4 Diet Changes Worth Trying to Manage Your Psoriasis Symptoms
Managing the symptoms of your psoriasis effectively requires you to take your medication and look out for your triggers, such as your stress level and the weather. While there is no scientific proof showing that avoiding certain foods or following a specific diet will help you cope with your condition, watching what you eat and drink is worth the try.
Aside from following a healthy and balanced diet, you may consider staying away from specific foods that may trigger your psoriasis symptoms. Here are some diet changes that you can follow:
Limit your alcohol intake
According to studies, men who consume too much alcohol do not respond well to psoriasis treatments. Also, some people with psoriasis who are heavy drinkers find that their skin gets better when they stop drinking.
If you drink alcohol, it is best to do it in moderation. Not only will it maintain your overall good health, but it will also help you prevent psoriasis symptoms.
Incorporate foods with anti-inflammatory properties into your diet
Since psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, it makes sense that you should eat more foods with anti-inflammatory properties.
While more research is needed to confirm the connection between psoriasis and diet, anti-inflammatory foods are generally healthy, so it doesn’t hurt to give it a try. You can reap the benefits of eating the following healthy foods:
Antioxidants
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene
- Selenium
Fruits and vegetables
- Berries
- Cherries
- Leafy greens
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Salmon
- Sardines
Herbs and spices that are rich in antioxidants
- Cumin
- Ginger
- Sage
- Thyme
Fat sources that are good for the heart
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Seeds
Meanwhile, some foods trigger inflammation, so you need to stay away from those. You should eat fewer dairy products, fatty red meat, refined sugars, and processed foods.
Lose weight
Fat cells make proteins that can trigger inflammation and may make your psoriasis symptoms worse. Because of this, it is best to shed extra pounds.
Consult your doctor to create a diet plan that works for you. You may also take matters into your own hands and start eating smaller portions and limiting carbs or fat in your diet.
Follow a gluten-free diet
Going gluten-free means cutting out foods in your diet that have grains, such as barley, rye, and wheat. This kind of eating plan is helpful when you have a gluten sensitivity or if you have celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which gluten can damage your small intestine.
The drawback of following a gluten-free diet is that you may lack food sources that are healthy for your heart, which may increase your risk of getting heart disease. To prevent this, make sure to discuss with your doctor first before making any changes in your diet and eating habits.
Conclusion
Dealing with psoriasis is challenging. The good news is that there are ways to make its symptoms bearable, and one way of doing this is to figure out what triggers your condition, which may include the food and drinks you consume.
Monitor the effects of staying away from certain foods that can trigger psoriasis symptoms and consult your doctor for further assistance.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a safe and effective treatment system for psoriasis, then you’ve come to the right place. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.