If you've been diagnosed with psoriasis, you're going to receive a lot of dietary advice about what to eat, what not to eat, and so on. Instead of worrying about specific foods, which can just take up brain space, follow some overall strategies to help soothe your symptoms and prevent flareups. It may take some trial and error, but you'll eventually find a way of eating, and not just a list of specific foods to eat, that will serve you well for the rest of your life.
Eat to Lose Weight
If you are overweight or obese, try to lose some weight. Even losing a little can help. Psoriasis onset and flareups may be linked to obesity and weight gain, and reducing fat can make your body less likely to act up. Eat healthy foods like lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and low levels of sugary or processed foods. Get some exercise, and remember to do this in moderation, because slow weight loss and constantly increasing fitness should have better long-term effects on your overall health.
If you are already thin, the advice to lose weight won't really apply. But you can still revamp your diet to get rid of foods that provide too many calories and not enough actual nutrients.
Regardless of your weight, try to make your diet as anti-inflammatory as possible. The less inflammation you put your body through, the fewer flareups you may have.
Know Your Triggers
Some foods, though, can be triggering, leading to more flareups. These foods vary for everyone, but in general, fatty red meats and nightshade foods like tomatoes may increase your flareups. You'll have to experiment and see, though even if they don't cause flareups, you might want to reduce your intake of them anyway.
Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol
Alcohol could be another triggering substance. Try to reduce what you drink; if you can, go teetotal and watch out for alcohol in food, like in wine sauces. Remember, alcohol doesn't burn off when cooking nearly as fast as most people think; if you have a wine sauce or another dish with alcohol in it, chances are there's still some alcohol hanging out in there that could affect you.
Your doctor can help you track your foods and work out a daily diet plan to help keep psoriasis under control. While the condition at this point might be lifelong, it doesn't have to curtail your life. For more information, contact a professional like Henry D. McKinney M.D.
Share1 June 2017
I was always very healthy throughout my childhood, but when I became a teenager, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Thankfully, I had the support of my loving family to help keep me upbeat during a time that could have led to me experiencing the depression that some do after they first learn they will have an illness for life. I am very grateful for the advice I have gotten throughout my life, so I decided to create a blog where I can share all of the advice that has helped me live a happy, healthy life, despite having a chronic illness. Since I am on a medication that suppresses my immune system, I have also studied up on many other illnesses and tips for avoiding them and treating them. I plan to post health tips for people of a variety of ages and suffering with various illnesses!