Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) skin disease and is associated with the dysfunction of the immune system. Our skin cells normally grow and shed in around a month. However, with psoriasis, the skin cells do this in just 3-4 days. Instead of completely shedding, it starts to pile up on the surface of the skin, causing the flare-up of Scales. This can appear on any part of the body, although commonly found on elbows, knees,stomach and scalp. Its symptoms can start at any age, but according to a study, it is mostly noticed between the age of 15 to 25 years.
Do not overlook this inflammation as it can also impact other organs and tissues in the body. There are certain foods that can trigger inflammation. The triggering factors may vary from person to person but certain foods to avoid in Psoriasis are suggested, as they have been noticed to contribute to foods that cause psoriasis flare-ups. To make it easy for you we have gathered all the information and listed the most common food items under ‘9 foods to avoid with Psoriasis’.
Relation between Diet and Psoriasis
Our skin is the largest and most clearly visible organ of the body. It holds the power to reflect if the food we consume is approved by the body or if it affects it negatively. While there are no specific foods for psoriasis that will heal it, some people find that what they consume has an impact on their condition. However, cutting such food items from your diet that aggravate psoriasis symptoms won’t harm anyone. In 2017, during a survey of more than 1200 people with psoriasis, more than 50% of them noticed improvements in their symptoms, after removing a few things from their diet such as Gluten, Alcohol, certain Fruits, and Veggies from ‘Nightshade’ family.
Well, there are no such foods that cause Psoriasis directly either but there’s an important link between your diet and psoriasis. Thus, it is important for the sufferers to acknowledge foods to avoid with psoriasis that heats up the inflammation in the body. By bringing this small change in your life and adopting ayurveda for skin care, you will start noticing improvement in your skin health.
9 Foods to Avoid with Psoriasis
Ayurveda says, Skin diseases are not the diseases that start and end on the skin. Rather, its roots lie somewhere deep down behind its surface. So, treating them externally with the help of ointments or creams may provide temporary relief by suppressing the symptoms but it is not the permanent solution. This will lead to its recurrence within the span of a few months.
Thus, it is important to understand where the roots of a disease lie. As per Ayurvedic theories, each disorder is linked with poor gut health (mainly because of wrong nutritional choices). The diet (Ahara) itself holds the power to heal our body internally and provide significant relief from disturbing signs of Psoriasis. But in this blog, we will understand the food items in detail that are aggravating the condition.
Gluten
People with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, thus, creating sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is referred to the protein mainly found in
- Wheat
- Rye
- Barley
- Bread
- Pasta
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Pizzas, etc.
A 2018 study found that people with psoriasis have the same amount of antibodies that people with gluten sensitivity have. Therefore, eating a gluten-free diet helps with managing and reducing psoriasis symptoms.
Psoriasis Causes Alcohol
The National Psoriasis Foundation warns the masses against drinking alcohol, as it can increase the chances of developing psoriasis. Alcohol can damage the good bacteria in your gut, which can further lead to inflammation in your colon and intestines. If you drink regularly or heavily, it will put pressure on the liver, thus, forcing it to work overtime. This will also cause inflammation in the body. Furthermore, alcohol can slow down the body’s ability to process the psoriasis
medications effectively. In Ayurveda, alcohol is viewed as a drink that increases toxins in the body, thus, hindering healing.
Red meat
Red meats contain a particular fatty acid, named arachidonic acid. This can contribute to psoriasis lesions. A diet high in red meat can also increase the inflammation in the body.
Giving up on red meat or cutting it out from your diet might help reduce the severity of psoriasis lesions. This will also give additional benefits by contributing to a healthy heart and preventing heart diseases. Ayurveda strictly stands against the consumption of meat or an Ahara (diet) containing non-veg.
Processed food
As psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, reducing the intake of food items that elevate inflammation such as processed food is important for individuals with psoriasis. The term processed food refers to any food that has been changed from its natural state. It can contribute to other health conditions as well such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. These conditions are associated with psoriasis.
Caffeine
The effect of caffeine on psoriasis flares depends on how much a person consumes in a day. Some studies have shown that excessive consumption of caffeine or drinking more than 4 cups can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Some psoriasis sufferers found significant relief after reducing caffeine from their diet.
Nightshade Vegetables
The Family of Nightshade Vegetables include:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Eggplant
Some people reported that consuming foods that belong to the nightshade family contributes to exacerbating their psoriasis. This happens because these vegetables contain a compound called solanine, which has been shown to trigger pain in some individuals and inflammation. It has also been researched to exacerbate immune disorders. Furthermore, Nightshade vegetables also affect digestion, contributing to inflammation and flare up of psoriasis.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits have been known to be a common food allergen for a long time. Similarly, there are certain food allergens that can worsen the psoriasis condition. Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes come under this category. Try a citrus-free diet for a few days and notice how your body reacts. This will help you understand what you need to add or avoid from your diet.
Dairy products
Much like red meat, dairy products contain arachidonic acid. The cow’s milk contains a protein called ‘casein’, also known as milk protein. It is said to be the biggest culprit in aggravating the psoriasis condition because it has been linked to inflammation. Also, consider cutting out eggs as they too contain these compounds.
Condiments
Condiments are on a no-no list when dealing with psoriasis. Condiments are packed sauces like Ketchup, Hot sauce, Vinegar, and even Mayonnaise. Skipping on these different flavorful sauces will be a great decision. Many patients have noticed increased flare-ups when they consume condiments.
General Tips to Follow in Psoriasis
- As Dry skin can make the irritation or itchiness worse, try keeping your skin moisturized.
- Wrong showers can dry your skin so bath with care. Take fewer showers with lukewarm water.
- Keep an eye on your triggers that elevate inflammation and try to avoid them.
- Scratching will worsen the scales. Take steps to ease the itch.
- Sunbathing is recommended. Apply sunscreen and soak in the sunlight.
- Mental disturbances can have a negative impact on this condition. Try mind-relaxing ways to soothe tension.
The Bottom Line
Let’s end this blog by remembering the powerful effects of food items on our health. To enjoy the food we eat, try adapting to a healthy diet and relish it frequently. In the case of diseases, consult the experts to understand what to add or avoid from your diet to stop the disease from elevating.
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