Can Intermittent Fasting Help Improve Your Skin?
The European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) has published new research that shows modified intermittent fasting (MIF) of 5:2, eating normally for 5 days and restricting calorie intake for 2 non-consecutive days, may improve the skin of psoriasis patients.
“We had observed positive results in mice with gut inflammation and psoriasis, with inflammation in the gut driving cutaneous symptoms,” said Lynda Grine, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher and part of department of dermatology at Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. “Through scientific curiosity and my own experience with fasting as a Muslim, I wanted to find out whether dietary intervention would have the same effects on human patients with psoriasis.”
The study’s objective was to provide evidence on whether there is a link between gut health and psoriatic lesions, as well as learn of any benefits of MIF in psoriasis management. A total of 24 patients were enrolled, with 1 cohort of 12 instructed to modify their diet with MIF and the other cohort to continue their regular diet. The fasting group ate 500 kcal twice per week on 2 non-consecutive days, but on all other days were free to eat like usual. After the trial started, 2 patients were excluded, 1 for antibiotic use and the other for loss of follow up.
Excerpted from the Dermatology Times
