Dietitians Flag the Worst Foods and Drinks for Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com

Limiting these foods can help relieve symptoms and pain 

• Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that results in red, scaly skin patches.
• Food choices cannot cure psoriasis, but fried foods, processed meats and sugary beverages may make the symptoms worse.
• Dietitians say eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s and fibre can help.

Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself when there’s an infection or tissue damage. There are two types: chronic and acute. Acute inflammation is temporary—think of a time you got a cut on your finger and your skin became red and tender but resolved with time. On the other hand, chronic inflammation is ongoing and often associated with certain health conditions like joint pain, type 2 diabetes and ulcerative colitis.

While some chronic inflammatory conditions can go unseen, symptoms of psoriasis can be harder to hide. Psoriasis is a skin condition where the immune system goes into overdrive and cause skin cells to grow and shed too quickly, leaving a person with splotchy red spots. These spots can be itchy or cracked and even cause some serious joint pain. While it is important to work with a doctor for this condition, it is also important to think about what lifestyle habits can make a difference, including what we eat. 

“Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition driven by immune dysregulation, with excess pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers that coordinate immune responses). Certain foods either exacerbate or calm these processes,” says Jennifer Pallian, RD. Here, Pallian and three other registered dietitians share why deep-fried foods, processed meats, alcohol and sugary beverages are the worst foods for psoriasis, plus offer healthy eating tips to help decrease symptoms.

                                                                                     Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell design

1. Deep-Fried Foods

Deep-fried foods, which are often high in saturated and trans fats, can cause flare-ups for those with psoriasis. “These fats increase the LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, and studies show there may be a link between excess fat in the body and psoriasis symptoms,” says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN.

Plus, fried foods may have other risks. “When some foods are fried, they also produce compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) during high-heat cooking, which may trigger psoriasis flare-ups,” says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, CLEC. AGEs can damage cells and tissues by promoting inflammation.

2. Processed Meats

According to Manaker, processed meats like hot dogs, pepperoni and chicken nuggets are packed with ingredients that may fuel inflammation. “Deli meat or any processed meat can have more saturated fats and trans fats,” says Yvette Hill, RDN, IBCLC. “Breakfast meats such as sausage and bacon would also be on this list. Also, popular snacks like beef jerky would be a food to be cautious of.” The saturated fat in these foods may contribute to keratinocyte overgrowth, says Pallian. Keratinocytes are found in the outer layer of skin, and overgrowth can result in rough and scaly red patches.

3. Alcohol

“Alcohol has been shown to trigger and worsen inflammation, affecting the lipid composition of the skin barrier,” says Hill. “Research also points to alcohol’s metabolite, acetone, which may promote keratinocyte proliferation (skin thickening).” Some research also shows that for those with psoriasis, drinking alcohol can double one’s chances of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

4. Sugary Beverages and Foods

Manaker explains that drinks like sodas and sweet teas “may impact blood sugars negatively, which can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Over time, this may exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and make it harder to manage flare-ups.” “Excessive sugar consumption may also reduce the health-promoting effects of omega-3 fatty acids, which otherwise help reduce inflammation and support skin health,” adds Pallian.

Tips to Manage Psoriasis

We asked the dietitians their best healthy eating tips for managing psoriasis. Here’s what they said.

• Focus on omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other anti-inflammatory foods, can help to reduce psoriasis symptoms. “Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are anti-inflammatory all-stars,” says Manaker. “If you’re following a plant-based diet, try chia seeds, flaxseeds or walnuts [which all have] omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are the only tree nut that is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids.”
• Incorporate more fibre. “Fibre from whole grains, fruits and vegetables should be emphasized, not only to improve gut microbiota composition but also to lower energy intake and help with weight control, which is important because obesity and metabolic syndrome frequently coexist with psoriasis,” says Pallian. She recommends following a Mediterranean diet, which is naturally rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish and olive oil.
• Add in fermented foods. “Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and miso are great for gut health,” says Manaker. “A healthy gut microbiome may help regulate inflammation and support your immune system.”
• Make recipes with anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger. “Turmeric (with black pepper for better absorption) and ginger are natural inflammation fighters. Add them to teas, soups or roasted veggies for a flavourful, skin-friendly boost,” says Manaker. Some of our favourite recipes with these anti-inflammatory ingredients include these Turmeric Chicken & Avocado Wraps and these Sesame-Ginger Watermelon-Avocado Rice Bowls.
• Consider a vitamin D supplement. “Taking a vitamin D supplement can be helpful, especially for those who might be deficient, because lower vitamin D levels have been linked to worse psoriasis symptoms,” says Michalczyk. Always check with your health care provider before starting a new supplement.
• Keep a temporary food journal. “Everyone’s psoriasis triggers are different,” says Manaker. “Tracking what you eat and how your skin reacts can help you identify patterns and avoid flare-up foods.”

• Our Expert Take

  Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow and shed too quickly, resulting in red, scaly skin patches. Psoriasis is not caused by one single factor—it is often the combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. While your food choices cannot cure or cause psoriasis, dietitians say deep-fried foods, processed meats, alcohol and sugary beverages can make the symptoms worse. Instead, eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s and fibre can help you manage symptoms.

• https://www.eatingwell.com/worst-foods-for-psoriasis-11838925

How to Prevent a Psoriasis Winter Flare-Up: Expert Tips to Keep Your Skin Calm This Season

From sustainhealth.fit

As Kim Kardashian opens up about living with psoriasis on The Kardashians, experts are warning that a psoriasis winter flare-up isn’t just a celebrity problem—it’s a seasonal hazard for millions of Britons. When the temperature drops, your skin doesn’t just feel the chill; it fights to survive it.

According to Danielle Louise, beauty and skincare expert on Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, psoriasis is often less about genes and more about how you live.

“When the temperature drops, we lose humidity in the air, turn our heating up, and take longer, hotter showers — all of which strip the skin’s natural barrier,” says Danielle. “Add in festive stress, rich food, and heavier alcohol intake, and it’s a perfect storm for inflammation.”

The Hidden Triggers of a Psoriasis Winter Flare-Up

                                                                                                   Eva Rinaldi

Louise says that winter’s biggest skin culprits are often hiding in plain sight.

• Hot showers & central heating – “Both dehydrate the skin, disrupting its barrier and triggering dryness that can lead to flare-ups.”
• Alcohol and sugar – “Christmas cocktails and desserts cause inflammation spikes, which can make psoriasis worse.”
• Stress and lack of sleep – “Stress hormones directly affect immune response — and psoriasis is an autoimmune condition.”
• Over-exfoliation – “Harsh scrubs or retinols can damage the skin barrier and worsen plaques.”
• Scented skincare & body washes – “Fragrances are irritants; opt for fragrance-free, barrier-repairing formulas instead.”

In short, your winter routine might be fuelling your psoriasis without you even realising it.

Danielle’s Psoriasis-Friendly Winter Skincare Routine

A psoriasis winter flare-up can be managed with a few smart tweaks to your daily habits. Louise recommends these dermatologist-approved strategies:

• Shorter, cooler showers – Follow immediately with a rich moisturiser to trap hydration.
• Humidify your home – Combat the drying effects of central heating.
• Gentle exfoliation only – “Chemical exfoliants like lactic acid are better tolerated than scrubs,” she notes.
• Barrier-repair ingredients – Seek out ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and niacinamide.
• Book calming treatments – “LED light therapy, gentle facials, and lymphatic drainage can all support skin health without irritation,” says Danielle.

These steps, simple as they sound, can make the difference between skin that survives winter—and skin that doesn’t.

Psoriasis: More Common Than You Think

Psoriasis affects around 1 in 50 people in the UK, yet the stigma around it persists. Louise says the industry is finally catching up. “More clients are being open about it thanks to people like Kim Kardashian — and that’s a good thing. The beauty industry has to respond with empathy, not judgment.”

So, if your skin feels like it’s waging war with the weather, it might not just be dryness—it could be the early signs of a psoriasis winter flare-up.

Slow down, turn the water temperature down, and show your skin the same care you’d give a good wool jumper: keep it protected, supported, and never, ever left out in the cold.

https://www.sustainhealth.fit/lifestyle/psoriasis-winter-flare-ups-tips/

Can Diet And Stress Make Psoriasis Worse? Experts Explain The Connection

From news18.com

While the symptoms of psoriasis often manifest on the skin as red, scaly plaques, it also influences emotional well-being and overall quality of life

Psoriasis is far more than a skin condition. It’s a chronic, immune-driven disorder that affects millions worldwide, often taking both physical and emotional tolls. What many don’t realise is that psoriasis doesn’t just show up on the skin; it can silently impact other organs, including the heart and metabolic health. The good news? With the right balance of medical care, lifestyle choices, and stress management, living well with psoriasis is entirely possible.

                                                                       Processed foods and alcohol can worsen psoriasis symptoms

The Diet-Skin Connection

“Psoriasis is driven by inflammation, so a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can be beneficial," says Dr. Sai Lahari Rachumallu, Associate Consultant – Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar. She recommends loading up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon, while limiting processed foods, red meat, high-fat dairy, and alcohol.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet, many patients notice that certain foods trigger flare-ups. “It’s important to listen to your body and identify triggers," she adds. Hydration, antioxidants, and nutrient-rich meals can go a long way in calming inflammation from within.

Stress: A Hidden Trigger

Psoriasis flare-ups often intensify during stressful times. “Stress activates the immune system and increases inflammation, which can worsen psoriasis," explains Dr. Rachumallu. She advises mindfulness, meditation, regular physical activity, yoga, and adequate sleep as effective ways to manage stress.

Beyond the mind-skin connection, stress can also impact medication adherence and overall immunity – making relaxation not just a luxury, but part of treatment.

Beyond The Surface: Psoriasis And Heart Health

“Psoriasis isn’t only about skin. It also has a metabolic component, often linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease," notes Dr. Shrinath Shetty, Consultant Endocrinologist, KMC Hospital, Mangalore. Research shows that people with psoriasis have a 50% higher risk of heart disease compared to the general population.

“Psoriasis triggers inflammation in fat tissue, which releases chemicals called adipokines. These further stiffen arteries and increase cardiovascular risk," explains Dr. Shetty. He recommends maintaining a BMI below 25, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, six days a week, and following a diet low in fat and refined carbohydrates to manage both skin and heart health.

Chronic Inflammation And The Heart

Adding to this, Dr. M Sudhakar Rao, Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru, says, “In psoriasis, chronic inflammation has direct and indirect effects on the vasculature, leading to hypertension, diabetes, and obesity." He stresses regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors, close monitoring of medications, and choosing psoriasis treatments that may also support heart health.

Skincare That Heals

Daily skincare habits also play a vital role. Fragrance-free moisturisers, mild cleansers, and avoiding long, hot showers can reduce irritation. Gentle sun exposure, avoiding skin injuries, and staying consistent with treatment can make a visible difference over time.

Managing psoriasis means caring for the whole body – not just the skin. By focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing stress, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and following consistent skincare, patients can significantly reduce flare-ups and improve overall well-being. Small, steady steps can help transform psoriasis from a daily battle into a manageable journey toward holistic health.

https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/can-diet-and-stress-make-psoriasis-worse-experts-explain-the-connection-ws-l-9660543.html 

What Do You Wish More People Knew About Living With PsA in Your 30s?

From healthcentral.com

By Meaghan Quirin

Your 30s are supposed to be this big decade. Where you make career moves, settle into adult relationships, maybe build a family or buy a home, whatever version of that typical life arc applies. But when you’re living with a chronic illness like psoriatic arthritis (PsA), it often doesn’t unfold that way. Instead of building momentum, you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Or backtrack and rebuild. Or grieve the version of your life you thought you’d be living by now.

I’ve spent a lot of my 30s figuring out how to manage this disease and all the ripple effects that come with it, physically, emotionally, and logistically. That includes trying medications that don’t work, recovering from flare-ups that knock me down for weeks, advocating for myself in medical spaces, and reimagining what I can handle professionally, socially, and personally. These aren’t things most people see from the outside.

That’s the hard part, PsA is mostly invisible. So when you aren’t hitting those expected milestones or moving through life at the same pace as your peers, people don’t always know why. There’s this silent pressure: Do they think I’m lazy? Unmotivated? Just not trying hard enough? It can feel incredibly isolating. Especially when you’re comparing yourself to others who seem to be charging ahead while you’re sidelined by symptoms you didn’t ask for and can’t always control.

There’s also the added emotional weight of knowing how many decisions get shaped, or delayed, by this illness. People don’t realize family planning might be on hold, not because of lack of desire, but because your disease isn’t stable enough or your medications aren’t pregnancy-safe. Career changes might not be bold leaps, but necessary pivots to survive the demands of full-time work with chronic fatigue and joint pain. Even social stuff becomes complicated like attending weddings, traveling, showing up for friends, sometimes it’s just too much, and you have to constantly navigate your limits.

What I wish more people understood is that living with PsA in your 30s doesn’t mean you have to you stop trying, or that you have to give up on the life you want. It might mean your timeline looks different. Your priorities shift. And so much of your energy goes toward things other people never have to think about, like what combination of meds will allow you to function without making you feel worse, or how to schedule rest before and after basic life events. It’s not just physically exhausting, it’s emotionally exhausting, too. And yet, you keep going. You keep finding ways to adapt, to create space for yourself, to build a life that honours both your goals and your reality. It might not look like what you imagined, and it’s OK to feel however you need to about that.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/whats-something-you-wish-more-people-knew-about-living-with-psa-in-your-30s 

The Weird Way Stress Might Be Showing up on Your Skin, According to a Dermatologist

From parade.com

Key Points

• Stress increases cortisol, causing more oil and inflammation, which can worsen acne and skin conditions.
• Stress-related habits like poor diet and alcohol can further harm skin health.
• Consistent skincare, hydration, sleep and stress management help protect skin during stressful times.

You can probably think of a few habits that lead to breakouts: repeatedly touching your face, going to bed wearing makeup, lots of phone calls with your phone pressed against your cheek…In all three of these instances, bacteria, oil and dirt can clog pores, which can make pimples pop up (and always at the most inconvenient times).

You’ve also likely heard that stress can negatively impact skin too. Ever get a pimple right before a big event? But the connection between stress and breakouts is less clear than the aforementioned examples because it doesn’t involve bacteria coming into contact with your face. 

What exactly causes stress-induced breakouts? To get to the bottom of it, we talked to a top dermatologist about the real connection between stress and skin. 

Does Stress Actually Impact Skin?

According to Dr. Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, a dermatologist at Prose, stress can absolutely impact skin, and it does so in several different ways. “Stress can trigger or worsen acne. When our cortisol levels increase, this causes increased oil production and fuels skin inflammation, both of which are key factors in acne development,” she says.

Scientific research backs this up. In one study that took into account 144 female medical school students, participants with a higher stress score had more severe acne, showing a significant correlation. 

Another scientific study showed that when cortisol levels go up (which happens when someone is feeling stressed), it causes an increase in sebaceous gland activity. The sebaceous gland produces an oily substance called sebum to lubricate the skin. This increase in oil can lead to acne and breakouts. 

“Stress can exacerbate conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, and it may delay wound healing due to its effect on the immune response and skin barrier function,” Dr. Vaidya explains, sharing other ways stress can negatively impact skin.

Besides an increase in oil production caused by a spike in cortisol, she explains that some of the common habits people do when they’re stressed can negatively impact skin. For example, if someone tends to eat carb-based, sugar-filled foods when they’re stressed, these foods can increase inflammation and oil production. “This can lead to flares in acne and conditions such as rosacea and eczema,” she tells Parade. 

Some people cope with stress by increasing alcohol consumption. This, too, can negatively impact skin. “Excess alcohol consumption has the potential to impact skin health by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lead to redness, breakouts and accelerated skin aging,” Dr. Vaidya says.

How To Care for Your Skin During Times of High Stress

Experiencing stress is an inevitable part of life. So how can you care for your skin when it happens? After all, you don’t need something else to worry about. Dr. Vaidya recommends using products that help support the skin barrier, like ones with ceramides, which are a type of fat naturally found in skin that makes up roughly 50% of the skin’s outer layer.

She explains that keeping a consistent skincare routine—no matter how chaotic life gets—can help too. This means staying hydrated and using a gentle cleanser once or twice a day. And, according to Dr. Vaidya, getting enough sleep is important as well. Scientific research shows a connection between poor sleep and increased acne severity due to an increase in inflammation. 

Of course, Dr. Vaidya says it’s also important to have proper stress-reducing habits in place, such as exercise or mindfulness. Knowing how to properly manage stress is important for overall health, not just skin health. 

Knowing how stress can impact skin, it can be helpful to think of a breakout as a sign to check in with yourself about how you are doing mentally. Instead of freaking out over a zit or breakout, consider it an opportunity to prioritize self-care. And remember: Stress and breakouts are both temporary. 

https://parade.com/health/weird-way-stress-shows-up-on-skin-according-to-dermatologist

6 Things Everyone Should Know About Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com

Physicians who treat this challenging condition deliver the facts on what you can expect 

When you live with an unpredictable inflammatory joint and skin condition like psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you’re bound to have questions about diet, medications, and more. PsA affects less than 1% of the population, meaning it’s possible you’re the only person in your neighbourhood or even town who has it. That means getting answers to those questions isn’t always easy. We asked rheumatologists to share some need-to-know advice about PsA, and help us understand this uncommon and challenging condition.

                                                                                       GettyImages/izusek

You Can Have Psoriasis and Not Develop PsA

Psoriasis (PsO), an inflammatory disease that causes itchy plaques to form on the skin, often co-exists with PsA. Sometimes, PsO is a precursor to PsA, but it isn’t true that everyone who has PsO will go on to develop its sister joint condition. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 30% of people with psoriasis eventually get PsA. But those results may not tell the full story since 41% of the psoriasis patients in the study did not know they had PsA before being evaluated as part of that research. “This underscores the fact that many patients with PsA may go undiagnosed,” says Philip Mease, M.D., director of rheumatology research at Providence Swedish Health and clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, WA, who led the study.

“It’s not known which patients will develop PsA,” says Arthur Kavanaugh, M.D., a professor of medicine and director of the Center for Innovative Therapy at UC San Diego Health in San Diego, CA. “Typically the skin disease precedes the arthritis, often by five to 10 years.” But just because you have PsO doesn’t mean your joints will for-sure be impacted. There is, however, a correlation between the severity of psoriasis and the presence of PsA, says Dr. Mease. If your psoriasis is mild, you may be less likely to go on to have PsA, though anyone with psoriasis may develop the related form of arthritis.

Diagnosing PsA Can Be Challenging

As with many other autoimmune conditions, diagnosing PsA usually involves a review of symptoms, tests, and a physical examination by a doctor. “There are no blood tests that can diagnose psoriatic arthritis,” says Eric Ruderman, M.D., associate chief of clinical affairs for the division of rheumatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “It’s a clinical diagnosis that depends on the specific features of the arthritis, although there can be findings on X-ray that can help point to a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis in those patients who develop joint damage from the disease.”

Dr. Kavanaugh adds that psoriatic arthritis symptoms can mirror those of other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout, which come with joint pain and stiffness as well. And not everyone has active skin symptoms when they seek medical attention, so it can be tricky to pin this condition down. “PsA is one of the types of inflammatory arthritis, but sometimes it is hard to differentiate from other types,” he says.

PsA Is Treatable, But Not Curable

“We don’t usually use the ‘C’ word in patients with autoimmune disease,” Dr. Mease says, referring to a cure. “On rare occasion, a person with autoimmune disease may go into a relatively permanent remission, but we are always aware that the condition can rear its head again. There are no treatments that can cure the disease at this time, though that may change in the future.”

The development of new, increasingly effective medications is helping doctors manage PsA in many patients, including those with serious symptoms. “With many current treatments, patients can do extremely well, even being in remission,” Dr. Kavanaugh adds.

Eating Well Matters

Eating a nutritious, balanced diet that supports healthy weight management is good for your overall health, even though there is no particular diet that has been shown to have any significant effect on PsA symptoms. “Diet is almost certainly crucial to our gut microbiomes, which can influence many diseases, including PsA,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “However, we don’t know which particular food items play important roles for individual patients.”

Instead, maintaining a healthy weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle might be a more helpful approach. “Obesity can contribute to more severe disease manifestations and weight loss can lead to improved symptoms, and greater response to treatment with immunomodulatory drugs,” Dr. Mease says. And it doesn’t have to be a lot of weight. “Losing 10% of weight is a goal in order to achieve improvement of symptoms, or at least 5%,” Dr. Mease says.

The doctors also note that, despite bold claims on the labels of many diet and herbal supplements, there is no evidence to suggest that any supplements can control PsA. While there are supplements that may support other aspects of your health while living with PsA, it’s important to consult with your rheumatologist before trying anything.

Careful Exercise May Ease Symptoms

Having any type of arthritis requires a careful approach to exercise. But when done correctly and in moderation, exercise can be a valuable tool in managing your PsA. “A lot of people worry that exercise may worsen arthritis, including inflammatory arthritis like psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis,” Dr. Ruderman says. “It’s actually more likely that exercise, or at least physical activity, will be more helpful than harmful.” Regular physical activity can help reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Dr. Mease adds that the type of exercise you should pursue will depend on the nature of your PsA. “Being conditioned in general and keeping muscles and ligaments strong and supple can be helpful for arthritic joints, either through regular exercise or guided physical therapy,” he says. “There are exceptions, however. If a patient has active inflammation in a joint or tendon insertion area that may become more inflamed with exercise—such as an inflamed ankle or knee joint—then it would be best to hold off on active jogging.” If you need a place to start, try the moves in this article on building a stronger body with PsA.

Stopping Your Medications Suddenly Can Be Risky

As with most conditions that require regular medication use, PsA is best managed if you stick to your regimen. If you have questions about stopping your meds, for any reason, always consult with your doctor.

Dr. Kavanaugh explains that some people, especially those in remission, may be able to taper their doses safely, but few can quit them altogether without the disease recurring. And any tweak in your PsA drug regimen should only be done in collaboration with your doctor.

“Stopping it completely can lead to a flare,” Dr. Ruderman adds. “Any attempts at tapering medication should always be done in collaboration with your treating physician. I would not recommend stopping or even reducing medication without consulting your physician first.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/things-everyone-should-know