How What You Eat Can Trigger a Psoriasis Flare-Up

If you want a way to actively combat the red, itchy, scaly skin that comes with psoriasis, turn to your plate. Here’s a look at how food can be an ally or a trigger for this skin condition.

Medical researchers are still on the hunt for a cure for psoriasis. While we wait for them to uncover something to correct this autoimmune disorder, we do have several ways to improve the skin issues it causes.

This includes the targeted psoriasis treatment Kenneth Warrick, MD, FAAD, and our team offer here at Atlantic Dermatology in Longs, South Carolina. In addition to options like medication and light therapy, people get the best results when they learn their own psoriasis triggers and avoid them. To a large extent, that means paying attention to what you eat.

The connection between food and psoriasis

Your diet can help or hurt your psoriasis. If you’re not mindful of what you eat and how it affects your skin, you might be eating trigger foods without even knowing it. That’s not great news, but the reverse is also true. If you pay attention to the way foods and drinks affect your skin, you can go a long way toward avoiding psoriasis flare-ups.

In fact, the National Psoriasis Foundation says that a good nutrition plan can not only lessen your symptoms but also minimize the way psoriasis affects your overall health.

So, what do good food choices look like when you have psoriasis? Generally, it means steering clear of known trigger foods and opting instead for those that fight inflammation and boost your overall health.

Top food triggers of psoriasis

Researchers have identified several foods and drinks that increase inflammation in the body and make psoriasis worse. Those include options with:

Dairy
Gluten
Alcohol
Refined carbs
Saturated fats
Trans fats
Added sugar

Some people also report that nightshades — like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes — worsen their psoriasis symptoms.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you can never have another french fry or enjoy an occasional cocktail. Instead, managing your psoriasis means being mindful of what you eat and how it affects you.

If you’re planning a weekend relaxing at home, maybe you’re okay to enjoy some of these potential triggers. If you’ve got a big beach outing, though, and you want to minimize your scaly, itchy patches, steering clear of things from this list can help.

What to eat with psoriasis

While some foods can make your symptoms worse, others can help you enjoy healthier, clearer skin.

Generally, a nutritious, balanced diet goes a long way here. Look for ways to fill your plate with:

Fruits and vegetables
Lean proteins
Legumes
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds

Dr. Warrick and our team can help you develop a healthy eating plan that benefits both your skin and your overall health.

To learn more about how food can affect your psoriasis or to get started with a proactive psoriasis management plan, call our team at (843) 399-9965 or book your appointment online today.