Plaque Psoriasis Triggers: 10 Foods to Keep Off Your Plate
Many people around the world suffer from Plaque Psoriasis, but did you know that there are many factors in your diet that can make it worse?
Plaque Psoriasis: An Overview
Prevalence: There May Be More People With Plaque Psoriasis Than You Think
Plaque psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis, affecting approximately 80-90 per cent of those with the condition. It is estimated that around 2-3 per cent of the global population suffers from some form of psoriasis, making it a relatively common chronic inflammatory skin disease. This condition can occur at any age but is frequently diagnosed in adults. Both men and women are equally affected, and while it can be managed, it often requires lifelong treatment and care to control situations and prevent flare-ups.
Common Signs: Small but Insignificant Torture
Common signs of plaque psoriasis include red, raised patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales. These patches, known as plaques, often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The affected areas can be itchy, painful, and may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques can merge and cover large areas of the skin. Other signs may include nail changes, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed, and joint pain or swelling, known as psoriatic arthritis, which affects some individuals with plaque psoriasis.
Causes: Sometimes It Is Better to Avoid than to Manage Wisely
The exact cause of plaque psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed to be an immune-mediated condition. Genetic factors play a significant role, as individuals with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental triggers can also contribute, including stress, infections, skin injuries, and certain medications. An overactive immune system leads to rapid skin cell turnover, causing the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. This hyperactivity results in the characteristic plaques and inflammation associated with the disease.
Foods to Avoid for Plaque Psoriasis
1. Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis situations. These foods include packaged snacks, ready-made meals, and processed meats. Specific examples are hot dogs, potato chips, and frozen pizzas. The additives and preservatives in these foods can also contribute to flare-ups, making it important for individuals with plaque psoriasis to minimize their consumption of processed items to manage their condition effectively.
Examples
- Hot Dogs: Contain preservatives and unhealthy fats that can exacerbate psoriasis.
- Potato Chips: High in salt and unhealthy oils, contributing to inflammation.
- Frozen Pizzas: Loaded with additives and preservatives that can trigger flare-ups.
2. Red Meat
Red meats, particularly those high in saturated fats, can increase inflammation in the body, potentially aggravating psoriasis. Examples include fatty cuts of beef, pork, and lamb. These meats can lead to increased levels of inflammation-promoting compounds in the body, exacerbating the condition. Instead, individuals with plaque psoriasis are encouraged to opt for lean protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, and plant-based proteins, to help reduce inflammation and manage their situations better.
Examples
- Fatty Cuts of Beef: Rich in saturated fats, these can promote inflammation.
- Pork: Contains high levels of fats that may exacerbate psoriasis.
- Lamb: High in saturated fats, contributing to increased inflammation.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, may exacerbate psoriasis for some individuals. The proteins casein and whey found in dairy can provoke an inflammatory response in sensitive individuals. Consuming dairy can lead to increased production of inflammatory cytokines, worsening the condition. Those with plaque psoriasis might benefit from limiting dairy intake or opting for dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy yogurt, and plant-based cheeses to help manage their situations.
Examples
- Milk: Contains casein and whey, which can trigger inflammatory responses.
- Cheese: Rich in proteins that may worsen psoriasis.
- Yogurt: Can increase production of inflammatory cytokines in sensitive individuals.
Gluten-Containing Foods
For individuals who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, consuming gluten can trigger inflammation and potentially worsen psoriasis. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and foods made from these grains. Specific examples include bread, pasta, and baked goods. These foods can lead to increased inflammation and immune system activity, exacerbating psoriasis. Those with plaque psoriasis may find relief by following a diet without gluten and choosing alternatives like rice, quinoa, and bread without gluten.
Examples
- Bread: Made from wheat, it can increase inflammation in sensitive individuals.
- Pasta: Contains gluten from wheat, potentially exacerbating psoriasis.
- Baked Goods: Often made with gluten-containing grains, triggering immune responses.
Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers, contain a compound called solanine, which may exacerbate inflammation in some people with psoriasis. These vegetables can trigger an inflammatory response in sensitive individuals, potentially worsening their situations. To manage plaque psoriasis more effectively, individuals may consider reducing or eliminating nightshade vegetables from their diet and opting for non-nightshade alternatives like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Examples
- Tomatoes: Contain solanine, potentially triggering inflammation in sensitive individuals.
- Potatoes: Can provoke an inflammatory response, worsening psoriasis.
- Eggplants: May exacerbate inflammation due to solanine content.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and may interfere with the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments. It can also trigger flare-ups in some individuals. Specific examples include beer, wine, and spirits. Alcohol can lead to dehydration and increased production of inflammatory cytokines, exacerbating psoriasis. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can help reduce inflammation and improve the effectiveness of treatments, making it easier to manage plaque psoriasis.
Examples
- Beer: Can lead to dehydration and increased inflammatory cytokines.
- Wine: May exacerbate psoriasis by promoting inflammation.
- Spirits: Contribute to dehydration and can trigger inflammatory responses.
Refined Sugars and Carbohydrates
Foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates, such as candies, pastries, and white bread, can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially increasing inflammation. These foods can worsen psoriasis by promoting the production of inflammatory compounds. To manage plaque psoriasis, individuals are encouraged to reduce their intake of refined sugars and carbs and choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
Examples
- Candies: High in refined sugars, they can promote the production of inflammatory compounds.
- Pastries: Contain refined sugars and carbs, leading to blood sugar spikes and increased inflammation.
- White Bread: Made from refined flour, it can exacerbate psoriasis by triggering inflammatory responses.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are often high in trans fats and unhealthy oils, which can contribute to inflammation and potentially worsen psoriasis situations. Examples include fried chicken, French fries, and doughnuts. These foods can increase the levels of inflammatory markers in the body, exacerbating the condition. To manage plaque psoriasis, individuals should minimize their consumption of fried foods and opt for healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, or steaming to reduce inflammation.
Examples
- Fried Chicken: High in unhealthy oils and trans fats, which can increase inflammatory markers.
- French Fries: Contains trans fats that can exacerbate inflammation.
- Doughnuts: Often fried in unhealthy oils, contributing to increased inflammation.
Artificial Additives
Some people with psoriasis may be sensitive to artificial additives like preservatives, colorings, and flavorings found in many processed foods. These additives can trigger an inflammatory response, potentially worsening situations. Examples include foods with artificial sweeteners, flavored snacks, and colored candies. To manage plaque psoriasis more effectively, individuals should read food labels carefully and choose natural, whole foods without artificial additives to reduce inflammation and improve their condition.
Examples
- Artificial Sweeteners: Found in many diet beverages and low-calorie snacks, they can provoke inflammation.
- Flavored Snacks: Often contain multiple artificial additives that may exacerbate psoriasis.
- Colored Candies: Contain artificial colorings that can trigger an inflammatory response.
Certain Seafood
Certain types of seafood, such as shellfish, may trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals, potentially exacerbating psoriasis. Examples include shrimp, crab, and lobster. These seafood items can lead to increased inflammation and immune system activity, worsening the condition. Individuals with plaque psoriasis may benefit from limiting or avoiding these types of seafood and choosing other protein sources like fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Examples
- Shrimp: Can lead to allergic reactions and increased inflammation.
- Crab: May cause sensitivities, triggering immune system activity and worsening psoriasis.
- Lobster: Can provoke inflammation and exacerbate situations in sensitive individuals.
Plaque psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition with genetic and environmental triggers. Signs include red, scaly plaques. Avoiding processed foods, red meat, dairy, gluten, nightshade vegetables, alcohol, refined sugars, fried foods, artificial additives, and certain seafood can help manage situations and reduce inflammation.
Reference
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/psoriasis-diet
https://www.psoriasis.org/dietary-modifications/