Hidradenitis Suppurativa Diet

It’s important to note that inflammation is not necessarily a bad word, inflammation is the body’s natural response to protect itself when tissue has been damaged or when a harmful substance is perceived by the body. Chemicals are released from white blood cells which increase the blood flow to the area of injury or infection causing redness, warmth, swelling and triggering pain, the increased blood flow promotes the natural healing process of the body. The problem arises when the body continues to send signals that there is still a threat and healthy cells become damaged. Certain foods are known to trigger an inflammatory response in the body.

The anti-inflammatory diet has a heavy focus on eliminating these foods which are known to cause this response such as sugar, trans fats, refined carbs, and processed meats. It is quite strict on these exclusions because of the adverse effect of these foods in people with HS or other issues affected by high levels of inflammation.

It includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole-grains, nuts and seeds.

By adding foods rich in anti-oxidants to your diet you can help reduce free radicals in the body which cause oxidative stress. Also helping to slow down the aging process and reducing inflammation. Phytochemicals found in tea, honey wine, fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil and cocoa help to scavenge and eliminate free-radicals in the body.

Vitamin K found in green leafy veg such as kale, spinach and broccoli has a positive effect on reducing inflammation. And omega 3 which you can find in oily fish, taken regularly over time has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing inflammation.

There can be many triggers which are hard to prevent such as pollution, sickness or injury, but you can have control over what you eat.

With a condition such as HS, changing your eating habits and making this your hidradenitis suppurativa diet, may reduce inflammation in your body.

Like any life style change it won’t be an instant magic cure but consistency with an anti-inflammatory diet for hidradenitis suppuratvia can help reduce the number of flare ups and may reduce the level of pain.

Foods to Include

Ginger
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cinnamon
Olive oil
Spinach
Oily fish eg. Salmon, mackeral, anchovies
Turmeric
Avocado’s
Chia seeds, flax seeds
Green tea
Ashwaganda: Chinese herb reduces cortisol levels and lessens chronic inflammation

Foods to Avoid

High fructose corn syrup (found in fizzy drinks and processed confectionary)
Sugar
Trans Fats e.g margarine
Refined carbohydrates e.g sweets, pastries, pasta, cakes
Vegetable and seed oil
Alcohol
Processed meats
Omega 6 fatty acids

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3920909/ 2014 Jan 23 ZawnVillinesedicalnewstoday.com/articles/318652 July 29, 2017 https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation#1 https://www.webmd.com/diet/anti-inflammatory-diet-road-to-good-health#1 Omega 3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24505395 2014 Feb Anthocyanins https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1082894/