Psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when skin cells grow and appear on the outer surface of the skin at an accelerated rate (1). While its exact cause is unknown, its trademark – scales and skin plaques – is simply a clear sign of inflammation, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Therefore, it would be better if we avoid inflammatory foods and have anti-inflammatory foods in our diet. Doing this can help us manage inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis.
Check out the foods below that we may avoid or limit to manage symptoms of psoriasis.
Foods With Added Sugar
Added sugar refers to sweeteners added to a food during processing. Experts have found that even short-term exposure to a diet high in added sugar provoked psoriasis (2).
Some of the common foods with added sugar include deserts and candies, ready-to-eat cereals, and sweetened beverages like soda and energy drinks.
Junk Foods
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. Junk foods can promote inflammation as they tend to be high in saturated and trans fats and refined starches and sugars (3).
Instead of eating junk foods, consume more inflammation-fighting foods such as fruits and veggies, especially berries, cherries, and leafy greens, salmon, sardines, and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant-rich herbs and spices like thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger, and heart-healthy sources of fat, like olive oil, seeds, and nuts (4).
Alcohol
Alcohol opens blood vessels in the skin. This effect makes T cells that are believed to be behind psoriasis to easily enter the outer layers of our skin. Even those who infrequently drink alcohol may see psoriasis symptoms worsen when they drink (5).
Refined Carbs
Refined carb refers to carbohydrates that have been highly processed so they are no longer in their original form. They are associated with inflammation in the body. These include white bread and flours, crackers, chips, cookies, granola bars, energy bars, and breakfast cereals. It would be better if we eat foods as they came in nature: an apple instead of that apple-flavored energy bar (6).
Fried Foods
Fried foods are known to promote inflammation in the body. Consumption of them has also been associated with a higher risk of heart disease and other health conditions (7).
Sources:
- https://www.health.com/condition/psoriasis/12-best-and-worst-foods-for-psoriasis
- https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(20)30140-8/fulltext
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/diet/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis/
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-avoid-foods
- https://www.apderm.com/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis/
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/13731048-worst-foods-for-psoriasis-triggers/
- https://www.health.com/condition/psoriasis/12-best-and-worst-foods-for-psoriasis
