What foods to eat to help with HS?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some studies suggest that specific dietary modifications can lead to a reduction in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) flare-ups for certain individuals. Knowing what foods to eat to help with HS can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being, complementing your medical treatment plan.

Quick Summary

This guide covers dietary strategies for managing hidradenitis suppurativa, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, beneficial diets like the Mediterranean diet, and key supplements. It also outlines common food triggers to avoid, such as dairy and processed sugars, which can help reduce inflammation and minimize flare-ups.

Key Points

• Embrace anti-inflammatory diets: Focusing on diets like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, can help reduce systemic inflammation. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

• Avoid common triggers: Many with HS find relief by avoiding dairy, processed sugars, refined carbohydrates, and brewer's yeast. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

• Try an elimination diet: Work with a professional to identify specific food sensitivities that trigger flare-ups. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

• Increase fiber intake: Incorporating foods like lentils, beans, and whole grains can stabilize blood sugar and support gut health. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

• Consider key supplements: Addressing deficiencies in nutrients like zinc and vitamin D may improve outcomes, though professional guidance is essential. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

• Keep a food diary: Tracking food intake and symptoms helps personalize your diet plan. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

• Maintain a healthy weight: Weight loss can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, especially for those who are overweight or obese. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

The Link Between Diet and HS

While diet isn't a cure for hidradenitis suppurativa, it is one of the controllable factors that can influence the severity and frequency of flare-ups. The core principle behind many HS dietary recommendations is to reduce inflammation, which is central to the disease's pathogenesis. Highly processed foods, high sugar intake, and certain inflammatory fats can exacerbate the body's inflammatory response, while a diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and omega-3s can have the opposite effect.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods for HS

Focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage HS. Key components include colorful fruits and vegetables, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}.

Diets That May Help Manage HS

Several dietary approaches show promise for managing HS by reducing inflammation and eliminating triggers.

The Mediterranean Diet

This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, with moderate fish/poultry and limited red meat/processed foods.

Plant-Based Diets

Focusing on plant foods increases antioxidant intake and can improve gut health, which is connected to inflammation. A balanced plant-based diet can also help with weight management and blood sugar control, beneficial for HS.

Elimination Diets

Supervised elimination diets help identify personal triggers like dairy, brewer's yeast, nightshades, and high glycemic index foods. By removing and reintroducing foods, individuals can determine what exacerbates their symptoms.

The Role of Supplements

Nutritional deficiencies in zinc and vitamin D are common in HS patients.

• Zinc: Supplementation may reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, often taken with copper.
• Vitamin D: Many HS patients are deficient; supplementation has been shown to decrease inflammation and lesion severity. Consult a doctor for appropriate dosage.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit HS.

HS Food Trigger Comparison Table

Food Category	Potential Trigger Connection	Notes & Alternatives
Dairy	Casein, whey, and hormones may increase inflammation and block hair follicles.	Substitute with plant-based milks (almond, coconut) and dairy-free cheeses.
High Glycemic Index Foods	Cause rapid blood sugar spikes, potentially increasing insulin and androgen activity, which promotes inflammation.	Opt for whole grains (quinoa, brown rice) and vegetables instead of refined carbs.
Brewer's Yeast	May trigger an immune response in some individuals, potentially worsening HS symptoms.	Found in some beers, breads, and condiments. Elimination may lead to symptom improvement.
Nightshade Vegetables	Compounds like solanine may act as an inflammatory trigger for some individuals with HS.	Examples include tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers. Experiment with elimination to check for sensitivity.
Processed & Sugary Foods	Contribute to systemic inflammation and weight gain, which can exacerbate HS.	Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Cut back on sugary drinks and processed snacks.

Conclusion

Dietary adjustments can be a crucial part of managing hidradenitis suppurativa, although no single diet works for everyone. Focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, such as those in a Mediterranean or plant-forward diet, is a good starting point. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers like dairy and high-glycemic foods through a controlled approach can also provide relief. It is important to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian before making significant changes to ensure nutritional needs are met. Combining diet with medical therapies can help reduce inflammation and improve quality of life. Keeping a food diary can help personalize your approach by tracking your body's responses to different foods.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of diet for HS?

There is no single best diet, but anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean diet, focusing on whole foods and limiting processed items, are often recommended. {Link: HidraWear hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-diet/}

Which foods commonly trigger HS flare-ups?

Common triggers include dairy, high-sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, and brewer's yeast, among others that vary by individual.

Can avoiding dairy help with HS symptoms?

Yes, some patients find relief by eliminating dairy due to proteins and hormones that may increase inflammation and block hair follicles.

What is the role of supplements like zinc and vitamin D?

Deficiencies in zinc and vitamin D are common; supplementation might reduce inflammation and lesion severity, but consult a doctor first.

Are there any specific foods that are anti-inflammatory for HS?

Anti-inflammatory foods include colorful fruits, vegetables, omega-3 rich foods like salmon, and healthy fats from sources like olive oil.

How can I identify my personal food triggers for HS?

Using a food diary and conducting a medically supervised elimination diet are effective ways to identify individual triggers.

What is the connection between HS and gut health?

Less diverse gut microorganisms are observed in HS patients; diets like plant-based ones can support healthier gut flora, potentially reducing inflammation.