United States: A recent cross-sectional study proposes that the consumption of UPFs may be related to an increased prevalence of active psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease. The study, conducted at Henri-Mondor Hospital in Créteil, France under the supervision of Dr. Emilie Sbidian, tries to establish a relationship between UPF intake and severity of the symptoms of psoriasis, as reported by HealthDay.
Definition of These foods?
UPFs therefore refers to foods produced from processed parts of natural commodities for instance, fatty substances, carbohydrate and sugars incorporated with colours, emulsifiers and stabilizers. Examples include breakfast cereals high in sugar, ready-to-eat meals, snack foods in a boxed and deli meats.
Broader Health Concerns of UPFs
Beyond psoriasis, UPFs have been associated with numerous health issues, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Study Details and Findings
The study analyzed data from over 18,500 participants in a French health database, collected between September 2021 and May 2022. Among them:
1,825 participants had psoriasis, with 802 cases classified as active.
Participants consuming high amounts of UPFs had a 36% higher likelihood of active psoriasis compared to those without the condition.
Even after accounting for age, alcohol use, BMI, and other diseases, the correlation between UPFs and active psoriasis remained strong.
No Causal Link Yet
However, the research did not establish that one leads to the other though the two are related. As far as researchers are concerned, access to UPFs might partially affect pregnancy weight gain and inflammation since most receivers gain weight and become obese, as reported by HealthDay.
Takeaway for Skin and Diet
This research underscores the potential impact of diet on autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. Cutting down on UPFs and maintaining a balanced diet may benefit not only overall health but also skin condition.