Can Paleo & Sattvik diet help to control Psoriasis?

Certain researches link the success in the control of psoriasis with Paleo diet. Paleo diet is also called a caveman diet or stone age diet. It constitutes mainly meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, and excluding dairy or grain products and processed food. But, the Paleo diet for psoriasis has a difference. Along with other dairy products, processed foods and grains you need to reduce/avoid the following as well.

• Eggs

• Nuts and seeds

• Nightshades like tomatoes, eggplants, pepper, etc.

• Caffeine & Alcohol

Along with diet, you need to follow healthy lifestyle habits as well. Skin diseases are highly exacerbated if you are under stress. Reduce stress by indulging yourself in pleasant activities, meditation, yoga, etc. Sleep at regular hours and for a minimum of 6 hours. Avoid day sleep.

Sattvik Diet & Psoriasis

Like Gluten-free diet & Paleo diet, Sattvik diet is popular in the Ayurveda community. It is a regimen that gives emphasis to seasonal foods, fruits, dairy products, nuts, seeds, oils, ripe vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and non-meat-based proteins. In psoriasis and other skin conditions, it is better to avoid dairy products and nuts. But it’s always helpful to include seasonal fruits, legumes and other non-meat-based proteins. Food, according to Ayurveda is one among the three pillars of life.

When food is sattvic, along with a healthy body the mind will also become clear and compassionate thereby reducing stress. One of the sattvic foods is Khichdi.

Here is a recipe to a simple nourishing Khichdi.

Ingredients –

1 Cup Mung Dal

½ Cup basmati rice

6 Cups of Water

16 oz Spinach (or so)

1 Cup chopped carrots

2 Tbs grated ginger

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp pink Himalayan salt

1 tsp mustard seeds

Pinch of Hing (Asafetida)

Chopped Cilantro

Shredded Coconut

1 to 2 TBLS Ghee or Coconut Oil

If you have noticed the ingredients, all these are easily available plant-based protein-based ingredients which improves digestion and metabolism.

Method of preparation –

Soak Mung beans and rice together for at least 1 hour. In a medium saucepan, add 1 tbsp. of ghee and splutter Mustard seed. Add carrots, spinach, grated ginger and sauté well. Add the soaked rice and mung beans and mix well. Now add 6 cups of water. When the water comes to a boil add the spice powders and mix well. Reduce the flame to simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Khichdi is ready when rice and dal are tender, and the vegetables are well cooked. Garnish with chopped cilantro and coconut. Serve warm.