Psoriasis Diet

Psoriasis Diet

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease. Many individuals benefit from following an anti-inflammatory diet to help control their symptoms.

Foods to avoid as they have been shown to cause or increase inflammation include:

•  Processed foods

• Fatty red meats 

•  Dairy products (milk products and eggs)

•  Refined sugars

• Nightshade vegetables, including eggplants, paprika, potatoes, tomatoes and peppers 

The Latin name for this family of plants is Solanaceae, because all of them produce an alkaloid compound called solanine. Solanine is part of these plants’ natural defense system, acting as a nerve poison on insects that try to eat the plants.

•  Nuts - hazelnuts, walnuts, PEANUTS, peanut butter

• Grains and legumes – rye, wheat, oat, barley, brown rice, corn, peanuts, soy, kidney beans and black-eyed peas. 
  

  

  Most saponins, which readily dissolve in water, are poisonous to fish.

• ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - all red and white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry, cinzano, vermouth, port, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier.

• CITRUS FRUITS - fruit peels, orange marmalade, prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter lemons.



Citrus fruits have high levels of salicylates

• Drugs that can worsen Psoriasis - TETRACYCLINES, CAPTOPRIL, CHLORTHALIDONE, GEMFIBROZIL. Some medications interfere with your body’s autoimmune response and can cause a severe psoriasis attack. These include beta-blockers, which are used for high blood pressure, steroidal medicines, and pills taken to stop malaria. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have psoriasis if any of these medications are being prescribed.

A few do’s that should be take noted.

1. Do avoid stress as much as possible, both mental and physical.

2. Loose clothing is advisable when your psoriasis is in its most painful cycle.

3. Do try to bathe daily, in a tub for 20 minutes in water that is warm and cool that you can tolerate comfortably. This helps to descale and moisturize your skin. Water is the only way to hydrate your skin. The trick is to seal the moisture in. Within three minutes of patting yourself dry apply your oil or vaseline to seal the moisture in. If possible, apply them while you are still wet, it’s a bit tricky but can be done.

4. Do use a mild soap, not one with detergent or deodorants or too much alkaline. CETAPHIL, PHYSIOGEL, EGO QV, EUBOS, DOVE, NEUTROGENA, pure and natural aloes, are good for psoriasis patients.

5. When washing your hair use a shampoo mild enough to use daily and don't rub your head to dry it, instead pat it dry.

6. Apply moisturizing creams all over liberally daily.

7. Try to avoid getting sun burn. Use sunblock whenever you are out.

How to control your psoriasis?

Include foods in your diet that have been shown to reduce inflammation include:
1. Coldwater fish. Fish contains omega-3 fatty oils. Fish rich in omega-3s that has been shown to reduce inflammation include albacore tuna, mackerel, salmon, herring, and lake trout.

2. Flaxseeds, olive oil and pumpkin seeds. These are plant sources of omega-3s.

3. Colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. Focus on eating foods from the colors of the rainbow. Nutritious examples are:

1. Carrots
2. Squash and sweet potatoes
3. Spinach
4. Kale and broccoli
5. Blueberries
6. Mangoes
7. Strawberries and figs

Take note that certain circumstances that will increase psoriasis outbreak.

Infections

Some common infections like strep throat (Streptococcal pharyngitis), thrush (Candida albicans), and upper respiratory infections can trigger psoriasis outbreaks. If you suspect that you have been infected with any of these types of bacteria, get it treated immediately by your doctor.

Scratches, Bites and Skin Injury

If an insect has bitten you, you’ve been cut or scraped badly, or you’ve experienced any kind of skin injury, you may notice new psoriasis lesions on that area. These types of injuries can even occur in everyday activities such as shaving, acupuncture, or pruning your garden. When performing any activity that may cause skin injury, be sure to take extra precautions like wearing long sleeves, gloves, and using bug spray.

Gentle Remember

It is not always possible to avoid every trigger for psoriasis; a little planning can prevent an outbreak. Carry a hat and sunscreen with you at all times. You never know when you might be sitting at a sunny table at a restaurant. If you learn your individual triggers, you can prevent and reduce most of your outbreaks.