Dietary Guidelines for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Recommended and Restricted Foods
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease that affects many individuals. To manage HS symptoms, an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial.
Foods to avoid generally include sugar and refined sugar, dairy products, fried foods, and gluten (in some cases). These tend to trigger or worsen inflammation and flare-ups in HS [2][4]. Highly processed foods and foods with lots of additives can also negatively impact gut flora, which may contribute to HS symptoms.
On the other hand, foods to embrace are anti-inflammatory and nutrient-rich, helping to reduce symptoms. Leafy greens and other vegetables, berries (rich in antioxidants), foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like flax seeds and chia seeds, and high-protein foods are all beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for reducing inflammation, can be found in oily fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, arctic char, or sardines, and aiming to consume these at least twice a week may be beneficial for managing HS [1][2][3].
Refined carbs, which include desserts, white bread, white rice, pasta, chips, crackers, and pretzels, can lead to increased insulin response and sebum production, potentially triggering acne and HS. Choosing fiber-rich foods, like fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and whole grains, can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may help manage HS symptoms.
The Mediterranean diet, focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, encourages diverse gut bacteria and may improve HS symptoms. Yogurt, due to its high probiotic content, can reduce inflammation in people with HS.
In some cases, gluten, brewer's yeast, and alcohol are recommended for trial removal in an elimination diet for HS. A study suggests that brewer's yeast may cause HS flare-ups, especially for those sensitive to gluten. Smoking tobacco is associated with an increased risk of HS flare-ups.
Vitamin D supplements may be beneficial for people with HS, as many people with the condition are deficient in vitamin D, and the severity of symptoms may correlate with the degree of deficiency.
An elimination diet, where certain foods are temporarily removed, may help manage HS symptoms. By identifying and avoiding inflammatory triggers, individuals with HS can potentially reduce their symptoms and improve their overall health.
In summary, an effective anti-inflammatory diet for HS focuses on eliminating inflammatory triggers like sugar, dairy, fried foods, and gluten (in some cases), while embracing greens, berries, omega-3 sources, and high-protein foods to reduce inflammation and support skin health.
- News on the management of Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet can be helpful for symptom control.
- Leafy greens, vegetables, and berries, rich in antioxidants, are foods to embrace in an anti-inflammatory diet for HS.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like salmon, trout, and sardines, can help reduce inflammation in individuals with HS.
- Refined carbs, such as desserts and white bread, can trigger acne and HS symptoms due to increased insulin response and sebum production.
- Fiber-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and whole grains, can help stabilize blood sugar levels, aiding in HS symptom management.
- The Mediterranean diet can improve HS symptoms due to its focus on whole, minimally processed foods and encouragement of diverse gut bacteria.
- Yogurt, with its high probiotic content, can reduce inflammation in people with HS.
- In elimination diets for HS, gluten, brewer's yeast, alcohol, and smoking tobacco may be temporarily removed to assess their impact on symptoms.
- A study suggests that brewer's yeast may cause HS flare-ups, especially for those sensitive to gluten.
- Vitamin D supplements may be beneficial for people with HS due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among HS patients and the correlation between the severity of symptoms and deficiency level.
- An elimination diet can help manage HS symptoms by identifying and avoiding inflammatory triggers, potentially reducing symptoms and improving overall health.
- The health and wellness industry is abuzz with discussions on therapies and treatments for HS, along with their effectiveness in symptom management.
- Fitness and exercise are crucial components of a holistic approach to family health, including managing chronic diseases like HS.
- The correlation between HS and autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, skin conditions like psoriasis, and medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease is an area of ongoing research in medical and scientific communities.
