The Anti-Psoriasis Diet For Psoriasis Control – What To Eat And Avoid

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is a chronic skin problem and an autoimmune disease. Symptoms include irritation, redness, and scaling. When left untreated, psoriasis can lead to more severe conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments can help ease symptoms. One such treatment is following a psoriasis detox diet.

Keep reading to learn more about the best and worst foods for psoriasis.

What Is Psoriasis And What Causes It?

Before we understand which foods to eat and avoid, let’s first talk about what causes psoriasis. Psoriasis occurs when your body’s immune system overreacts, causing skin cells to grow too quickly. This buildup of skin cells leads to patches of thickened, scaly skin. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is believed to be genetic and/or triggered by certain environmental factors such as injuries or infections.

Now that we know more about what causes psoriasis, let’s talk about diet. 

The Benefits Of Following An Anti-psoriasis Diet

Fig. 1. An anti-psoriasis diet may lower the risk of other autoimmune diseases.

There are many potential benefits of following an anti-psoriasis diet. For one, eating certain foods can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a critical factor in psoriasis flare-ups. By reducing inflammation, you can help to reduce your psoriasis symptoms. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can also help to boost your immune system. This is important because people with psoriasis are at an increased risk for developing other autoimmune diseases, like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Best Foods To Eat To Manage Psoriasis

Fig. 2. Salmon and other fatty fishes are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

There is no one-size-fits-all diet for people with psoriasis. However, certain foods can help ease symptoms, and others that can trigger flare-ups. Therefore, you should focus on eating anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding triggers.

If you have psoriasis, there are certain foods you should include in your diet to help ease your symptoms. These include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Salmon, tuna, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds are all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for healthy skin cell growth. You can get vitamin D from sunshine or foods like eggs, cheese, fortified milk, and fatty fish. In addition, vitamin D helps reduce inflammation and can help control psoriasis flare-ups.

• Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria good for the gut and can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods. They help promote gut health and a robust immune system, which are essential for people with psoriasis.

• Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin—a compound that has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Adding turmeric to your diet can help to ease psoriasis symptoms like itching and redness.

• Blueberries

Blueberries contain a lot of antioxidants and are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Add a handful of blueberries to your morning oatmeal or yogurt.

• Broccoli

Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamins A, C, and E, which are great for promoting healthy skin cell growth. Add broccoli to your lunch or dinner salads.

• Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc—a mineral essential for healthy skin cell growth. Enjoy a handful of pumpkin seeds as a snack, or sprinkle them on your salad at lunchtime.

• Green leafy vegetables

These are powerhouses when it comes to reducing inflammation. So consider adding kale, spinach, collards, and Swiss chard to your diet.

• Coconut oil

Like omega-3 fatty acids, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory features. Coconut oil is also very hydrating and can help to soothe dry, irritated, and itchy skin.

• Avocados

Avocados are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that are good for the skin. They also contain carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, which can help to protect against UV damage.

• Green Tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from damage. It also contains polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which treat psoriasis effectively. 

Foods To Avoid If You Have Psoriasis

Fig. 3. Fried and processed meat should be avoided.

Just as there are certain foods you should eat if you have psoriasis, there are also certain foods you should avoid. These include:

• Sugar

Too much sugar consumption has been linked to inflammation not only of the skin but the whole body. So cut back on sugary drinks and processed snacks like cookies and cake.

• Dairy

Dairy products contain Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones (GHRHs), which have been shown to increase inflammation.

• Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat linked to gastrointestinal problems and inflammation. Opt for a gluten-free diet by choosing gluten-free bread or pasta.

• Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people. So if you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and avoid drinks that contain congeners—substances that can increase inflammation, such as bourbon and red wine.

• Refined carbs

Refined carbs such as white bread, white rice, and processed cereal can cause blood sugar spikes, aggravating psoriasis symptoms. Opt for complex carbs such as whole grain bread, quinoa, and oats instead.

• Nightshades

Nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant contain solanine—a substance that can trigger inflammation in some people with psoriasis. If you find that nightshades trigger your symptoms, eliminate them from your diet or eat them in moderation.

• Trans-fats

Found in fried foods, processed snacks (think: chips and crackers), and some types of margarine. Trans-fats increase inflammation throughout the body and can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Where To Start With Your Anti-psoriasis Diet

Many different dietary approaches can help in psoriasis control. For example, elimination diets involve removing certain foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve and are often used to identify trigger foods. Once trigger foods have been identified, they can be avoided to help keep flare-ups at bay. Other practical dietary approaches include following an anti-inflammatory diet or a Mediterranean diet.

An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on eating foods that help reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that this type of diet can help improve psoriasis symptoms. Common anti-inflammatory foods include oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, fruits and vegetables such as berries and leafy greens, nuts and seeds such as flaxseeds and chia seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil.

A Mediterranean diet is similar to an anti-inflammatory diet in that it also focuses on eating foods that help reduce inflammation in the body. This diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and fish. Some studies have even shown that a Mediterranean diet can help reduce the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis—a form of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis.

Choose one that will work best for your situation. It’s best to consult your doctor before starting any anti-psoriasis diet.

Tips For Sticking To An Anti-psoriasis Diet

Fig. 4. Plan your meal so you wouldn’t deviate from your anti-psoriasis diet.

If you’re trying to control your psoriasis with diet, here are a few tips to help you stick to your regimen.

• Plan ahead.

Meal prepping and batch cooking can help you stay on track when you’re busy or prefer to avoid cooking. Choose recipes that can be easily adapted to your dietary needs and make enough for leftovers. Planning will also help you avoid impulsive decisions when you’re hungry and more likely to indulge in off-limits foods.

• Commit to your diet change.

Acknowledge that there will be bumps in the road and give yourself grace when you slip up, but don’t let one wrong choice derail your entire diet. Getting back on track is always easier than starting from scratch, so recommit yourself daily and be patient with the process. Remember why you’re doing this, and keep your long-term goals in mind.

• Find a support system.

Many people find it helpful to enlist family and friends’ help when making lifestyle changes. Share your diet goals with them and seek their support. If a physical meetup is impossible, you could join a group or online community with similar interests or aspirations. Having others to lean on can make the journey much easier—and more enjoyable! 

• Be prepared for social situations.

Refraining from fear of social situations stops you from sticking to your diet. If you know you’ll be attending an event with tempting foods, eat something beforehand so you’re not as hungry and have a game plan for what you will—and won’t—eat. Bring your food if necessary, or offer a dish to share, so you know there will be something safe for you to eat. And don’t forget there are always non-food ways to enjoy time with loved ones, such as going for a walk or playing a game together.

• Keep a food journal

Jotting down everything you eat in a journal can help hold you accountable and provide insights into patterns or triggers that might cause problematic eating habits or lapses in self-control. A food journal can also help work with a nutritionist or doctor to customize an anti-psoriasis diet plan that works best for you.

Following an anti-psoriasis diet doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does take some effort and planning. However, meal prepping, being mindful of social situations, keeping a food journal, and finding a supportive network can make sticking to your diet much more manageable. And remember, even small changes can have a significant impact when it comes to managing psoriasis.

Medovie – A Supplement To Your Anti-psoriasis Diet

A psoriasis detox diet can help you minimize the onset of the skin problem, but you will need help to completely stop it from happening. And in case the symptoms appear, you need a solution to soothe and calm your skin. We’re not talking about aloe vera or the usual over-the-counter psoriasis control cream that doesn’t have a long-lasting effect. Instead, you need a skincare product from Medovie that is suitable for sensitive skin.

Medovie is a company that has been innovating in the skin care industry for over ten years. We have found success with our 3HX™ Formula, which combines traditional Chinese medicine and modern research to provide long-lasting, holistic comfort to those suffering from restless skin problems.

We have a range of products for the scalp and skin, and we also have tablets that can help improve healthy cell production to help manage your skin problems inside and out. Check out our products section or book an appointment with our skin experts to know which package is the best for your needs.