What diet should be consumed to help manage HS symptoms?
There's no single "perfect" diet for HS, but certain eating patterns may help reduce inflammation and flare-ups. The key is finding what works best for your body, since triggers can vary from person to person.
Here are some dietary approaches that have shown promise Show Full Answer
What diet should be consumed to help manage HS symptoms?
There's no single "perfect" diet for HS, but certain eating patterns may help reduce inflammation and flare-ups. The key is finding what works best for your body, since triggers can vary from person to person.
Here are some dietary approaches that have shown promise for people with HS:
- Mediterranean diet — focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, and extra-virgin olive oil while avoiding processed foods
- Plant-based diet — emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains
- Sugar-free diet — cutting back on added sugars and simple carbohydrates
- Dairy-free diet — eliminating milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream
- Elimination diet — temporarily removing common trigger foods, then reintroducing them one at a time to identify what affects your symptoms Common foods that may trigger or worsen HS symptoms include:
- Dairy products — milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream
- Sugar — soda, candy, sweetened cereals, desserts
- Brewer's yeast — beer, vinegar, bread made with yeast
- Nightshade vegetables — tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers
A myHSteam member shared, "I find a whole-food, plant-based way of eating very helpful. I eat veggies, fruit, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. I haven't had any significant flare-ups in years after eating this way."
Keeping a symptom journal when making dietary changes can help track what's working. Always check with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making major dietary changes, as they can help tailor an approach that's safe and right for you.
May 21
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