When you have psoriasis, reducing triggers is an important part of managing your condition and avoiding flare-ups. Psoriasis flare-ups can be caused by a variety of triggers, including bad weather, excess stress, and certain foods.
Let’s take a look at the foods that are most likely to trigger a psoriasis flare-up. There are some foods that are helpful to incorporate and certain diets to consider when creating a treatment plan for your psoriasis.
The foods listed below have been reported to trigger flare-ups, but they may not affect all those affected by psoriasis.
Foods to avoid if you have psoriasis
With psoriasis, it’s important to avoid foods that can trigger inflammation. Inflammation and the immune system’s response can lead to a flare-up.
Red meat and dairy
Both red meat and dairy, especially eggs, contain a polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid. Past research has shown that by-products of arachidonic acid may play a role in creating psoriatic lesions.
Foods to avoid include:
- red meat, especially beef
- sausage, bacon, and other processed red meats
- eggs and egg dishes
Gluten
Celiac disease is a health condition characterized by an autoimmune response to the protein gluten. People with psoriasis have been found to have increased markers for gluten sensitivity. If you have psoriasis and gluten sensitivity, it’s important to cut out foods containing traces of gluten.
Foods to avoid include:
- wheat and wheat derivatives
- rye, barley, and malt
- pasta, noodles, and baked goods containing wheat, rye, barley, and malt
- certain processed foods
- certain sauces and condiments
- beer and malt beverages
Processed foods
Eating too many processed, high-calorie foods can lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and a variety of chronic health conditions. Certain conditions, such as the previously mentiond conditions, cause chronic inflammation in the body, which may be linked to psoriasis flare-ups.
Foods to avoid include:
- processed meats
- prepackaged food products
- canned fruits and vegetables
- any processed foods high in sugar, salt, and fat
Nightshades
One of the most commonly reported triggers for psoriasis flare-ups is the consumption of nightshades. Nightshade plants contain solanine, which has been known to affect digestion in humans and may be a cause of inflammation.
Foods to avoid include:
- tomatoes
- potatoes
- eggplants
- peppers
Alcohol
Autoimmune flare-ups are linked to the health of the immune system. Alcohol is believed to be a psoriasis trigger due to its disruptive effects on the various pathways of the immune system. If you have psoriasis, it may be best to drink alcohol very sparingly.
Junk food
These foods usually are packed with saturated and trans fats, as well as refined starches and sugars, which can cause inflammation. Junk foods are typically loaded with calories, and many who suffer from psoriasis are also overweight.
Citrus Fruit
Allergic reactions can prompt psoriasis flare-ups. Grapefruit, lemons, oranges and limes can be problematic. Try removing these fruits from your diet and see if it improves your skin. You also may want to eliminate drinks such as lemonade, grapefruit juice and orange juice.
While experts acknowledge that any direct links between psoriasis and what we eat are yet to be established, anecdotal evidence from sufferers indicates that changes in your diet can help ease painful symptoms.
Try eliminating some of the above items from your diet and see if it helps your skin. You may be pleased with the results.
