SkinFood: Your 4-Step Solution to Healthy, Happy Skin

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Ford AR, Siegel M, Bagel J, et al. Dietary Recommendations for Adults With Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis From the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(8):934–950

Skin Food is founded on observations from clinical practice plus evidence from research on skin health. It includes a basic explanation of the skin before moving on to discuss the role of different nutrients or diets in skin health – the main focus of the book. Three shorter sections on the mind-skin connection, topical support for our skin and treatment options beyond diet and lifestyle complete the four step solution referenced in the book title. Skin Food’ is the first book to bring evidence-based nutrition to the management of common skin conditions, separating fact from fiction. It is easy to read and has been reviewed by a team of dietitians for scientific accuracy. Therefore it is not only ideal for healthcare professionals, but also members of the general public who would like to gain a greater understanding of the impact of nutrition on skin health. The Skin Food range is microbiome-friendly, since it helps to restore the skin’s protective barrier, with organic rosemary, calendula and chamomile extracts.

On top of that, the dialogue was witty and realistic. Personally, its dialogue that tends to hold my attention because it lets me see the situation in the eyes of the characters through how they would respond to the presented conflict—a gangshi zombie apocalypse—in question. Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that can have an enormous impact on quality of life. Affected individuals develop red, itchy and painful plaques on their skin with overlying scales that can cause both discomfort and shame. Medical management of psoriasis includes topical treatments such as vitamin D and steroid-based creams and ointments, light therapy and immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate and ciclosporin. Over the last two decades, numerous biologic therapies have also been developed to treat psoriasis. Our Skin Food range intensively nourishes dry skin with the power of nature. Natural oils and extracts from certified organic plants protect and nourish dry skin, leaving your body and face naturally soothed. In relation to the gut:skin axis, Dr Maruthappu recognises that there are two key characteristics for a healthy gut microbiome: balance and diversity. She includes sections that explore the relationship between the gut microbiome and different skin conditions, with commentary on potential probiotic support and recommendations for dietary choices to support the gut microbiome. I enjoyed reading about the characters as well. They were diverse, cross-cultural, and well-presented in depth, which is surprising for such a short book, and their actions in the face of such chaos are more than believable.

Whilst it is aimed at the general public, it is also a useful overview about the role of nutrition in skin health for primary healthcare providers. There are sections on different skin conditions, from acne to aging, rosacea to eczema, and interventions that may be supportive for them. From a dietary perspective, the book advocates a healthy diet with plenty of fruits & veg, lean proteins, oils and healthy fats and wholegrains. This should be complemented with daily intakes of probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health along with selected spices. Finally, intakes of alcohol and refined sugar intake should be limited.Nutrition and dietetics guidance is a priority for patients with psoriasis however, such resources are at present limited. There is a lot of interest in how what we eat can impact skin health and appearance, but a great deal of misinformation is present online. In this MyNutriBookClub, we’ll read and review the book, ‘Skin Food: Your 4-step Solution to Healthy, Happy Skin’ authored by the UK’s only dual qualified Dermatologist and Nutritionist, Dr Thivi Maruthappu. The fast pace of the story. I enjoy it when an author gets right down to business and takes me on a roller coaster ride with their words, combining those same words with my own imagination. Type A does not disappoint in this respect. . Estruch R, Ros E, Salas-Salvad J, Covas MI, Corella D, Ar s F, G mez-Gracia E, Ruiz-Guti rrez V, Fiol M, Lapetra J, Lamuela-Raventos RM, Serra-Majem L, Pint X, Basora J, Mu oz MA, Sorl JV, Mart nez JA, Mart nez-Gonz lez MA. Retraction and Republication: Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. N Engl J Med 2013;368:1279-90. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jun 21;378(25):2441-2442

In recent years it has become apparent that the inflammation of psoriasis is not limited to the skin, but is also associated with the metabolic syndrome (including hypertension, non alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD], insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis). Epidemiological studies have strongly linked psoriasis to cardiovascular disease 3 and obesity is a shared characteristic of this cluster of risk factors. Longitudinal population-based studies attribute a causal role for obesity in the development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) linking it to increased disease severity and a 50% reduction in treatment response. 4,5 Furthermore, a meta-analysis has demonstrated that a reduction in body mass index (BMI) of at least 5% in people with obesity and psoriasis resulted in a significant improvement in psoriasis severity. 6 References and sources of further information/support are included to support further self-guided exploration of this fascinating subject. She is frequently invited as a Keynote speaker for health care professionals and organisations globally on the topic of nutrition and the skin, as well as conducting research at King’s College, London, where she is an Honorary Senior Lecturer. With over forty delicious, tried-and-tested SkinFood recipes designed to target a number of concerns - including acne, ageing well, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema - and in-depth, tailored advice, SkinFood aims to replicate a conversation you might have in a dermatologist's clinic to help you put your skin health at the top of the agenda. The Mediterranean diet is one of the most highly studied dietary patterns, and has consistently demonstrated utility in reducing the incidence of major cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals when compared with a low-fat diet. 8 The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterised by a high intake of olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables and cereals, a moderate intake of fish and poultry and a low intake of dairy, red meat, processed meats and refined sugars. 9 Observational studies have identified low levels of adherence to a Mediterranean diet in patients with severe psoriasis; olive oil and fish consumption are independently predictive for PASI (Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index) and C-reactive protein levels. 10,11 The authors of these studies attribute the Mediterranean diet’s ability to reduce chronic systemic inflammation to the anti-inflammatory properties of dietary fibres, antioxidants and polyphenols that are rich in this pattern of eating.

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Steiner had developed a philosophy in the early 20th century called Anthroposophy, which observes that there is a spiritual world accessible to humans. According to the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, the practice “is an integrative approach to treatment that extends and enhances health outcomes by looking outside of isolated symptoms toward a more holistic conception of health. This conception includes physical, psychological, and spiritual health, as well as the impact of a person's environment and social context.” There is a growing body of evidence to support the role of dietary interventions in the management of psoriasis.