Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes itchy or dry skin. The body’s immune system attacks itself, making it an autoimmune disease. The condition usually goes through cycles of flare-ups for a few weeks or months. The condition may be hereditary or certain infections, wounds, or burns may trigger psoriasis. There is no specific cure for psoriasis and there are certain foods that may even trigger psoriasis flare-ups and worsen the condition.

How does food affect psoriasis?
As a chronic autoimmune disease, psoriasis patients overproduce skin cells and cause plaques to form on one’s skin. Plaques are scaly, red spots of skin that may itch or hurt. The episodic flare-ups of psoriasis may be moderate or severe. One may experience swelling all over the body.

Studies have shown a connection between food and psoriasis symptoms flaring up. A common symptom is inflammation; managing the inflammation may assist in controlling both psoriasis and the risk of other associated inflammatory disorders. While there isn’t a specific meal plan for all, many psoriasis patients have seen improvement in their condition by avoiding inflammatory foods that trigger psoriasis.

Foods that may trigger psoriasis

Margarine, deep fried and processed food
Deep-fried foods like potato fries and chicken nuggets increase the bad cholesterol levels in one’s body, which causes inflammation. Studies have shown that unhealthy fats can contribute to the development of psoriasis.

Milk and milk products
Dairy products like processed cheese, yogurt, clarified butter, and milk are usually high in fat content, which may cause inflammation. Casein is a protein found in products made with cow’s milk. Some may find it difficult to digest casein, especially those who are lactose intolerant since they cannot produce the digestive enzyme lactase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down whole milk. Similarly, those with chronic gastrointestinal discomfort can exacerbate inflammation. So, removing dairy from one’s food intake can help manage psoriasis symptoms.

Cereals, white bread, white rice
Cereals, white bread or rice, pasta, and pastries are all common items high in refined carbohydrates. These foods undergo extensive processing, with their fiber and whole grain stripped off and may contain high levels of sugar. Adding these to one’s meals over a period of time may cause one’s blood sugar to spike and lead to inflammation.

Red meat
Red meat including beef, lamb, and pork contains a type of polyunsaturated fat called arachidonic acid. These can be turned into inflammatory compounds easily and can aggravate psoriasis flare-ups. Even sausage and bacon are best avoided until one’s symptoms are under control.

Canned sweet drinks, syrups, candies
Added sugar in candies, canned fruit juices, soda, cakes, and other sweets are some common foods that may trigger psoriasis. Although the body produces insulin to metabolize sugar, these items contain high levels of sugar that get stored in fat cells. This, in turn, causes the fat tissue to become inflamed. Artificial sweeteners may even cause chronic inflammation. For sweet cravings, one can substitute store-bought packaged items with fresh fruits and juices with natural sweeteners like honey or brown sugar.

Egg yolks
Egg yolk contains arachidonic acid, so it’s best to avoid it until the condition has significantly come under control.

Whole wheat
Gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat, or barley, which may trigger an immunological response in psoriasis patients. Limiting gluten in one’s food can help manage the condition better.

Citrus fruits
At times, psoriasis patients may have an allergic reaction to citrus fruits like oranges, limes, grapefruit, and lemons (including lemonade and juices made out of citrus fruits). One must avoid these fruits if they suspect them to be the cause of psoriasis flare-ups.

Condiments
Spices like cinnamon, curry, vinegar, mayo, paprika, Tabasco sauce, and Worcestershire sauce may worsen inflammation in psoriasis patients.

The triggers may vary from person to person, so it’s best to discuss one’s condition with a healthcare professional and get a personalized nutrition regime.

Ways to manage psoriasis
Including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods like berries, cherries, and other juicy fruits, fiber-rich oats, dark chocolate, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, salmon, cod, and cold-pressed oils in one’s meals is beneficial. Since psoriasis can dry out one’s skin easily, it is essential to stay hydrated. Apart from drinking plenty of water, one must intake fluids like fresh juices, herbal tea, warm soups, coconut water, and smoothies.

Moreover, getting sufficient rest, managing stress, taking a warm bath with Epsom salt before bedtime, and avoiding screens an hour before sleeping can also help one manage fatigue and inflammation.