Psoriasis, the skin ailment caused due to malfunctioning of the body’s immune system does not have a complete cure through medications or topical applications of creams and ointments. But the skin flare ups can be checked to a considerable extent eating healthy foods. Though the link between diet and psoriasis flare ups is yet to be established firmly, dietary modifications have been observed to provide respite. For example, obesity enhances chances for inflammation, therefore a low-fat and low-calorie diet can prove beneficial for the sufferers.
Foods to avoid
An anti-inflammatory diet is mainly recommended to treat psoriasis. This should not include:
- Alcohol
One should stop drinking alcohol as it dilates the blood vessels.This cause a special group of blood cells called T cells to penetrate the outer skin surface easily.
- Junk foods
High in trans fats and saturated fats, these foods create more favorable conditions for inflammation triggering the flare ups.
- Sugar and refined foods
These are also high calorie foods causing inflammation that worsen Psoriasis. More you add calories and fat, more are the flare ups.
- Dairy products
Most of the dairy products contain Arachodonic acid, a natural polyunsaturated fatty acid that readily converts into a inflammatory compound. Cow milk constitutes of the protein casein, another inflammatory compound triggering psoriasis.
- Red Meat
Red meat also contains the same Arachodonic acid. It is also advised to avoid processed sausage and bacons.
- Gluten
Gluten free diet is beneficial to control Psoriasis symptoms. This vegetable protein found in wheat, barley and rye triggers inflammation.
- Spices and Condiments
Commonly used condiments like vinegar, Tabasco sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, paprika etc. often worsen the Psoriasis symptoms.
Foods to eat in Psoriasis
There are lots to add in your diet to fight Psoriasis. Some of them are listed below:
- Fish oil
Studies provided by Mayo Clinic strongly supports that adding fish oil in the diet helps in reducing Psoriasis symptoms to a great extent. This is mainly due to the fact that omega-3-fatty acid present in fish oil is anti-inflammatory that fights Psoriasis.
- Anti-oxidant foods
Studies do reveal that foods rich in anti-oxidants like fruits and vegetables reverse the Psoriasis condition. Especially, the anti-oxidant Glutathione present in Broccoli, Kale, cauliflower, collards etc. can be effective in controlling psoriasis and are must haves in the diet. Even nuts and grains are good sources of anti-oxidants useful in combating this ailment.
- Foods rich in Vitamin A and D
These are skin friendly vitamins that take well care of your skin repairing all sorts of damages. Carrots, tomatoes, mango, watermelon, ripe banana are good sources of vitamin A readily available. Regular exposure to mild sunshine about 10 minutes produces the necessary Vitamin D in your skin.
Other eating tips and lifestyle management strategies
Here are a few more things you can do for relief from psoriasis:
- Avoid adding calories in your diet
You need to be very cautious about this. Low carb diet is beneficial in all respects and do not enhance your waistline.
- Treatment with apple cider vinegar
You can add 1-2 teaspoonfuls of ACV in a glass of water and drink twice a day. Adding a cup of ACV in bathing water and soaking in it for 20-30 minutes also works great for your psoriasis affected skin. Lastly, you can dab a cotton wool in diluted ACV and apply on directly on the skin.
- Eat raw garlic
Having a raw garlic clove early in the morning also helps in reducing psoriasis.
- Add more berries
Strawberries and blueberries are super anti-oxidants. So eat more of these whenever you like especially as snacks discarding the junk foods forever.
- Stop smoking
Smoking worsens the condition as the chemicals released from smoking trigger inflammation.
- Moisten your skin
Dryness in skin causes more rashes and itches and it can be worse in psoriasis. Application of thick moisturizer or petroleum jelly improves the rashes. Perform an allergy test before applying the moisturizer on a regular basis.
- Offload mental stress
Severe mental stress triggers Psoriasis. Practicing yoga and meditation regularly calms your nerves reducing the flare ups. Never give into mental stress. This is one of the best psoriasis management strategies that you need to adopt with your diet.
While Psoriasis cannot be cured through medications, healthy eating habit is the best way to keep the symptoms under control.