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Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiple many times faster than the normal skin cells. This build-up of cells and form lesions on the skin forms red bumpy patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere like scalp, elbow, lower back or knees. It is not an hereditary diseases i.e. can’t be passed from one person to other. People with psoriasis are at the greater risk of many other medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular.

Causes and Symptoms

The actual cause is still not clear. Since it is an autoimmune disease, it means that body cells ( white blood cell), mistakenly attacking its own skin cells production to go into overdrive, causing faster skin cell development. This results in the formation of plaque which is the most common symptoms of this disease. 

The other common symptoms includes red patchy skin, white scales or plaques on the red patches, itching, burning sensation and soreness on and around the patches,  dry and cracked skin.

Foods that trigger Psoriasis

As per the National Psoriasis Foundation, there is no specific diet, that will cure psoriasis but may reduce the severity of the symptoms. Certain foods may trigger the psoriasis symptoms and sometimes makes them worse. Making some dietary changes may help to prevent and reduce the symptoms. Some of them are:

Foods containing gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains, including wheat, barley rye. Good amount of gluten are also found in bread, pasta, and baked goods. People with psoriasis have been found to have increased markers for gluten sensitivity. One of the review published in JAMA Dermatology in 2018, strongly recommended gluten-free diets for people with psoriasis. Researchers also found that people with psoriasis, when ate a gluten-free diet, they found reduction in their psoriasis symptoms.

People following the gluten free diet, should avoid wheat based food. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people with psoriasis may also be sensitive to gluten.

Red meats

Red meat contains a arachidonic acid, which is polyunsaturated fatty acid. These fats create byproducts that contribute to psoriasis lesions. Red meat also create byproducts that likely develop heart disease. 

As a result, avoiding red meat, such as hamburgers or steak, may help reduce the severity of psoriasis lesions and also heart disease. 

Dairy products

Dairy also contains arachidonic acid like red meat and as per review in 2017, it is suggested that arachidonic acid in dairy products cause irritation in the inner lining of intestinal tracts and worsen the symptoms. One evidence also suggest that people who have eliminated dairy diets, have experiences only few symptoms of psoriasis.

Cow milk, egg yolk should be avoided if you have psoriasis. Dairy products can increase inflammation, which triggers psoriasis. 

Junk and Processed foods

Eating too much processed or junk foods can contribute to many health conditions like obesity,  type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. These foods contains high saturated and trans fats, that promotes inflammation. 

As per the report, obesity has associations with inflammation and an increase in the severity of psoriasis symptoms. A person with both these conditions, should reduce the processed food in their diet, which help to manage their weight and also improve symptoms of psoriasis. 

A person with psoriasis who also has obesity may find that cutting out or reducing processed foods may also help them manage their weight. This could improve their psoriasis symptoms.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is the reason for many health problems. Alcohol cause blood vessel dilations, which makes the white blood cells with T-cell, to sneak into the outer layer of the skin more easily, making the symptoms worsen.  According to the research, drinking alcohol can increase the severity of psoriasis symptoms because it can cause inflammation in the body. People suffering from this condition should quit taking alcohol. 

Nightshade Plants

Some research shows that the family of Nightshades plants include vegetables tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant may worsen the psoriasis symptoms, as it contains chemical compound solanin, which trigger the symptoms in psoriasis. 

Some people may also find the reduced symptoms by reducing their consumption of nightshades.

Food to include in your diet.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, eating healthier foods may help a person avoid other conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. They recommend eating:

• A heart-healthy diet including fish, low fat dairy, whole grain, reduced-sodium foods, and plant-based fats.
• A balanced diet including various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low fat dairy products, and lean proteins.
• Gluten-free diet by excluding wheat based diet.

12 home remedies for treating psoriasis

Psoriasis is a lifelong autoimmune skin condition in which the immune system triggers the overproduction of skin cells. Along with restricted foods and balanced diet, Some home remedies are also available that may help to relieve symptoms. It is advisable to consult doctor before using home remedies. Some of the home remedies includes:

1. Sunlight Exposure

Little exposure to sunlight can sometimes improve the appearance of the skin and as per the National Psoriasis Foundation, starting with 5 to 10 minutes of midday sun exposure once a day is recommended. Sun’s UVB rays are beneficial for psoriasis symptoms. Over exposure of sun rays should be avoided. 

2. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a component found in peppers, and it has the remarkable ability to fight the inflammation. Recent studies showed that capsaicin can improve psoriasis symptoms. Research also shows that the use of substance P found in capsaicin, are useful in pruritic psoriasis. 

Previous research noted that people applying topical capsaicin cream had experience itching, burning, redness or stinging sensation for few days and decreased by its continuous use. People who applied this cream for four times a day for 6 weeks experience relieve on their symptoms.

3. Curcumin

Curcumin is active ingredient found in turmeric, it has anti-inflammatory properties and may help in treating psoriasis by reducing its activity. It stores in pill or capsule form 

Many research has supported its potential and therapeutic effects in treating psoriasis. 

4. Aloe vera

It has been using traditionally for years as the gel found inside the aloe vera leaves. Now it is available in many forms like cream, ointments, etc. It help soothe the scaly skin, redness and inflammation due to psoriasis. 

Previous research shows that those who used the preparation containing aloe vera experienced a “remarkable improvement” in their symptoms.

5. Wet dressings and warm baths with salts or oats

Warm baths and showers can be relaxing, but if taken for too long or too hot can strip the skin of its oils, and thus makes psoriasis worse. Some people find that a warm bath containing Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal gives soothing effects and relieves symptoms.

According to research an wet dressing or oatmeal bath containing suitable bath oil can reduce itching, and help moisturize the skin.

Summary

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease causing skin lesion from mild to severe. As there is no cure for this problem, but diet change and home remedies can help to relieve the symptoms. It is also important to aware about certain foods that may trigger psoriasis flares in some people. For this, an individual can keep things like food journal, to help determine what foods may help and which may cause triggers. Psoriasis people should keep their balanced and healthy diet. If symptoms appear worse, it is advisable to visit doctor immediately.