Does consuming ghee reduce symptoms of psoriasis?

Ghee Consumption and Psoriasis: Evidence Assessment

There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of ghee for reducing psoriasis symptoms. Current guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology and National Psoriasis Foundation (AAD-NPF) do not recommend ghee as a treatment for psoriasis 1.

Evidence-Based Alternative Medicine Options for Psoriasis

Dietary Interventions with Evidence:

• Fish oil/omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may augment the effects of other psoriasis therapies (topical, systemic, phototherapy) but is not effective as monotherapy 1
• Oral curcumin supplementation may benefit patients with psoriasis of varying severity as adjunctive therapy 1
• Gluten-free diet is only recommended for psoriasis patients diagnosed with celiac disease 1
• Hypocaloric diets in obese patients with psoriasis may lead to 75% or greater improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores 2

Non-Dietary Interventions with Evidence:

• Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation can have a positive impact on psoriasis severity in some patients 1
• Hypnosis can be considered as a therapeutic adjunct for highly hypnotizable patients with mild to moderate psoriasis 1
• Regular physical activity combined with dietary interventions may improve psoriasis severity in obese patients 2, 3

Important Considerations and Cautions

Dietary Supplements:

• Fish oil supplements may contain contaminants like mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); patients should select supplements free of these toxins 1
• Oral vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for psoriasis treatment at dosages that avoid hypercalcemia and calciuria 1
• Oral zinc supplementation does not improve PASI scores 1

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Patients with psoriasis should limit alcohol intake, as it increases risk for severe disease and is associated with other psoriasis comorbidities 1
• Smoking cessation is recommended as smoking increases risk for severe psoriasis and cardiovascular comorbidities 1
• Combined dietary intervention and exercise programs probably improve psoriasis severity and reduce BMI in obese patients 2

Treatment Algorithm for Dietary/Lifestyle Approaches to Psoriasis

1. First-line approaches:

   • For obese patients: Implement hypocaloric diet and regular exercise program 2, 3
   • For all patients: Consider Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids 4, 5

2. Adjunctive therapies to consider:

   • Fish oil/omega-3 supplementation (with caution regarding contaminants) 1
   • Curcumin supplementation 1
   • Stress reduction techniques (meditation, mindfulness) 1

3. For specific subgroups:

   • Test for celiac disease in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis; implement gluten-free diet only if positive 1
   • Consider referral to addiction specialists for patients with alcohol dependency 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Relying solely on dietary or lifestyle interventions without conventional medical therapy 4
• Using unproven dietary supplements like ghee that lack scientific evidence 1
• Implementing restrictive diets without nutritional guidance, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies 1
• Failing to address comorbid conditions that may worsen psoriasis, such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption 1, 2

While various dietary and lifestyle interventions show promise as adjunctive therapies for psoriasis, there is no evidence supporting the use of ghee specifically for reducing psoriasis symptoms. Patients should be encouraged to discuss all complementary approaches with their healthcare providers to ensure they are receiving evidence-based care.