Food Or Products That Negatively Affect Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and can be made worse by anxiety or topical inflammation. There are a number of medications that can help to treat the condition, and some natural practitioners may recommend that you avoid of certain products or foods to reduce inflammation. However, the National Psoriasis Foundation states there is little research to support large scale dietary changes as a method of treatment. As with all medical conditions, talk to your doctor before beginning a new regimen to treat psoriasis.

Topical Agents

There are several different types of psoriasis, but all of them are autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks the skin, causing inflammation. Using a new skin cream, soap, laundry detergent or shampoo may cause additional inflammation and make the condition worse. If a change in skin care routine has caused a worsening of psoriasis, it should most likely be discontinued. If the new regimen was prescribed by a healthcare practitioner, speak with him before changing your routine.

Nightshade Family Plants

There is little evidence about the connection between inflammation and nightshade family plants, but some natural health practitioners believe that consuming these vegetables may increase inflammation within the body. Nightshade varieties include tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and eggplant. Though no well-planned studies have been conducted, the foods do contain high levels of certain alkaloids that may increase inflammation. Eliminating or reducing these vegetables from your diet may help reduce the inflammation from psoriasis.

Saturated and Trans Fats

Fats from sources such as red meat and fried food may also increase inflammation within the body because they contain fatty acids that may be inflammatory for some people. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you replace these foods in your diet with lean meats, salmon and tuna. These meats contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation. You should also consume plenty of low fat dairy products to ensure that you are getting enough protein and calcium.

Highly Refined Grains

The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends replacing highly refined grain products, such as white flour, white rice and pasta, with whole grain products, such as whole wheat bread and pasta and brown rice. Some patients have benefited from eliminating all wheat and corn from their diets and substituting oat or rice flour, but there are no well-run, large-scale studies to support this procedure as a treatment for psoriasis.