Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow rapidly, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface.

It affects more than 8 million Americans and can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and even disability in severe cases. Although there’s no cure for psoriasis, there are many ways to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. One of the most important ways to keep psoriasis under control is by following a healthy diet.

In this article, we’ll explore the foods that are best avoided by people with psoriasis.

Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates

Sugar and refined carbohydrates are strongly linked to inflammation in the body, which can trigger psoriasis symptoms.

These foods have a high glycemic index, which means they cause blood sugar levels to spike quickly, leading to an inflammatory response. Sugar also contributes to weight gain, which can put extra stress on joints and worsen psoriatic arthritis.

To keep psoriasis symptoms under control, it’s best to limit your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates like candy, soda, white bread, pasta, and baked goods.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another culprit in psoriasis flare-ups. It can trigger inflammation and dehydrate the body, leading to dry skin and an increased risk of infection.

Alcohol also interferes with the liver’s ability to detoxify the body, which can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Although some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may have health benefits, people with psoriasis should avoid or limit their alcohol intake.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are a common trigger for psoriasis symptoms in some people. This may be due to the fact that they contain a protein called casein, which can cause inflammation in the body.

Dairy products can also interfere with the body’s absorption of magnesium, which is an important nutrient for skin health. If you suspect that dairy products are triggering your psoriasis symptoms, try eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks and see if your symptoms improve.

Nightshade Vegetables

Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers contain a chemical called solanine, which can trigger inflammation and exacerbate psoriasis symptoms in some people.

Although more research is needed to confirm this association, some people with psoriasis report that eliminating nightshade vegetables from their diet has improved their symptoms.

Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it’s a common trigger for psoriasis symptoms in some people. In fact, many people with psoriasis have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes gluten intolerance.

Gluten can cause inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. If you suspect that you’re sensitive to gluten, try eliminating it from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

Processed Foods

Processed foods like frozen dinners, packaged snacks, and fast food are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms.

These foods also lack the important nutrients that are essential for good skin health, such as vitamins A, C, D, and E. To keep your psoriasis under control, it’s best to avoid processed foods and stick to a whole-foods diet.

Red Meat

Red meat, especially when cooked at high temperatures, can contain compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can trigger inflammation in the body.

These compounds are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures over an open flame, such as when grilling or barbecuing. Although red meat can be a good source of protein and iron, it’s best to limit your intake and choose lean cuts to keep psoriasis symptoms under control.

Shellfish

Shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and crab can contain high levels of purines, which can increase uric acid levels in the body and trigger inflammation.

Although some studies have suggested that shellfish may have anti-inflammatory properties, people with psoriasis should be cautious about eating them and limit their intake if they notice a flare-up after eating them.

Eggs

Some people with psoriasis find that eggs trigger flare-ups. This may be due to the high levels of arachidonic acid in egg yolks, which can trigger inflammation in the body.

However, eggs are also a good source of protein and other important nutrients, so it’s important to listen to your body and see how it reacts to eggs.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can trigger inflammation in the body and worsen psoriasis symptoms. It can also interfere with sleep, which can disrupt the body’s natural healing processes.

Although some studies have suggested that caffeine may have health benefits, people with psoriasis should be cautious about their intake and limit their consumption of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages.

In conclusion,

Following a healthy diet is an important part of managing psoriasis symptoms and improving quality of life. By avoiding the foods that trigger inflammation and exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re unsure about which foods to avoid, consult a doctor or a registered dietitian for guidance.