Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by red, flaky and itchy skin patches that often appear on the elbows and knees, but can also appear anywhere on the body.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are ways to manage its symptoms, including avoiding dietary triggers that can aggravate the condition. Here are some dietary triggers to avoid:.

Sugar and Junk Foods

Sugar and junk foods are not only bad for your overall health but can also exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Eating foods high in sugar can cause inflammation, which can worsen skin itching and redness.

Junk foods, such as chips and fried foods, can also cause inflammation and trigger psoriasis flares. Avoiding sugary and junk foods is important to manage psoriasis symptoms.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco are two substances that can cause inflammation and trigger psoriasis flares. Drinking alcohol can also interfere with medications used to treat psoriasis, making it harder to manage the condition.

Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol can reduce inflammation and prevent psoriasis flares.

Gluten and Dairy Products

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, can trigger psoriasis in some individuals. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can also aggravate psoriasis symptoms in some people.

If you suspect that gluten or dairy products are triggering your psoriasis symptoms, try eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve.

Nightshade Vegetables

Nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, contain a chemical called solanine, which can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms in some individuals.

If you notice that eating nightshade vegetables aggravates your psoriasis symptoms, consider eliminating them from your diet.

Saturated and Trans Fats

Saturated and trans fats, found in fatty meats, fried foods and baked goods, can also trigger inflammation and psoriasis flares. Eating a diet high in these types of fats can worsen psoriasis symptoms and make it harder to manage the condition.

Instead, try incorporating more healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts and seeds, into your diet.

Processed Foods

Processed foods, such as packaged snacks and frozen meals, often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, all of which can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Eating a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods can help manage psoriasis symptoms and reduce inflammation in the body.

Red Meat

Eating red meat, such as beef and pork, can trigger inflammation in the body and aggravate psoriasis symptoms. Instead, try incorporating more lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and tofu, into your diet.

These sources of protein can provide the nutrients your body needs without triggering inflammation.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain a chemical called limonene, which can trigger inflammation and psoriasis flares in some individuals.

If you notice that citrus fruits aggravate your psoriasis symptoms, consider eliminating them from your diet and try incorporating other fruits, such as berries or apples, instead.

Caffeine

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, can cause inflammation and trigger psoriasis flares in some individuals. If you suspect that caffeine is worsening your psoriasis symptoms, try reducing your intake and see if your symptoms improve.

Spices and Seasonings

Some spices and seasonings, such as paprika, cinnamon, and curry powder, can cause inflammation and trigger psoriasis flares in some individuals.

If you notice that certain spices and seasonings aggravate your psoriasis symptoms, try eliminating them from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.