Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that causes rough, often painful patches on your skin. Your symptoms may come and go episodically and peak in response to stress, excessive weight gain, dry or cold air, skin injuries and heavy tobacco or alcohol use. Changing your diet won't likely "clear" psoriasis, but a healthy diet, limited in certain foods, may help reduce the severity or frequency of your symptoms. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Hydrogenated vegetable oil is an ingredient prevalent in many prepared foods that contains rich amounts of trans-fatty acids, or trans-fats. Trans-fats can worsen your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health and trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms, according to Lisa LeVan, author of "The Psoriasis Cure: A Drug-Free Guide to Stopping & Reversing the Symptoms of Psoriasis." Common sources of hydrogenated vegetable oil include hard margarine, shortening, fast food and commercially prepared snack items such as cookies, crackers, pie crust and pastries.
Fatty Meats
Fatty meat, such as organ meats, high-fat steaks, bacon, sausage and dark-meat poultry, are high in saturated fat. Saturated fat may worsen psoriasis symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eating a diet rich in fatty meats leaves less room for potentially beneficial protein sources, such as cold-water fish, which may help reduce inflammation. Avoid meat dishes prepared with creamy, cheese-based or buttery sauces and fried meats in particular, since they typically contain multiple saturated fat sources.
Certain Spices
Spices, such as cayenne pepper, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves, may worsen inflammation and increase psoriasis symptoms in some people, according to LeVan. Spicy dishes, such as Mexican dishes, salsa, Indian curries, barbecued meat and blackened pork, chicken and fish, may cause similar effects. If you enjoy spicy foods, try cutting back on your portion sizes or the amount of spice in your dishes or use seasoning less likely to worsen psoriasis, such as oregano, garlic and orange zest.
Added Sugars
Added sugars add sweet flavor and calories but few nutritional benefits to a broad range of foods and beverages. While modest sugar intake is unlikely to cause harm, the UMMC recommends limiting sugar for improved psoriasis symptoms. Items particularly rich in added sugars include candy, milk chocolate, pancake syrup, jam, jelly, frosting, cookies, cakes, pie, regular soft drinks and sweetened coffee and ice tea. Replacing sugary sweets with fresh fruit may help appease your "sweet tooth," while strengthening your immune system and overall condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psoriasis
- "Psoriasis Cure: A Drug-Free Guide to Stopping & Reversing the Symptoms of Psoriasis"; Lisa LeVan; 1999
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