Preventing Psoriasis Flare-Ups: 8 Foods to Avoid

Living with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes sore, scaly patches on the skin, can be burdensome. Fortunately, there are various ways to help you manage its symptoms and avoid flare-ups, which include identifying and avoiding your triggers. For many people, psoriasis triggers include certain foods.

In this article, we listed some foods that often trigger psoriasis symptoms and are best to avoid. This guide can help you when you are creating a treatment plan for your health condition.

Alcohol 

Alcohol is unhealthy not only for people who have no health conditions, but also—and especially—for those who are suffering from psoriasis.

For people with psoriasis, light to moderate alcohol drinking can cause flare-ups by enlarging the blood vessels in the skin. Once the blood vessels expand, T-cells that are believed to cause psoriasis can head into the outer layers of the skin easily.

Highly processed foods

Junk foods and other highly processed treats might seem tasty and fun to eat, but they are packed with unhealthy ingredients. They contain high levels of refined starches, saturated and trans fats, and sugars that promote inflammation. 

Moreover, having psoriasis means you are more prone to developing heart and vascular diseases and weight problems. Highly processed foods have high levels of calories with little nutritional value, which is why it’s best to avoid them.

Processed meats

Red meats and other processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, contain a polyunsaturated fat called arachidonic acid. This type of fat can be turned into inflammatory compounds easily, which can trigger psoriasis symptoms.

Dairy products 

Dairy products have arachidonic acid, which is naturally inflammatory. 

To avoid triggering psoriasis flare-ups, stay away from dairy products, particularly cow’s milk as it contains casein, a protein that is linked to inflammation. 

Nightshade plants

There are cases that plants from the nightshade family, such as eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, and white potatoes, can stimulate psoriasis flare-ups. These plants contain solanine, a chemical compound that can trigger pain. 

Citrus fruits 

Grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits are a common allergen. Allergic reactions can sometimes cause psoriasis flare-ups, which is why you should consider eliminating citrus fruits and other fruit-based foods and beverages from your diet.

Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as barley, rye, and wheat. While following a gluten-free diet can be challenging, it can also be helpful and effective in managing your psoriasis symptoms. 

In addition, if you feel that gluten triggers your flare-ups, consider consulting a doctor about getting tested for celiac disease, an autoimmune disease where gluten causes damage to your small intestine.

Condiments

Spices can cause psoriasis symptoms to appear. Condiments, such as cinnamon, curry, ketchup, mayo, paprika, pimento, Tabasco sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce are best to be avoided because they have substances that increase inflammation.

Conclusion

The key to managing your psoriasis symptoms effectively is figuring out which triggers your flare-ups. 

While there is no scientific study yet that proves the direct relationship between psoriasis flare-ups and foods, there is no harm in avoiding common triggers and looking into the impact of specific foods on psoriasis symptoms. Make sure to discuss with your doctor about your discovery in order to create a diet or a treatment plan that works for you.

Get started in your journey toward healing with our help. We offer a 30-day treatment system for people who are suffering from psoriasis. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can address your needs.