Is there a connection between omega-3 fatty acids and psoriasis?
The relationship between psoriasis and the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil is one which is quite well documented scientifically. Psoriasis is one of the inflammatory diseases and increasing the amount of the omega-3 in the diet is known to aid in bringing about a more anti-inflammatory state. The first trials in this area were carried out in the early 1980s and they showed that taking 10g of fish oil daily for 3 months brought about a lessening of psoriatic symptoms such as itching, flakiness and redness of skin, as well as a reduction in the amount of the body affected. Since then, several other trials have been carried out – all showing much the same thing. The disease is not cured by the omega-3 fatty acids, but it does become much easier to live with, and can be more readily controlled. Another aspect of the situation is that omega-3 fatty acids can help to counteract some of the adverse effects of conventional psoriasis drugs.
