What foods cause psoriasis to flare up?

Food and psoriasis

When you have psoriasis, it is important to avoid and exclude certain foods from your diet. This is called reducing triggers. As to what foods cause psoriasis to flare up is concerned, we will take a look at some foods that need to be avoided at all costs in psoriasis. And rightfully so because the aftermath from their consumption, can prove to be dangerous. Triggers for psoriasis include many things like bad weather and excess stress, but the type of diet you take is the most important of them all. To maintain a balanced internal state of homeostasis is key for the treatment of psoriasis. And if you can do that, you can control the disease. Let’s take a look at the foods that are most likely to flare up psoriasis and worsen the condition.

Foods to avoid in psoriasis

The foods we will be discussing have been reported to trigger psoriasis and become the reason for it to flare up. But they may not have the same effect on all patients. With that said, let’s discuss what these foods are and how exactly they flare psoriasis. First off, we have red meat and dairy. Both red meat and dairy contain a polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid. It is very abundant in eggs as well. Studies have shown that the byproducts of this acid tend to flare up psoriasis. Next is gluten. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by abnormal reaction of the immune system to gluten. In psoriasis patients, gluten detecting markers are extra sensitive and can hence cause psoriasis to flare up even more than it already is. Next we have processed food. Processed food has preservatives and high level of calories that can cause metabolic syndromes and all sorts of eating disorders. This results in chronic inflammations which is closely related to psoriasis.

What foods to go for in psoriasis?

As there are foods to avoid in psoriasis, there foods that can actually help treat the disease as well. These are fresh fruits and vegetables that are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants that help with inflammation and oxidative stress, fatty fish that has omega-3 fatty acids that are known to decrease inflammation again, and last but not the least, heart-healthy oils like coconut oil, olive oil and flaxseed oil that have omega-3 and omega-6 acids that once again help in reducing flare ups and preventing dry scaly skin.

Takeaway

Conditions of the skin generally benefit from dietary changes, and so adding anti-inflammatory and healthy fresh foods to the diet can really help with psoriasis. There are diets specially designed that you can consider and follow like keto and gluten-free, which will also help tremendously in treating psoriasis. It is important to avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat and dairy as we have discussed earlier. The best way is to have a word with your nutritionist and dermatologist as they can guide you well in the right direction. Respecting your body is very important, and avoiding certain foods and taking better ones instead, can really help you live a healthier lifestyle.

Relevant article

https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/diet/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis/