Although a lot more research is needed to make a definite link between the inflammatory response of psoriasis and what we eat, there are certainly some foods which psoriasis sufferers have found do indeed trigger their own particular flare-ups.
These include:
- Highly-processed food
- Refined sugars
- Fatty cuts of red meat
- Processed meats such as sausages, ham, bacon
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Fried food
- Alcohol
- Foods from the ‘nightshade family’: tomatoes, potatoes, aubergine, peppers
Of course, not every one of these foods will trigger every single psoriasis sufferer, but they’re certainly worth considering as a problem. Keep a food diary and get referred for testing by your GP or dermatologist, before cutting any major food groups from your diet: a good, varied, balanced diet is really important for your general health and will help you cope with flare-ups when they do happen.
There’s good evidence to suggest that psoriasis, as an inflammatory condition, is affected by your gut flora, so instead chose foods that will support good gut health: kefir, sauerkraut, bio yoghurt, pre- and probiotics, kombucha, kimchi, miso, lots of fibre, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and omega-rich oils, fish and nuts.
