Ep.276 "The Metabolic Collision and How You Can Take Control with Psoriatic Disease"

Description:

“What is metabolic disease and why do I have it on top of psoriatic disease?” Hear dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and registered dietitian Danielle Cahalan explore this collision of diseases and how you can take control to help reduce the impact of inflammation.         

 Join host Corinne Rutkowski as she discusses why metabolic disease occurs with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and what can be done to improve overall health with dermatologist and Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board, Dr. Ronald Prussick from Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Frederick, MD, and Danielle Cahalan, a registered dietitian and coach with All Access Dietitians. Listen as they also discuss the four pillars of health, the latest evidence around use of the Mediterranean Diet with psoriatic disease, key nutrients that impact overall health from omega 3’s, polyphenols, and fiber, to making small sustainable changes.

 This episode offers information to help explain the connection between metabolic and psoriatic disease and what can be done to decrease health risks associated with both diseases through sustainable changes.

Timestamps:

(0:00)  Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and registered dietitiand and coach                  Danielle Cahalan.                                                                                             

(1:27)  Definition of metabolic disease and why the risk is higher among those with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

(3:11)  How this bi-directional relationship impacts the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(6:54)  The four pillars of health that can be used to reduce the risk of metabolic disease.  

(11:17) Does an anti-inflammatory diet exist?

(13:46) What is the Mediterranean diet and the foods that are typically included.

(16:32) The impact of the Mediterranean diet on systemic inflammation, metabolic health, and severity of psoriatic disease.

(21:03) The three types of healthy fats – what they are, how they work, and where to find them.

(24:50) The high polyphenol Mediterranean diet from what that means to choosing nutrient dense, colorful foods.

(28:04) The koebnerization of the gut microbiome and the impact of the Mediterranean diet and high fiber.

(30:59) The DASH diet in combination with the Mediterranean diet lowers oxidative stress and inflammation.

(33:14) Sustainability of the Mediterranean diet and flexing behavioral health changes long term. 

(37:43) Start with small habit changes and then build from there to have an impact on your metabolic health. 

Key Takeaways:

·       Research shows a bi-directional relationship between psoriasis and excess body weight leading to increasing severity of disease, decrease in treatment effectiveness, and the development of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions which together raise the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

·       What you choose to eat can make an impact in managing inflammatory markers, metabolic health to increase insulin sensitivity, decrease high blood pressure, improve lipids and the gut microbiome, as well as support neuro protection and decrease cognitive decline.

·       Create small sustainable habits that make positive changes to your immune system and gradually work towards building a foundation that benefits your overall health.

Guest Bios:

Renowned dermatologist Ronald Prussick, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Fredrick, Maryland where he specializes in the treatment of psoriasis along with other diseases of the skin, hair, and nails with the latest technology and products. Dr. Prussick is also a Clinical Associate Professor in Dermatology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. Dr. Prussick has a research interest in the impact of diet on psoriatic disease and metabolic health. He first became interested after being involved in Dr. Joel Gelfand and Dr. Nehal Mehta’s work in vascular inflammation trials using FDG-PET?CT scans to view systemic and cardiovascular inflammation associated with psoriatic disease. Dr. Prussick also participated in the development of the 2018 Dietary Recommendations for Adults with Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis from the Medical Board of the NPF, which offered a review of studies addressing the impact of dietary interventions in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Prussick is Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board which provides clinical direction, treatment guidance, and provides education oversight to the organization and its Executive leaders.

Danielle Cahalan, MS, RDN is a licensed and registered dietitian and coach with All Access Dietitians which offers virtual nutrition support services in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, IN, MA, MO, MT, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI, and WY. All Access Dietitians infuses the science of motivation, habit formation, and sustainable behavior change into every session that addresses weight management and metabolic health, to women’s health and digestive support. Danielle’s primary focus during sessions is to help her clients find that intersection between enjoyment and satisfaction with their food choices that also support their health through sustenance. It’s about finding that balance between feeling empowered, energized, and confident in the ability to make decisions that impact health, wellness, and longevity.

Resources:

“Mediterranean Diet Pyramid: Guidelines for Healthy Eating” © 2009 Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust www.oldwayspt.org and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences Memory and Aging Center.

DASH Eating Plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). February 25, 2026. NIH (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) 

Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis: The MEDIPSO Randomized Clinical Trial. AMA Dermatology . Dec. 1, 2025 

The Mediterranean Diet as a Potential Solution to the Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Psoriasis Patients Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis 2024 Jan 9.