The DASH diet for people living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

There are a lot of different diets out there and when you have Hidradenitis Suppurativa, diet can be an important aspect of how you control your symptoms. While the changes that have results vary from one to another, and how much impact it has also varied, it is true that for many people with HS, along with lifestyle changes and wound treatment, what you eat can make life a little easier.

But with so many options out there, what should you try? The point really is that different people have success with different diets, though there are a few common foods more have to avoid, dairy, brewer's yeast, sugar and nightshades. So what is the DASH diet and can it help?

A closer look at the DASH diet

DASH is focused on reducing the salt a person consumes and is good for lowering blood pressure. This means eating more foods high in magnesium, potassium and calcium for example. This is good for people looking for a Hidradenitis Suppurativa diet who can also have problems with blood pressure and heart disease. It also helps with things like diabetes, cancer, strokes and preventing osteoporosis.

The strategies of DASH break down to;

1. Making gradual changes so you are able to adapt. If you only eat one portion of vegetables and fruits a day, add in another one at lunch and dinner. Get used to that and then add in one at breakfast time and continue to add gradually as you are ready. You can also move to whole grain foods in a gradual process. Move from white bread to whole grain. When you are used to it, move from white pasta to whole wheat. People with HS benefit from moving to these foods as it can help with weight loss and that is good for managing symptoms.
2. Accept slip-ups happen, so forgive yourself and reward yourself for successes. Your rewards should not be food related, go to the movies, get a new book, buy some flowers, go out with a friend. It is hard not to beat yourself up when you slip up but this is meant to be long term so to stick with your hidradenitis suppurativa diet be kind to yourself.
3. Find support. It is easier to do this with people supporting you, it might be a doctor, a dietitian or even an HS support group.
4. Lowering blood pressure and losing weight and a healthy lifestyle means having some regular exercise.

Cutting back on sodium

Foods you eat on a DASH hidradenitis suppurativa diet are already low in sodium but there are other ways to reduce your intake. Avoid adding salt to your food as you cook or to your plate. There are sodium-free options you can try out as alternatives. Read labels as you buy food and choose low sodium options and when you use canned food rinse it. A lot of foods you might think are healthy are high in sodium, sliced deli turkey, ready to eat cereals, canned soups and vegetables. Things might taste bland at first, but your taste buds will adjust.