The Best and Worst Foods for Psoriasis

By Genevieve Smith

Psoriasis is a skin condition that plagues nearly 7.5 million people in the U.S. The condition is an autoimmune disease, wherein skin cells grow at an accelerated rate. Unfortunately, the growth leads to patches of red, white or silvery skin that can be quite itchy or painful.

While psoriasis is possibly genetic, lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking can increase the risk for symptoms appearing. Thankfully, lifestyle changes, combined with the right kinds of foods, can curb the appearance of symptoms while providing your body with added nutritional benefits.

In your journey to healthier, more manageable skin, you can start by tossing out that next pack of cigarettes and eating yummy, nutrient-dense foods which are designed to keep your body at a healthy, happy weight.

Want to know exactly which foods to serve up to your skin for seriously delicious benefits? From omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish to fiberful whole grains and antioxidant-packed berries, read below to learn the suggested best foods for managing psoriasis -- and which ones to avoid.

CONSUME MORE

• Fish and seafood - Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation and benefit the immune system, which is overactive in people with psoriasis; however, the benefits from eating fish have not been found to help psoriasis when it comes to consuming the omega-3's in the form of fish oil

• Inflammation-fighting vegetables - Load up on those carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and broccoli 

• Grains - They’re high in fiber, which takes longer for your body to digest, thus keeping you fuller longer and helping with weight management, and they contain antioxidants that get in there and fight inflammation

CONSUME LESS

• Nightshades - Tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers in particular. Those suffering from psoriasis have reported that eating nightshades aggravated their condition

• Alcohol - Drinking alcohol increases inflammation, which may explain why this beverage triggers psoriasis outbreaks

• Refined sugar - Excess sugar consumption may trigger inflammation

• Fried foods - Fried foods, as yummy as they are, promote inflammation in the body, and as we hate to admit, overconsumption of them leads to weight gain

Psoriasis is a skin condition marked by inflammation, so you might notice that the main goal is to avoid anti-inflammatory foods in hopes of reducing symptoms. While no one diet is fool-proof, keeping that diet healthy and balanced with the right seafood, veggies, and grains brings the added benefits of lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke (which are more common in people with psoriasis.) Bon appetit!

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.