If you suffer from psoriasis, you know that it is an autoimmune disease caused by inflammation. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, many individuals benefit from following an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce their symptoms.
There are certain foods that are known to increase inflammation and others that have anti-inflammatory properties. The best foods for psoriasis are those with anti-inflammatory properties. Try these:
- Coldwater Fish – Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oils are thought to reduce inflammation and help the immune system, which is overactive in people with psoriasis. Plus, since psoriasis is also linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, it’s a good idea to eat fish at least twice a week. Fish rich in omega-3s that has been shown to reduce inflammation include albacore tuna, mackerel, salmon, herring, and lake trout.
- Flaxseeds, olive oil, pumpkin seeds and walnuts –These are plant sources of omega-3s and an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats (the good kind). Stay away from saturated fats and trans fats, which may increase inflammation in the body.
- Colorful Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Focus on eating foods from the colors of the rainbow. Specific vegetables that have inflammation-fighting properties include carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and broccoli.
If you have psoriasis, you might want to consider avoiding these:
- Fatty red meats – Fatty red meats have been linked to increased inflammation in the body. If you want to occasionally eat red meat, try less fatty cuts like lean flank steak or sirloin.
- Dairy products – Some people with psoriasis report that cutting back on dairy products also eases their symptoms. Scientists don’t yet know why this might be true, but trial-and-error may give you an idea if you should avoid dairy.
- Refined sugars – Excess sugar intake may not only promote inflammation, it’s also a major contributor to weight gain and being overweight can also aggravate your psoriasis.
- Nightshade vegetables – Nightshade veggies include potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. Some people with psoriasis find these aggravate their skin condition. There’s little scientific proof to support this, but if you notice a link between these types of vegetables and the worsening of your psoriasis symptoms, cut them out of your diet to see if your skin improves.