.7%)
- Fruits (56.2%)
- Chicken (51.7%)
- Fish (42.7%) These dietary approaches work by potentially reducing systemic inflammation, regulating hormones, and supporting immune function, which may help control the underlying inflammatory processes in HS. Patients should consider keeping a food diary to identify personal trigger foods and work with healthcare providers to develop an individualized nutrition plan 1.