Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts

Thursday, 20 August 2026

6 Surprising Things That Can Trigger a Psoriasis Flare, According to a Dermatologist

From people.com

From “good” stress to your skincare routine, a dermatologist breaks down the unexpected factors that may make psoriasis worse 

NEED TO KNOW

  • Psoriasis is a chronic condition linked to immune system overactivity that can worsen with lifestyle and environmental factors
  • Dermatologist Dr. Adrienne Rencic emphasizes the importance of managing stress, sleep and diet to reduce the frequency of flare-ups
  • Psoriasis can be triggered by skin trauma including scrubbing or irritation from skincare products, according to experts

If you have psoriasis, you may already know flares seem to come out of nowhere, no matter how well you’re managing the condition. But some of the things that can trigger or worsen psoriasis may be counterintuitive, or possibly not on your radar at all.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing inflamed, scaly patches of skin. Symptoms can cycle between flares and periods of improvement, and common triggers can include stress and skin injuries, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Get to know six surprising factors that may contribute to a psoriasis flare.

1. “Good” stress

Turns out you don’t necessarily have to feel anxious or upset for your body to experience stress. Even positive events can put physiological stress on the body. 

“People understand stress as working too long or experiencing ‘bad’ stress,” says Dr. Adrienne Rencic, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical investigator with more than 25 years of experience, who consults for RELAB, a new psoriasis-focused skincare brand. “But what people don’t understand is ‘good’ stress.”

“You could be staying up all night for two weeks preparing for your sister’s wedding, and that’s stress on your body,” she explains. “You can get flare-ups when you don’t necessarily feel stressed in a bad way.”

The takeaway: Pay attention to periods when your routine is disrupted, you’re not sleeping enough or your body is under unusual strain — even if you’re having a great time.

2. Lack of sleep

Sleep is another lifestyle factor that can contribute to psoriasis, Rencic says, along with stress, diet, smoking and alcohol. And the connection can become a frustrating cycle. Psoriasis can cause itching, burning and discomfort that interferes with sleep. 

Stock, Psoriasis
Getty

3. Scrubbing away your scales

When psoriasis leaves behind thick, flaky skin, aggressively scrubbing it away might seem like a logical solution. But it can backfire.

“Some people use a loofah or scrub their skin to try to remove the scale, and that’s actually trauma to the skin,” Rencic says. “That can make things worse.”

That’s because people with psoriasis can experience what’s known as the Koebner phenomenon or reaction, in which trauma to the skin can trigger psoriasis in that area. So when it comes to removing scale, more aggressive isn’t necessarily better.

4. A skincare product that irritates your skin

A reaction to a new skincare product and a psoriasis flare can sometimes look similar and, according to Rencic, one can actually trigger the other. “In a patient with psoriasis, there is a phenomenon called the Koebner reaction,” she explains. “Any trauma to the skin can trigger a psoriasis flare-up.”

A product reaction will generally affect the area where the product was applied, while psoriasis may appear as a distinct patch within that area. “You may have one or both going on at the same time,” Rencic says.

If you’re unsure whether a rash is an irritation or psoriasis, it’s best to have a dermatologist evaluate it rather than repeatedly applying products that could further irritate the skin.

5. Smoking and alcohol

Smoking and alcohol may not be the first things that come to mind when you think about psoriasis, but Rencic says they’re worth paying attention to. “These things can contribute, even though people don’t necessarily think of them as triggers,” she adds.

That doesn’t mean an occasional drink will automatically cause a flare, Rencic clarifies, but rather that the use of alcohol or nicotine can contribute to the disease, particularly when it’s part of a broader pattern of lifestyle factors. NIAMS concurs, noting that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Stock, Woman eating too much fast food like burgers, fried chicken, donuts, and sweets, showing signs of binge eating and emotional stress with unhealthy food habits
Getty

6. Your overall diet

One candy bar isn’t going to give you psoriasis, and Rencic is careful to make that distinction.

“It’s not that eating a candy bar causes psoriasis,” she tells PEOPLE. But she does note that “consistently eating a diet that’s high in sugar and saturated fat and low in fibre is bad for psoriasis.”

Rencic points to the Mediterranean diet as an example of an eating pattern that may be beneficial. Most importantly, she says people shouldn’t feel as though they’re powerless when it comes to managing their disease. 

“This is simply something they live with,” she says, adding that people with psoriasis “aren’t doing anything wrong.” But she does note that there are factors — diet, activity, stress relief — that can help reduce flares.

“All of those things can be modified,” Rencic says, suggesting stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with friends and being in nature.

(And if your psoriasis is widespread, isn’t responding to your usual treatment or is accompanied by joint pain, stiffness or swelling, talk to a doctor. Psoriasis is associated with other health conditions, including psoriatic arthritis and cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, and NIAMS recommends medical evaluation when joint symptoms occur.)

https://people.com/6-surprising-things-that-can-trigger-a-psoriasis-flare-12060302

Sunday, 2 August 2026

For Psoriasis, How You Cook Food May Matter as Much as What You Eat

From verywellhealth.com

Key Takeaways

  • Cooking with low temperatures and high moisture, like boiling or stewing, may help reduce inflammation and lower psoriasis flares.
  • Dry heat cooking methods, such as grilling or frying, can increase advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which worsen inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • Marinating meat in acidic liquids, like lemon or tomato juice, can help reduce the formation of AGEs.

If you live with psoriasis, you likely have the list of trigger foods that can worsen your symptoms practically memorized — alcohol, refined sugar, ultra-processed foods, and so on. But what if how you prepare your food was just as important as what you eat?

Research shows that cooking with dry and high temperatures can increase the formation of compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which boost inflammation in your body.

While evidence is still emerging, experts say it’s worth considering switching your food preparation process if you live with psoriasis. Using low temperatures and high moisture when cooking may protect your gut, decrease skin inflammation, and lower the risk of psoriasis flares.

                                           How you cook your food might influence psoriasis flare-ups.  Ugur Karakoc / Getty Images

Why Do Some Cooking Methods Increase Inflammation?

The body naturally makes AGEs in small amounts, which are known as endogenous AGEs. But you also get exogenous, or “dietary,” AGEs from food. These dietary AGEs can add to the total amount of AGEs, contributing to inflammation and other harmful health effects.

“AGEs are produced when a sugar molecule combines with a protein or fat molecule in the body,” said Rajani Katta, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at UTHealth Houston and author. This process is known as the Maillard reaction, which gives your food its golden-brown colour and flavourful aroma.

However, the Maillard reaction doesn’t occur to the same extent with every cooking method. Research shows that dry, high-heat methods—such as air frying, broiling, grilling, and roasting—create the ideal conditions for AGEs to form.

That’s because dry heat evaporates moisture from food, allowing its temperature to exceed the boiling point of water. The higher temperatures speed up the chemical reactions between sugars and proteins, leading to more AGE formation.

“The cooking method makes much more of a difference when you are cooking meats, and dry heat methods such as grilling, roasting, and frying can increase AGE levels by 10 to 100 times,” Katta said. “Foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are low in AGEs, so even when they are cooked at high temperatures or with dry heat, such as roasting, they contain relatively few AGEs.”

How AGEs Worsen Skin Inflammation

After you eat foods that were broiled, fried, or grilled, the dietary AGEs can interact with your gut-skin axis, a pathway that communicates between your digestive tract and your skin.

For people with psoriasis, dietary AGEs may contribute to more frequent or severe flare-ups by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress, two primary drivers of cellular damage.

The process doesn’t happen immediately after a meal. Instead, AGEs can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and weaken the lining of the digestive tract. This allows inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream, where AGEs bind to receptors called RAGE (receptors for advanced glycation end-products). That interaction activates immune pathways that promote inflammation.

Over time, AGEs can also accumulate in the skin, where they damage collagen, the protein that helps keep skin firm and hydrated. “AGEs can accelerate skin aging by making our collagen more brittle and harder to repair,” Katta said.

In healthy skin, the immune system can usually resolve this inflammation and repair damaged tissue. But psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that places a lot of stress on immune function. The additional inflammation linked to AGEs may stimulate an already overactive immune system, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly and leading to the thick, itchy plaques characteristic of psoriasis.

Psoriasis-Friendly Ways to Prepare Food

If you have psoriasis, you don’t necessarily need to overhaul your diet or stop eating grilled foods. Instead, experts recommend making small changes that can help reduce your exposure to dietary AGEs, especially if you notice your symptoms worsen after eating foods cooked with dry, high heat.

Jaime Uribarri, MD, an AGEs researcher and professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explained that meat tends to contain the highest levels of AGEs, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid it.

“When you choose to eat lean meat, be sure it hasn’t been cooked with a high-temperature method, such as broiling or frying,” Uribarri said. “Meats containing more moisture tend to be lower in AGEs, so a good way to prepare them is with a moist heat cooking method such as boiling, stewing, or poaching.”

Uribarri also recommends marinating meat in acids like lemon or tomato juice before cooking. “Low pH decreases the formation of AGEs, while high pH has the opposite effect,” he said.

There are also other easy tips to reduce AGEs:

  • Cook meat at lower temperatures or reduce grilling time
  • Choose proteins that cook quickly, such as fish, seafood, or chicken breast
  • Swap beef burgers for veggie burgers, which naturally contain fewer AGEs
  • Wrap meat in aluminium foil patches while grilling to help retain moisture

 

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

6 Daily Habits That Can Help You Manage Psoriasis

From everydayhealth.com

By Matt McMillen

If you have psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease, you may feel under its control at times. It can dictate the clothes you wear, it can elevate your stress, it can influence how you see yourself and how you think others see you, and the itch that comes with it can make you really, really uncomfortable.
Psoriasis has no cure. But you can develop healthy daily habits that will help you tame your symptoms and lessen the hold psoriasis may have on you. These habits don’t replace the medications your doctor prescribes; instead, think of them as important, complementary parts of your treatment plan.


Top dermatologists recommend adopting the following habits.


1. Stress Relief

“Stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flares,” says Peter Lio, MD, a dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “While it is impossible to eliminate stress entirely, developing a daily stress-management practice can make a meaningful difference.”

Such a practice, says Dr. Lio, requires as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day, and he offers lots of options to choose from, including:

2. Sleep Hygiene

Stick to a regular sleep schedule that nets you seven to nine hours each night. You’ll find that to be a powerful tool for your overall health, says Lio, who adds that sleep and inflammation go hand in hand. “Poor sleep can worsen stress, affect mood, increase itch perception, and make it more difficult to manage a chronic condition,” he explains. He offers this related tip: practice your stress-management routine at bedtime to potentially help both sleep and stress simultaneously.

“Sleep is going to counter stress,” says Ross Levy, MD, the chair of dermatology for Northwell's Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, New York.

The discomfort of psoriasis can make it difficult to sleep, but other conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, also may be to blame. If you struggle with sleep, says Dr. Levy, talk with your doctor, who may recommend a sleep study to pinpoint the cause and guide treatment. But you shouldn’t expect a quick fix. “Sleep patterns take months to change,” says Levy.

3. A Healthy Diet

Lio encourages his patients to adopt healthy eating habits that emphasize whole foods, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil, while minimizing highly processed foods.

One eating plan that promotes this approach: the Mediterranean diet, which may help reduce inflammation while supporting your overall health. “While research on its specific benefits for psoriasis is still evolving, it represents a practical and sustainable approach for many people,” says Lio.

Bonus: A nutritious diet can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. “Excess weight is associated with increased inflammation, and weight reduction has been shown to improve psoriasis severity in many patients,” says Lio.

Levy cautions against following very restrictive eating plans. For example, the ketogenic diet has shown benefits for psoriasis in some studies. But the diet drastically limits carbohydrates, and that can be difficult to sustain. Your best bet, he says, is to find what works for you.

“Never think ‘If I don’t do this or that type of diet, I’m in trouble,” says Levy. “That just adds to your stress. Look into an eating plan that’s not complicated, like the Mediterranean diet, and consider eating less red meat or eating a vegetarian diet.”

4. Daily Movement

“Exercise is the quickest and easiest way to reduce stress and get healthier,” says Levy.

You don’t need to join a gym or push yourself to sweaty extremes. A short daily walk, especially when paired with a healthy diet, may ease your psoriasis, says Lio. How? In large part, by helping you toward a healthy weight, says Lio. In addition to walking, experts also recommend other gentle exercises, like yoga and cycling. Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day, four to five days per week.
Daily exercise also can improve your mood. That’s important because psoriasis raises your risk of both depression and anxiety by more than 30 percent.
Finally, exercise — along with a healthy diet — offers protection against the risks psoriasis poses to your overall health, such as heart disease and diabetes, says Lio.

5. Consistent Skin Care

"Regular skin care helps support the skin barrier and can reduce dryness, scaling, itching, and irritation,” says Lio, adding that consistency is critical. He recommends moisturizing daily, particularly right after bathing. It’s also important to find the bathing temperature that’s right for you. For some people, warm water causes itching, while others’ itching gets triggered by cold water. Experiment to determine your best temp and stick to it.
Gently pat yourself dry before applying your moisturizer. You may find it helps to moisturize more than once a day.
Lio says that many of his patients prefer thicker creams or ointments. Oils and heavy ointments may be your go-to if you have super dry skin. If you have thick scaling, moisturizers with salicylic acid offer additional benefits. They aid in lifting and removing those scales, allowing your topical medications to really get into your skin and do their work.

Which moisturizers will work best for you? Ask your dermatologist for recommendations and expect some trial and error.

“You need to experiment to find the ones you like,” says Levy.

6. A Little Time in the Sun

The right amount of sunlight every day may improve your psoriasis, though too much sun exposure can lead to psoriasis flares or worsen your ongoing symptoms. Ask your dermatologist for guidance.
Be sure to use sunscreen if you’re going to be outdoors for longer periods. This will help prevent flares. Do this year round, even on cloudy, cold days.

How to Build a Routine That Sticks

Establishing new healthy habits can feel daunting in the beginning, and such habits can be a challenge to maintain. Work on one habit at a time, says Levy. You and your doctor can determine the best place to start. If sleep’s your biggest issue, for example, focus on that first.

And remember that small changes will add up. Need to improve your diet? Don’t overwhelm yourself by going all in right away. For example, says Levy, if you eat red meat every day, consider slowly cutting back to once every week or two while gradually incorporating more vegetables.

Patience is key. You won’t see results from your new habits right away. In fact, says Levy, it likely will be months before you notice improvements. Keep going!

You can log your progress to help yourself stay on track. Use a journal or smartphone app daily to note your stress level, sleep quality, and other lifestyle factors that you’re working on. Also, jot down your psoriasis symptoms. Over time, says Lio, this may reveal patterns and reinforce positive changes. For example, if your symptoms bother you less when you sleep well, use that as encouragement to keep practicing your new and improved sleep habits.

 

Friday, 17 July 2026

The Essentials: Your Guide to Better Living with Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com

By Kellie Blake, RDN, LD, IFNCP

From recognising the early signs to building healthier everyday habits, explore expert-backed guidance for managing psoriasis 


KEY POINTS

  • Nutrition and lifestyle changes, like an anti-inflammatory diet, can help manage psoriasis symptoms.
  • Early treatment of psoriasis may reduce the risk of complications such as psoriatic arthritis and heart disease.
  • Small, sustainable habits—like stress management, sleep hygiene and regular movement—support long-term health.

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s considered a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells or organs instead of defending the body against harmful foreign invaders, such as viruses or bacteria.

As someone who has managed my own psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms, I know first-hand how powerful nutrition and lifestyle can be alongside medical care for this condition. Recognizing the early signs, understanding common triggers and knowing when to seek help are important first steps.

Psoriasis can affect more than your skin—symptoms can impact comfort, confidence, sleep and overall quality of life. That’s why, here at EatingWell, we explore both medical and lifestyle aspects of living with psoriasis. Read on to learn about early warning signs, risk factors, common misconceptions and practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help support healthier skin and your overall well-being. Our goal is to provide the knowledge, tools and encouragement you need to feel more confident in your psoriasis journey. 

Could It Be Psoriasis? 

Though psoriasis is a very common skin disease, it can sometimes look like other skin conditions.

“For most people, the first sign of psoriasis is a symmetrical, thick, scaly and itchy rash,” shares dermatologist Maria Robinson, M.D., M.B.A., FAAD. “In fairer skin tones, psoriasis patches tend to be pink or red, covered in white scales. In darker skin tones, they can be brown, violet or white with grey scales.”

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but it can affect any area of the body, including the nails and genitals. Robinson says, “Those areas are just as treatable, even though people may hesitate to bring them up [to their health care provider].”

Other signs may include:

  • Flaky scalp
  • Nail pitting or discoloration
  • Cracked or bleeding skin
  • Itchy, painful or burning skin

Like many autoimmune conditions, psoriasis has a genetic component. “Having a family history increases risk, as do certain infections (like strep throat), obesity, smoking and alcohol use,” says Robinson. Additionally, chronic stress, skin injuries and some medications may contribute to psoriasis development.

If you suspect psoriasis, there are healthy lifestyle habits you can begin adopting while seeking medical guidance. Research suggests that reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, following an anti-inflammatory eating pattern and addressing metabolic risk factors may help reduce systemic inflammation and support skin health.

Lora Jody, RD, LD, notes, “Although an individualized nutrition plan is often necessary, an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, has the strongest evidence for improving psoriasis.” Jody also encourages her clients to limit or avoid alcohol, noting that research has consistently linked alcohol use with an increased risk of developing psoriasis and more frequent flare-ups for those who have it.

If your skin symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with daily life, or if you develop nail changes or joint pain, it’s time to see your health care provider. Robinson says early treatment may help reduce the risk of complications such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression.

Where to Start with Psoriasis

Receiving a psoriasis diagnosis can bring relief, questions and sometimes uncertainty about what to do next. Because chronic inflammation is a key driver of psoriasis symptoms, nutrition is an incredibly powerful place to start to reduce the inflammatory burden. Although there isn’t a single “psoriasis diet,” some people with mild psoriasis may notice improved symptoms after making dietary changes.

Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Build meals around:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Omega-3-rich fatty fish
  • Olive oil
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Herbs and spices

At the same time, try to limit ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, added sugars and alcohol.

Support Healthy Blood Sugar

Blood sugar imbalances can increase inflammatory pathways involved in psoriasis. Simple strategies to support steady blood sugar include:

  • Including protein- and fibre-rich foods in every meal
  • Limiting sugary beverages and desserts high in added sugar
  • Choosing whole grains over refined grains
  • Maintaining regular meal timing

Identify Potential Food Triggers

Some people find that certain foods may worsen psoriasis symptoms. Shivani Sharma, RD, LD, CLT, CGN, recommends keeping a food and symptom journal for several weeks to see if you notice any patterns. For example, one of her clients with psoriasis noticed significant improvement after identifying corn and products made with it as trigger foods.

Working with a specialized registered dietitian can help you determine whether specific foods may be contributing to your symptoms.

Support Gut Health

Your gut plays a central role in digestion, immunity, metabolism and the regulation of inflammation. Support your gut health by:

  • Eating a variety of plant-based foods
  • Prioritizing fibre-rich foods such as raspberries, broccoli and green peas
  • Including fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut
  • Eating prebiotic foods like onions, garlic, oats and legumes
  • Staying hydrated
  • Limiting ultra-processed foods, added sugar and alcohol

There’s no need to overhaul your entire routine right away. Small, sustainable adjustments can help build a solid foundation for long-term health and symptom management. 

Eating Well Made Easy 

Following an anti-inflammatory eating pattern doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

One of the most effective strategies I recommend is meal planning. Spending a little bit of time each week planning meals and creating a shopping list can save time, reduce stress and help you manage your condition successfully. Here are some anti-inflammatory foods I recommend stocking. 

Colourful Fruits & Vegetables

  • Frozen and canned varieties are often just as nutritious as the fresh ones
  • Pre-cut options can save time

Budget-Friendly Protein Sources

  • Canned salmon, sardines, and tuna (high in omega-3 fats)
  • Eggs
  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Chicken thighs
  • Greek yogurt

Plant-Based Proteins

  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Black beans
  • Edamame

High-Fibre Carbohydrates

  • Oats
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Whole-grain pasta

Simple Psoriasis-Friendly Snacks

  • Apples with nut butter
  • Strained (Greek-style) yogurt with berries
  • Hummus and vegetables
  • Dark chocolate with almonds

When reading food labels, look for items with more fibre and less added sugar.

Lifestyle Habits to Help Manage Psoriasis

Nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle. Daily habits can also influence inflammation and how well your psoriasis symptoms are managed. 

Make Healthy Eating Easier

  • Meal-prep proteins, whole grains and vegetables ahead of time
  • Review restaurant menus before dining out
  • Double recipes and use leftovers for lunch
  • Keep healthy snacks readily available
  • Adapt favourite meals using anti-inflammatory ingredients

Manage Stress

Stress is a common psoriasis trigger. Helpful stress-management practices may include:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Deep breathing
  • Tai chi
  • Spending time outdoors

Even finding a few minutes each day for stress management can make a meaningful difference.

Prioritize Sleep

Poor sleep is common among people with psoriasis and may contribute to inflammation. Support better sleep by:

  • Maintaining a consistent bedtime
  • Creating a relaxing evening routine
  • Limiting screen exposure before bed
  • Avoiding large meals close to bedtime helps prevent indigestion
  • Aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep nightly

Stay Active

Regular movement can help support overall health and address some of the underlying factors associated with psoriasis, such as uncontrolled inflammation and immune system dysregulation, excess stress and poor metabolic health and sleep. Exercise doesn’t need to be intense—walking for 10 to 15 minutes after meals is a great place to start.

The best exercise plan is one that fits your abilities, preferences and symptoms while supporting long-term consistency. Small, sustainable habits often have the greatest impact over time. 

Our Expert Take

Living with psoriasis can feel challenging at times, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. While there’s no single cure for psoriasis and medical care is essential, everyday choices—like what you eat, how you move and how well you sleep and manage stress—can make a meaningful difference. The goal isn’t perfection or quick fixes, but rather building small, sustainable habits that support your overall health and well-being. With the right information and a realistic approach, it’s possible to feel more confident managing psoriasis day-to-day. 

Editor: Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia 

Recipes, Photography & Visuals: Cassie Basford; Maria Emmighausen; Lecia Landis, Alex Loh; Ali Redmond; Hilary Meyer; Emily Lactrupp, M.S., RD; Beth Stewart; Marianne Williams; Elizabeth Mervosh

Special Thanks: Carolyn Malcoun; Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD; Sophie Johnson; Alysia Bebel; Allison Little; Jessica Ball, M.S., RD; Anne Treadwell; and the entire staff of EatingWell.


https://www.eatingwell.com/psoriasis-awareness-month-12016447