More than 60 million people around the world suffer from psoriasis, a long-lasting skin condition that causes red, itchy, and flaky patches on the skin.
These patches are not only uncomfortable but can also affect a person’s quality of life. Psoriasis is caused by a problem in the immune system that makes the body create new skin cells too quickly.
These extra skin cells pile up on the surface and form the red, scaly areas typical of the condition.
Now, a new study brings hope to those with psoriasis. It shows that eating a Mediterranean diet can reduce symptoms and make life better for patients. The Mediterranean diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, and some poultry. It is known for being healthy and full of nutrients that help fight inflammation in the body.
In the study, 38 adults with mild to moderate psoriasis took part in a 16-week trial. Half of them followed the Mediterranean diet closely with help from a dietitian. The other half followed general advice to eat a low-fat diet but did not receive extra support. The results were surprising and exciting.
Almost half (47.4%) of the people who followed the Mediterranean diet saw their symptoms improve by at least 75%. In contrast, no one in the other group showed such improvement.
What makes this study special is that the improvements were not linked to weight loss. In the past, scientists thought that losing weight was the main reason people saw their psoriasis get better. But this study suggests another explanation.
The Mediterranean diet helps by reducing inflammation and improving how the body handles sugar and fat, which are both linked to psoriasis.
This was the first time a randomized clinical trial directly tested how the Mediterranean diet affects psoriasis. Earlier studies only observed people’s habits and found that those who didn’t follow the Mediterranean diet closely had worse psoriasis.
But they couldn’t prove that the diet itself caused the changes. The new MEDIPSO trial, done in Madrid, Spain, between 2024 and 2025, fills that gap.
Participants in the diet group followed a plan that was rich in vitamins like A, C, and E, and plant-based compounds called polyphenols. These nutrients help reduce stress and calm the immune system, which can help control psoriasis flare-ups. Those who followed the diet also said they slept better, felt less anxious, and had an overall better quality of life.
The study clearly shows that food can play a powerful role in managing psoriasis. It doesn’t replace medical treatment but can work alongside it. The Mediterranean diet is not a strict or difficult plan—it’s a tasty and healthy way of eating that could offer real benefits to people with psoriasis and possibly other inflammatory diseases too.
This research gives people with psoriasis a new tool to feel better and take more control over their health. The findings were published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.
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