Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Foods to Avoid

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. It may be the only autoimmune disease that’s equally common in women and men. It is estimated that 9.5 million North Americans have it.

The most common type, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. These patches or plaques, which can often bee itchy and painful and can crack and bleed, mostly show up on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. 

Mild forms of psoriasis can often be managed with special moisturizers and shampoos, but moderate to severe cases usually require a combination of topical treatments, light therapy, possibly medications – but more importantly, diet. 

Even though psoriasis is fairly common, there’s a lot that remains unknown about it.

Doctors usually treat it with a combination of oral and/or topical medications, but that’s not always enough. If you’re still having frequent flare-ups, you might be wondering if certain lifestyle changes can help. Stress and exposure to cold temperatures are often culprits.

But what about food? 

If I can be honest with you for a moment … Food and your diet should be among the first things considered, in my opinion. Far too often it is the last thing people look at. Whereas, when it is among the first things considered you may be able to avoid other treatments, medications, etc. Because, food is more times than not — the trigger. 

7 Foods to Avoid if you Suffer from Psoriasis

1. Beer
2. Pop
3. Red Meat
4. White Bread
5. Frozen Pizza
6. Eggplant
7. Ice Cream

Now, beer and pop probably don’t require much information about why they aren’t great choices for any diet – specifically auto immune diets. So, let’s consider some of the other foods on that list. 

Red Meat

Inflammation fuels psoriasis symptoms, so it follows that cutting back on inflammation inducing foods may help. Think about limiting anything that’s high in saturated fat, such as red meat, butter, and cheese. Meanwhile, up your intake of fatty fish (if you eat it), walnuts, and flax seeds; they’re all high in inflammation fighting omega-3s. 

White Bread

Psoriasis is one of the many conditions rumored to be triggered by gluten—a protein present in wheat products, including bread. 

Ask your doctor if you should consider an elimination diet, which may involve cutting out gluten (at least for a while). However, whether you avoid gluten or not, it’s smart to skip heavily-processed grain products, including white bread.

Remember that although the link between individual foods and psoriasis is unproven (scientifically), a connection between obesity and psoriasis has been well established. And, cutting back on refined carbs can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

Eggplant

Even more controversial than the question of gluten is that of nightshade vegetables—a group of plants that includes eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. ‘Some people say they experience an inflammatory effect when they eat these foods, but there’s no science to support it‘ (according to Canada Health) If you decide to stop these for a trial period (perhaps as part of an elimination diet), make sure to keep your health care practitioner in the loop and to track your symptoms closely.