What Should Psoriasis Patients Avoid? Foods to Avoid

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes bothersome symptoms such as redness, scaling, and itching. Dietary habits can affect the course of psoriasis, and some foods may trigger flare-ups. In this article, we will answer the question of what psoriasis patients should avoid, explore foods to be avoided, and provide tips on how to create a healthy diet.

The Relationship Between Psoriasis and Nutrition

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes symptoms such as inflammation, scaling, and itching. It occurs due to the immune system reacting excessively to skin cells.

This disease not only affects the skin but can also affect overall body health. Recent studies have shown that nutrition can either exacerbate or alleviate the severity of psoriasis. (Zuccotti et al., 2018; Barrea et al., 2015). Eating habits directly affect the course of the disease; while some foods increase inflammation, others relax the body and help fight inflammation. (Barrea et al., 2015). Therefore, the question of what psoriasis patients should avoid is crucial in disease management.

What Should Psoriasis Patients Avoid?

Psoriasis is a condition where the immune system excessively reacts to the body’s skin cells, leading to scaling, itching, and redness. Eating habits directly affect the severity of psoriasis.

Foods that Increase Inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and nutrition can trigger or alleviate this process. Excessively sugary and processed foods can increase inflammation in the body, making the disease worse. For example, high glycemic index foods can increase insulin levels and exacerbate inflammation in the body (Gisondi et al., 2008). Additionally, processed foods and fast food consumption can lead to toxin buildup in the body, further increasing the severity of psoriasis (Millsop et al., 2014).

Saturated Fats and Trans Fats

Saturated fats and trans fats can worsen psoriasis. These fats trigger inflammatory responses, increasing inflammation in the skin. Especially red meat and processed meat products are rich in saturated fats, and excessive consumption of such foods can exacerbate psoriasis. Moreover, trans fats are known to increase fat accumulation in the body, which may cause the immune system to overreact (Zuccotti et al., 2018).

Milk and Dairy Products

Milk and dairy products may pose problems for some psoriasis patients. Various studies have shown that when psoriasis patients consume dairy products, their symptoms may worsen. This may be due to lactose and some proteins in dairy products triggering the immune system (Millsop et al., 2014). Especially full-fat milk and cheeses can be among the foods that exacerbate psoriasis.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another factor that can worsen psoriasis. Alcohol increases inflammation in the body, leading to more severe psoriasis. Excessive alcohol consumption, in particular, can weaken the response to treatment and worsen the disease’s symptoms (Gisondi et al., 2008). Therefore, alcohol consumption should be completely avoided.

Pro-inflammatory Foods in Psoriasis

Some foods can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms. Let’s examine the foods psoriasis patients should avoid:

Processed Foods and Sugar

Fast food and ready-made foods typically contain high amounts of trans fats and refined sugar. These foods can increase inflammation in the body and worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Sugary beverages and sweets can also trigger inflammation by raising blood sugar levels.

Red Meat and Processed Meat Products

Red meat and processed meats such as sausages, salami, etc., contain high amounts of saturated fats and arachidonic acid. These components can trigger inflammation processes and make psoriasis worse.

Alcohol

Alcohol can create an inflammatory response in the body and suppress the immune system. For psoriasis patients, alcohol can increase skin inflammation and complicate the treatment process.

White Bread and Refined Carbohydrates

White bread and other processed carbohydrates rapidly raise blood sugar and increase inflammation in the body.

For controlling psoriasis, it may be helpful to avoid inflammation-increasing foods and focus on eating more vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Food Allergies and Sensitivities in Psoriasis Patients

Psoriasis is a condition where the immune system overreacts, and certain foods can increase the severity of the disease. Food allergies and sensitivities are commonly observed in psoriasis patients. Some foods can trigger inflammation in the body and further worsen the symptoms of the disease. These allergic reactions or food sensitivities can make it harder for patients to manage their symptoms.

Psoriasis patients may have allergic reactions to certain foods. Dairy products, in particular, may be problematic for these patients. Dairy products can trigger the immune system, worsening the severity of psoriasis. Additionally, sensitivity to gluten and some processed foods is also common among psoriasis patients. Allergy or sensitivity to these foods triggers the body’s immune system and increases inflammation, leading to flare-ups of psoriasis (Zuccotti et al., 2018).

Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten can be a significant trigger for some psoriasis patients. Gluten sensitivity is more pronounced in individuals with celiac disease. Various studies have shown that gluten can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis and trigger flare-ups. Gluten can initiate an inflammatory response that triggers psoriasis by stimulating the immune system (Millsop et al., 2014).

Sensitivity to Milk and Dairy Products

Some psoriasis patients show sensitivity to milk and dairy products. The proteins in these products can trigger the body’s immune system, increasing inflammation and worsening the disease’s symptoms. Milk, especially full-fat milk and cheeses, can worsen psoriasis (Barrea et al., 2015).

Processed Foods and Preservatives

Processed foods and additives can cause allergic reactions in some psoriasis patients. These foods may lead to toxin buildup in the body and trigger an overreaction of the immune system. This can make psoriasis more severe (Zuccotti et al., 2018).

Food allergies and sensitivities in psoriasis patients can complicate the management of the disease. Therefore, it is important for psoriasis patients to understand which foods may trigger allergic reactions and which foods they may be sensitive to. Dietary changes can alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and improve the course of the disease.

Anti-inflammatory Alternatives for Psoriasis Patients

Psoriasis is a condition where the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation, scaling, and itching in the skin. Inflammation is the hallmark feature of the disease and plays an important role in the treatment process. While conventional treatments are used to reduce the severity of psoriasis, some patients prefer to use anti-inflammatory natural alternatives alongside these treatments. These alternatives may help reduce the severity of psoriasis and improve the patients’ quality of life.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil, have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids can regulate inflammatory processes in the body and reduce the severity of psoriasis. Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements have led to significant improvements in psoriasis patients’ skin lesions (Millsop et al., 2014).

Olive Oil

Olive oil, a staple of Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Oleocanthal, found in olive oil, is a compound that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Olive oil can help alleviate inflammation caused by psoriasis and improve skin health. Additionally, olive oil is known to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain the skin’s moisture balance.

Garlic and Turmeric

Garlic and turmeric are commonly used herbal alternatives in traditional treatments. Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory effects and regulates the immune system. Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that turmeric reduces skin inflammation and alleviates psoriasis symptoms. Turmeric’s potential to reduce systemic inflammation can be beneficial for psoriasis patients.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural compound widely used for skin health. Aloe vera gel has soothing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Psoriasis patients can use aloe vera gel to alleviate inflammation and itching on the skin. Additionally, aloe vera helps speed up skin cell renewal, aiding in the healing of lesions caused by psoriasis.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that green tea, particularly by reducing skin inflammation and oxidative stress, benefits psoriasis patients. Topical application of green tea may lead to improvement in the skin of psoriasis patients.

Probiotics

Probiotics, which support the immune system, are also prominent alternatives in the treatment of psoriasis. Probiotics help the immune system function properly by improving gut health. The gut flora of psoriasis patients may differ from that of healthy individuals. Therefore, probiotic supplements can alleviate psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation.

Nutrition plays a major role in the treatment of psoriasis. Avoiding foods that increase inflammation and consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can positively impact the course of the disease. For more information, visit our “Psoriasis” page and learn more by exploring our blog post, “Everything About Ala Disease.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a special diet for psoriasis?

Nutrition is an important factor in managing psoriasis. A specific diet can help reduce the severity of the disease. Avoiding foods that increase inflammation and opting for healthy, anti-inflammatory foods may be beneficial.

Can psoriasis patients consume milk and dairy products?

Psoriasis patients may show sensitivity to milk and dairy products. Some patients may experience worsening symptoms after consuming dairy products. Therefore, dairy consumption may need to be limited for some patients.

Does gluten trigger psoriasis?

Gluten may worsen the symptoms of psoriasis in some patients. Gluten sensitivity is more pronounced in individuals with celiac disease. The effect of gluten can vary from person to person.

References:

Zuccotti, E., Oliveri, M., Girometta, C., Ratto, D., Di Iorio, C., Occhinegro, A., & Rossi, P. (2018). Nutritional strategies for psoriasis: current scientific evidence in clinical trials. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 22, 8537-8551.

Barrea, L., Nappi, F., Di Somma, C., Savanelli, M. C., Falco, A., Balato, A., Balato, N., & Savastano, S. (2015). Nutrition and psoriasis: is there any association between the severity of the disease and adherence to the Mediterranean diet?. Journal of Translational Medicine, 13, 18.

Millsop, J. W., Bhatia, B. K., Debbaneh, M., Koo, J., & Liao, W. (2014). Diet and psoriasis, part III: role of nutritional supplements. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 71, 561-569.

Gisondi, P., Del Giglio, M., Di Francesco, V., Zamboni, M., & Girolomoni, G. (2008). Weight loss improves the response of obese patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis to low-dose cyclosporine therapy: a randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded clinical trial. American Journal of Nutrition, 88, 1242-1247.

Nelson, K. M., Dahlin, J. L., Bisson, J., Graham, J., Pauli, G. F., & Walters, M. A. (2017). The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin: miniperspective. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 60, 1620-1637.