Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune skin disorder. The body mistakenly attacks its own tissue and overproduces skin cells, which lays down red, scaly patches that can be itchy or painful. Sometimes psoriasis is accompanied by psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition.

 

Neither of these conditions is caused by anything you eat, but there’s an important link between your diet and psoriasis. Many foods are known to cause inflammation throughout the body. In some people, this widespread irritation can make the symptoms of psoriasis worse.

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Studies are ongoing about how certain foods trigger an inflammatory response. Research suggests that some foods put your body’s defense mechanisms into overdrive.

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Identifying trigger foods can be challenging, but a dietitian can help find what these are for each individual. Some foods which commonly cause inflammation include:

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Alcohol

Dairy

Refined carbohydrates

Foods with saturated fats and trans fats

Foods high in added sugar

Foods that contain gluten

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Research suggests that people with psoriasis tend to have higher rates of coeliac disease. In people with coeliac disease, gluten (a protein in wheat and some other grains) triggers an autoimmune response that causes the body to attack tissues in the small intestine. People with coeliac disease need to avoid gluten completely, though some people without the disease have found that reducing gluten in their diet lessens psoriasis flare-ups.

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Anti-inflammatory Diet

The good news is that just as some foods trigger inflammation, others can help significantly reduce it. In general, having a whole-foods diet is the best approach to reduce inflammation throughout the body. It may reduce psoriasis flare-ups or make your symptoms less severe.

Transition to a Mediterranean type diet with an abundance of veg, fruit, wholegrains, olive oil, nuts, beans, lentils, fish and lean proteins

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Supplements

There are a small number of supplements that can be very beneficial for psoriasis. Your individual need for these should be assessed by a dietitian, who can prescribe the appropriate use and doses. These supplements may include omega 3s, vitamin D, protein and probiotics.