Foods to avoid with psoriasis

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to build up and form lesions on the skin. Food is one of many potential triggers that may make a person’s psoriasis symptoms worsen or flare

People with psoriasis are at a greater risk of developing other conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Making dietary adjustments may help prevent these secondary conditions and reduce symptoms.

Certain foods may act as triggers for some people.

This article explores what foods may trigger psoriasis flares and how a person can identify them.

Foods containing gluten

Gluten is a protein in certain grains, including wheat. For example, bread, pasta, and baked goods contain gluten in varying amounts.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes a reaction to gluten when a person consumes products that contain wheat.

A 2018 study found that people with psoriasis had the same prevalence of an antibody that people with celiac and gluten sensitivities have.

Researchers also found that when people who tested positive for the antibody ate a gluten-free diet, they saw a reduction in their psoriasis symptoms.

Red meats

Red meat contains a polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid. These fats create by-products that contribute to psoriasis lesions.

As a result, avoiding red meat, such as hamburgers or steak, may help reduce the severity of psoriasis lesions.

Avoiding red meats has the added benefit of helping to prevent heart disease.

According to some research, red meats create by-products that increase a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease.

For a person living with psoriasis, avoiding red meat may help prevent heart disease even if it does not affect their psoriasis symptoms.

Dairy

Like red meat, dairy also contains arachidonic acid.

A 2017 review suggested that the arachidonic acid in dairy products may irritate the intestinal tract’s inner lining and worsen psoriasis symptoms.

However, researchers called for more studies to confirm this link.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some people have experienced fewer psoriasis symptoms after eliminating dairy from their diets.

Another 2017 study investigating the effects of diet on psoriasis, reported that one of the most common food triggers participants chose to remove from their diets was dairy.

Processed foods

Processed foods can contribute to various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Obesity has associations with inflammation and an increase in the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

A person with psoriasis who also has obesity may find that cutting out or reducing processed foods may also help them manage their weight. This could improve their psoriasis symptoms.

The term processed food means any food that manufacturers change during production.

Alcohol

According to a review of studies, alcohol adversely affects psoriasis.

Drinking alcohol can increase the severity of psoriasis symptoms because it can cause inflammation in the body.

A person with psoriasis could try limiting or eliminating alcohol from their diet to see how it affects their psoriasis symptoms.

Caffeine

Caffeine may trigger psoriasis flares in some people.

Some research indicates that people with psoriasis could consider avoiding caffeine. However, the researchers state that they do not fully understand the exact relationship between dietary caffeine from coffee, tea, or other sources.

However, some people may find reducing or eliminating caffeine helpful.

Nightshades

Nightshades include the following vegetables:

• tomatoes
• peppers
• potatoes
• eggplant

One study indicated that people living with psoriasis often avoid nightshades because they believe it helps with their psoriasis symptoms.

However, the Global Healthy Living Foundation states that the number of nightshades a person typically eats would not be enough to trigger an inflammatory response. Though they focused primarily on arthritis, researchers believe the same chemicals trigger psoriasis responses.

Still, some people may find that reducing their consumption of nightshades may help reduce their psoriasis symptoms.

Foods to include

During a 2017 study on the effects of certain foods on psoriasis flares, researchers found the following foods had a positive result on the skin symptoms of participants:

• vegetables
• fish oil or omega-3
• oral vitamin D
• fruits
• probiotics
• organic foods

Diets

The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that no specific diet will cure psoriasis but may reduce the severity of the symptoms. They also note that eating healthier foods may help a person avoid other conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. They recommend eating:

• A heart-healthy diet: This diet can include fish, lean meats, low fat dairy, whole grain, reduced-sodium foods, and plant-based fats.
• A balanced diet: This diet can consist of various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low fat dairy products, and lean proteins.
• Gluten-free diet: If a person is following this diet, they should avoid wheat-based products.

Journaling

Some people may find keeping a food journal helpful.

A food journal can help people look for patterns in what they eat and improve their psoriasis symptoms.

Other potential triggers

Several environmental factors, or triggers, can cause psoriasis symptoms to flare.

Some potential psoriasis triggers include:

• cold or dry weather
• stress
• alcohol, particularly heavy drinking
• injuries to skin
• infections, such as strep throat
• tobacco use
• certain medications, such as:
  • prednisone
  • lithium
  • hydroxychloroquine

Some people may find they have other triggers. Others may be unable to identify their triggers.

A person should talk with their doctor about what may trigger their psoriasis flares if they have any questions.

Summary

Certain foods may trigger psoriasis flares in some people.

A person can take steps, such as keeping a food journal, to help determine what foods may help and which may cause triggers.

Generally, the most helpful diets for psoriasis include fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, whole grains, and plant-based fats.

These diets may not help prevent a flare, but they may reduce symptom severity and help prevent other conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, or heart disease, from developing.

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