Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and causes red, scaly plaques, and severe inflammation. Food undoubtedly has a role in skin diseases like Psoriasis, particularly when flare-ups occur, but there is no typical diet for this condition. However, people see improvement when they avoid certain food items or start eating specific foods. Keep reading to find out how treating Psoriasis through diet is possible and which foods to avoid to control the condition. 

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is classified as an immune-mediated inflammatory disease, meaning that it is an inflammatory condition in the body brought on by a compromised immune system. Visible indicators of inflammation might include skin scales and elevated plaques, which vary in appearance depending on the skin type of the patient. This condition is caused by an accelerated skin cell turnover process by the body because of an overactive immune system.

It takes a month for normal skin cells to fully develop and shed the previous layer, but skin cells with psoriasis do this in just three to four days. As a result, immature skin cells accumulate on the skin's surface rather than falling off, and then these plaques begin to itch and produce a burning sensation. Though they can occur anywhere on the body, plaques and scales are most frequently observed on the scalp, knees, and elbows of the patient. 

Psoriasis-related inflammation can also affect other tissues and organs of your body and might even cause other illnesses to manifest. Psoriatic arthritis can occur in one in three Psoriasis patients, and symptoms include pain, stiffness, and edema in the joints and surrounding tissues.  

The Link between Psoriasis and Diet 

When you have Psoriasis, the excessively active inflammatory response of your immune system causes red, scaly plaques on your skin. What’s more, your immune system produces a vicious cycle of swelling and inflammation when it attacks healthy skin cells. Although eating cannot directly cause this illness, certain foods, such as fried foods, processed meals, and sugary foods, can aggravate inflammation and lead to generalized inflammation and irritation in your body.

Additionally, research has indicated that an increase in body fat increases long-term inflammation, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing psoriasis. You need to remember that it's not about how much you eat, it's about what you eat, how active you are, and your lifestyle choices that significantly impact the severity of your psoriasis symptoms. Treating psoriasis through diet is possible, but it cannot fully cure the condition, it can only help you manage the symptoms. 

In addition to eating anti-inflammatory foods that can reduce the effects of this disease, individuals with Psoriasis should collaborate closely with their healthcare professionals to create personalized dietary regimens. Doctors agree that a balanced, nutritious diet also lowers your chance of developing additional psoriasis-related diseases, such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and heart conditions.

Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Psoriasis 

Inflammation occurs when your immune system attacks cells it perceives as a threat, a process that is beneficial when the immune system works normally. However, when you have Psoriasis, your immune system becomes overactive and starts attacking healthy skin cells, causing the symptoms of the disease. If you eat anti-inflammatory foods, they can help affect the actions of the immune system by making you healthier, and your Psoriasis symptoms will become easier to control. Here is a list of foods that you should try if you have Psoriasis:   

• Fiber

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, lentils, and whole grains are foods high in dietary fiber that support gut health and aid in reducing inflammation. These foods also support and nourish the beneficial microorganisms in your stomach.

• Antioxidants  

Studies have indicated that consuming a diet rich in antioxidants may be beneficial in the reduction of inflammation. Free radicals are substances that harm cells and cause inflammation, but free radicals’ activity in the body is controlled by antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and various teas that can help psoriasis. Spices including garlic, ginger, and turmeric should also be included in the diet since these are great sources of antioxidants.  

• Healthy fats

Healthy fats may also aid in reducing the body's inflammatory response, and some study suggests that consuming more omega-3-rich foods may lessen the severity of psoriasis. The best thing to eat to receive omega-3 naturally is seafood and research has connected the body's reduced levels of inflammation with omega-3.

• Fresh vegetables and fruits

As part of an anti-inflammatory dietary regimen, you should include certain fresh foods, such as lentils, peas, beans, avocado, and various fruits, in your diet.  

Foods to Avoid for Psoriasis

Gluten

It has been discovered that psoriasis patients have higher chances of gluten intolerance, and that’s why you should eliminate everything from your diet if you have Psoriasis. The 9 foods to avoid with Psoriasis because of gluten are pasta, noodles, rice, barley, malt, rye, baked products made from wheat, malt drinks, and beer. 

Red meat and dairy

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in dairy products, eggs, and red meat, and studies have indicated that arachidonic acid byproducts might contribute to the development of psoriatic lesions. You should also stay away from red meats, bacon, and egg dishes, as they can worsen inflammation.   

Nightshades

Eating nightshades is one of the most common factors for flare-ups of Psoriasis because Solanine, found in nightshade plants, has been linked to inflammation. You should avoid eating these foods, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and chilies.

Processed foods

Overindulgence in processed, high-calorie meals can result in metabolic syndrome, obesity, and a host of other chronic illnesses that increase Psoriasis flare-ups. Processed foods to avoid for Psoriasis include processed meats, packaged food items, fruits and vegetables in cans, as well as processed meals rich in fat, sugar, and salt.

Alcohol

The state of the immune system is related to flare-ups of autoimmune diseases like Psoriasis. Alcohol disrupts the immune system in numerous ways, and it is wise to consume alcohol very rarely or stop taking it altogether if you have psoriasis.

Final Remarks 

Autoimmune diseases such as Psoriasis can be controlled by dietary adjustments even though diet cannot cure the condition. If you suffer from Psoriasis, include a lot of anti-inflammatory items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy oils, and avoid inflammatory foods like meat, dairy, and processed meals. When looking for information about how your diet might help manage your condition, it's always ideal to get in touch with a doctor.