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Psoriasis and Diet: Best and Worst Food and Drinks for Psoriasis

April 9, 2023

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Living with psoriasis can be a challenge, especially when it comes to managing flare-ups. While psoriasis is not caused by diet alone, what you eat and drink may affect your psoriasis symptoms. It’s important to understand which food and drinks are best for managing psoriasis flare-ups. In this article, we will discuss some of the best and worst food and drinks for those with psoriasis as well as how alcohol consumption may affect those with this condition.

Psoriasis And Its Symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that can affect any body part and cause an itchy, scaly rash, usually on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. It has no known cure but there are various options for psoriasis treatment available to help manage symptoms that may flare up for weeks or months before going away again. Common triggers include infections, cuts, and burns as well as certain medications. Lifestyle habits such as stress management may also support better living with psoriasis.

Psoriasis can present differently for each person, with symptoms ranging from mild dandruff-like scaling to more severe rashes covering large parts of the body. Common signs and symptoms include patches of different colors (such as shades of purple on brown or black skin and pink/red on white), small-scale spots, dryness that may crack and bleed, itching/burning sensation in affected areas along with soreness. In some cases, there may be cyclic flare-ups that last a few weeks before subsiding again.

Psoriasis causes an itchy, scaly rash, usually on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp

The Link Between Diet and Psoriasis

Nutrition has long been thought to play a role in the management of psoriasis with recent studies suggesting that certain nutrients and foods can help reduce psoriasis symptoms. A study published in PubMed examined how nutritional strategies may provide relief for those affected by this skin condition.

This study reveals that psoriasis and its comorbidities, such as obesity or cardiovascular diseases, are linked to nutrition. There are increasing numbers of comorbidities associated with psoriasis that have serious health and psychological implications. Recent research has shown a link between psoriasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has a higher prevalence among patients with psoriasis.

Moreover, research also suggests that individuals with psoriasis may be at an increased risk of developing several conditions such as addiction to alcohol or tobacco, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, eye problems, gum disease, heart and blood vessel diseases, kidney disease, liver disease, mood disorders, obesity, psoriatic arthritis, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. The risk of developing related diseases may also increase with the duration of psoriasis, but adopting a healthy lifestyle may help to mitigate this risk.

Certain foods may worsen your psoriatic condition–like saturated fatty acids, simple sugars, red meat, and alcohol. But other nutrients have also been identified to aid those suffering from psoriasis, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, dietary fibers, and probiotics. The study suggests that personalizing diets according to one’s nutritional status and type of psoriasis could be an effective way of managing this skin disorder. Indeed, certain nutrients and food can either make psoriasis symptoms worse or help ease those symptoms.

Psoriasis and Food: What to Avoid and What to Consume

If you are living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, diet can play an important role in improving your symptoms. Focus on choosing whole foods that help reduce inflammation such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like salmon and other fatty fish, healthy fats from nuts & seeds, and olive oil – all part of the Mediterranean diet for example. Also, swap out sugary snacks and pastries for conventional fruits – such as apples or oranges.

It’s also wise to avoid inflammatory trigger foods which include alcohol, dairy products high in saturated fat (like red meat), refined carbs (such as white bread) transfats found mainly in processed goods or fried food items plus those containing gluten AND added sugar. Aside from aiding in making psoriasis worse, these may negatively impact chronic health conditions not solely related to skin health too.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, eating fatty foods may put your body’s immunity into overdrive, triggering an inflammatory response. This can cause adipose tissue (body fat) to become inflamed around the entire body – a condition that is often seen in individuals who are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, studies suggest this chronic inflammation increases risks for psoriasis and other related diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more.

Incorporating a balanced diet is also key to treating psoriasis. People with psoriasis should eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods can help ease chronic inflammation that can trigger psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Avoiding certain foods such as red meat and dairy can also help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Consequently, it pays off to keep processed and unhealthy food items in check for long-term good health benefits.

Certain foods can either exacerbate or ameliorate psoriasis symptoms

Drinks to Avoid for Psoriasis

One of the most important things people with psoriasis can do to ease their symptoms is to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol has been known to be a psoriasis trigger and may make symptoms worse. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that people with psoriasis limit their alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.

Moreover, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common complication in people with psoriasis. Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen this condition and lead to liver damage. Therefore, it is important to avoid alcohol abuse and maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol or sweetened beverages as this could worsen any existing flares ups and increase the chances of developing psoriasis further. If you have psoriasis, there are benefits to limiting your alcohol consumption. Not only could it reduce the impact of disease flare-ups, but evidence suggests that cutting back on drinks may also lead to more successful treatments and remissions. For women specifically, it presents an opportunity for a reduced risk of developing psoriatic arthritis or fatty liver disease down the line – as well as decreased danger from any psoriasis medications.

Drinks to Consume for Psoriasis

While alcohol should be avoided, certain drinks can help ease psoriasis symptoms. Drinking water is the most important step in keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. Keeping the body hydrated helps to flush out toxins that could trigger psoriasis flares. Additionally, drinking water helps to maintain healthy skin and supports the immune system, which is crucial for fighting off psoriatic skin symptoms.

Tea is another drink that can help with psoriasis symptoms. Tea has many antioxidants which can assist in reducing inflammation and improving overall well-being. Certain teas such as green tea contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. Herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint tea can also be beneficial to those with psoriasis.

Trade in sugary and dairy drinks for antioxidant-rich beverages like coffee or tea—as these can help reduce inflammation. Opt for herbal tea infused with natural flavors like cucumber or mint.

Lifestyle And Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be a challenging condition to manage, but healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding alcohol consumption and incorporating a balanced diet can make a significant difference. Drinking water and certain teas can help ease psoriasis symptoms, while excessive alcohol consumption can worsen the condition and increase the risk of liver disease. People with psoriasis should work with their healthcare provider to find the right plan to treat psoriasis and make lifestyle changes that promote healthy skin and a healthy immune system.

In a prospective study about alcohol intake and the risk of incident psoriasis in US women, it was found that there is a clear correlation between smoking and psoriasis development, both in women and men. Smokers are more likely to develop this skin condition compared to non-smokers. Moreover, as the duration of smoking increases beyond ten (10) years so does the risk of developing psoriasis. Researchers suggest various biological processes could be at play in such an association; including immune system changes and altered levels of autoantibodies plus proinflammatory cytokines production being among them.

Luckily though, if you’ve been a smoker and are struggling with psoriasis, quitting could be key in alleviating your symptoms. Not only can smoking cessation moderate the immune system to help manage flare-ups, but research has found that risks of developing the condition were higher for current smokers than those who had quit before – meaning changes now may make all the difference later on. Even secondhand smoke during childhood was associated with an increased risk of psoriasis. Making sure no one around you is exposed to cigarette smoke today will also reduce any potential long-term damage.

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With the natural power of our 3HX Formula, it won’t be long until you start seeing and feeling changes. Many of our customers have reported noticing a difference after just four weeks. But every situation is unique and if you’re dealing with something more stubborn, don’t worry – simply keep applying the formula consistently. 

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