Ultra-transformed foods, present in more than half of our plates, could trigger a skin disease. A study reveals a surprising link …
Imagine you open a pack of chips or a soda can. These foods, so practical and tasty, are an integral part of our daily life. But a recent scientific study upset our certainties: these ultra-transformed foodswhich represent more than half of the calories consumed in many countries, could have an unsuspected impact on our health, in particular by increasing the risk of psoriasisa chronic skin disease. This observation, at the crossroads of nutrition and dermatology, invites us to rethink our food choices to preserve our well-being.
An unexpected link between food and psoriasis
Psoriasis, a skin condition affecting approximately 2 to 3 % of the world’s population, manifests itself in red plates, scaly and often painful. Far from being a simple aesthetic problem, this chronic disease is associated with serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders or psychological impacts such as anxiety. If conventional treatments, such as phototherapy or medication, help manage symptoms, a new track emerges: food, and more precisely ultra-transformed foods, could play a key role in the appearance or worsening of this pathology.
What is an ultra-transformed food?
THE ultra-transformed foods (or upf, for ultra-processed foods) are industrial products that have undergone multiple transformations. They often contain added sugars, saturated fats, artificial additives and preservatives. Think of wrapped snacks, soft drinks, prepared dishes or industrial breads. These products, designed to be practical and have a long shelf life, dominate the shelves of supermarkets and the plates of many homes.
Current examples of ultra-transformed food:
- Sugary drinks (sodas, industrial juice)
- Salted snacks (chips, crackers)
- Frozen or canned meals
- Industrial breads and pastries
- Sweet cereals for breakfast
These foods, although attractive, are not content to seduce our taste buds. They could, according to the researchers, trigger mechanisms in our body promoting theChronic inflammationa key factor in the development of diseases such as psoriasis.
A revealing study on psoriasis
To explore this link, a team of scientists analyzed the data from a large research base bringing together more than 120,000 participants. These volunteers, followed over several years, responded to detailed questionnaires on their eating habits, their lifestyle and their state of health. Researchers focused on the consumption of ultra-transformed foods and the possible appearance of psoriasis. The results, recently published, are edifying.
“Ultra-transformed foods, due to their composition, could exacerbate systemic inflammation, a key engine of psoriasis. »»
A researcher involved in the study
Participants were divided into groups according to their UPF consumption. Researchers have also taken into account factors such as age, sex,body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, alcohol consumption and level of physical activity. Even by adjusting these variables, a clear trend has appeared: the higher the consumption of ultra-transformed foods, the more the risk of developing psoriasis increased.
Inflammation and BMI: designated culprits
One of the mechanisms highlighted by the study is theChronic inflammation. Ultra-transformed foods, rich in refined sugars and transformed fats, stimulate cytokines production, pro-inflammatory molecules. These cytokines can worsen inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis. Furthermore, theIMC Play a significant role: people with a higher body mass index, often linked to high UPF consumption, presented an increased risk.
| Postman | Impact on the risk of psoriasis |
|---|---|
| Inflammation | Contributes to 10-15 % |
| High BMI | Contributes to 27 % |
Surprisingly, factors such as sex, age or level of physical activity have not changed this link. This means that the risk associated with the UPF potentially concerns everyone, regardless of these variables.
The role of genetics
The study also explored the influence of genetic predisposition. Participants with high genetic risk of psoriasis and consuming large amounts of ultra-transformed foods were 2.7 times more likely to develop the disease in relation to those with low genetic risk and moderate UPF consumption. This result highlights the complex interaction between genetics and environment, where food acts as a potential trigger.
However, genetics is not inevitable. Researchers have shown that even modest food adjustments can mitigate this risk, even in genetically predisposed people.
-Simple solutions to reduce risks
The good news? Reducing its consumption of ultra-transformed food can have a significant impact. The study simulated the effect of replacing part of the UPF with less processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables or full cereals. The results are encouraging:
- Replace 5 % of UPFs reduces the risk of psoriasis by 14 %.
- Replace 10 % of UPF leads to a decrease in 17 %.
- Replace 20 % of UPFs decreases the risk of 18 %.
These figures show that it is not necessary to radically transform its diet to observe profits. Gradual changes, such as swapping a sweet drink against water or an industrial snack against a handful of nuts, can make a difference.
How to limit ultra-transformed foods?
Adopting a healthier diet does not mean giving up the pleasure of eating. Here are some practical tips for reducing upf in your daily life:
Tips for a less transformed diet:
- Favor water, herbal teas or freshly pressed juices with sugary drinks.
- Opt for whole grains (brown rice, wholemeal bread) rather than refined products.
- Choose natural snacks like fruit, nuts or plain yogurt.
- Incorporate more vegetables and fresh fruit into your meals.
- Prepare your meals at home as much as possible to control the ingredients.
These gestures, simple to integrate, not only reduce the risk of psoriasis, but also to improve overall health, in particular by reducing inflammation and maintaining a balanced weight.
The limits of the study and perspectives
Like any research, this study has certain limits. For example, some cases of psoriasis have been self-declared, which can introduce biases. In addition, participants, mainly aged 40 to 69, do not necessarily reflect the diversity of the world’s population. Finally, food data, based on questionnaires, may not fully capture the variations in long -term diets.
“This study is observational: it shows an association, but not a direct causality. Additional research is necessary. »»
A nutrition expert
Despite these reservations, the results pave the way for new investigations. They underline the importance of considering food as a prevention lever, in addition to conventional medical approaches.
Towards a holistic health approach
Psoriasis, although a complex disease, is not limited to drug treatments. This study recalls that our food choices, often dictated by convenience, have deep repercussions on our health. By reducing ultra-transformed foods, we can not only reduce the risk of psoriasis, but also improve our general well-being.
For people with psoriasis or those with family history, these discoveries offer a glimmer of hope. Combining a healthy diet with dermatological treatments and a balanced lifestyle can be a winning strategy. Consulting a dermatologist or a dietitian can help personalize these changes for optimal results.
And you, ready to take the first step?
Replace an ultra-transformed food with a healthy alternative today and observe the benefits on your health!
In conclusion, this study highlights a fascinating link between our diet and an often overlooked skin disease. She reminds us that health begins on our plates. So, the next time you enter a packet of chips, why not consider a handful of nuts instead? Your skin, and your whole body could thank you.
