The list of diseases that can occur from consuming a lot of ultra-processed foods (UPF) now includes autoimmune skin conditions such as psoriasis. This information is based on a research letter by French researchers published on the 27th (current time) in the Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology (JAMA Dermatology), as reported by the health and medical webzine 'Health Day'.

A research team led by Dr. Emily Svidian, a dermatologist at Henri-Mondor Hospital in France, announced, "This study found a correlation between the intake of ultra-processed foods and the activity level of psoriasis." The explanation is that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, which has been linked to various diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease, may also be associated with psoriasis.

 

The researchers examined health records of over 18,500 individuals registered in major French health databases. The data collected from late 2021 to mid-2022 analysis showed that a total of 1,825 people had psoriasis, and 802 of them were considered to have "active" psoriasis.

Among the survey questions about these individuals, there was a question regarding the daily intake (grams) of ultra-processed foods. The researchers pointed out that after adjusting for other psoriasis risk factors, active psoriasis patients were 36% more likely to fall into the top third of daily ultra-processed food intake compared to those who had never had psoriasis.

 

This study could not prove causality, only an association. However, the results remained after accounting for age, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI, an estimate of body fat based on height and weight), and other diseases. The researchers explained that this suggests the association between ultra-processed foods and psoriasis may go beyond the relationship between diet and obesity.

Most ultra-processed foods are made from substances extracted from natural foods, such as saturated fats, starch, and added sugars. Additionally, food additives like colorings, emulsifiers, flavorings, and preservatives are added to extend shelf life, make preparation more convenient, and stimulate the appetite. Examples include packaged baked goods, cereals with added sugar, instant foods like hamburgers and ramen that can be eaten immediately or just heated, delivery pizza, processed meats such as sausages and bacon, and various snacks.

 

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red patches covered with silvery-white scales that cause itching. It can appear all over the body from head to toe, primarily starting on the elbows and knees, then spreading to the hips, scalp, arms, legs, hands, and feet. In some patients, psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis, which is characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed to result from an abnormal immune system response.

 

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I've never heard of psoriatic arthritis before.

It doesn't seem easy to see psoriasis on the skin.

 

It's so cold, even warm water.

You also need to take good care of moisturizing.

Processed foods should be avoided as much as possible.