Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition caused by problems with the immune system. It leads to red, inflamed, and scaly skin patches. While genetics and the environment can cause flare-ups, what you eat might also affect your symptoms. There’s no single food that causes psoriasis, but some foods can make it worse for certain people. Knowing what to avoid can help you manage it better.

Foods That Can Make Psoriasis Worse

1. Foods High in Saturated Fats

These fats are found in fried foods, sausages, processed meats, and full-fat dairy. They can raise inflammation levels, which is bad for people with psoriasis. Try to eat more healthy fats from fish like salmon, nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils instead.

2. Refined Sugar and White Carbs
Foods like white bread, sweets, soda, and pastries can cause your blood sugar to spike. This can lead to more inflammation and worse symptoms. Choose whole grains, veggies, and foods that don’t raise your blood sugar too quickly.

3. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is known to trigger flare-ups for many people. It can raise inflammation and interfere with some psoriasis medications. It may also weaken your immune system. Cutting back or quitting alcohol can help control symptoms.

4. Foods with Gluten
Some people with psoriasis feel better after cutting out gluten, especially if they have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley – things like bread, pasta, and cereal. Talk to a doctor before going gluten-free.

5. Spicy Foods

Hot sauces, chili peppers, and other spicy foods can bother some people and make their skin flare up. Not everyone is affected, but if you notice symptoms after eating spicy foods, you might want to cut back.

6. Processed and Salty Foods
Fast food, canned meals, and salty snacks are often loaded with sodium and preservatives. Too much salt can cause swelling and increase inflammation, making your skin worse. Fresh, whole foods are a better choice.

Everyone’s Different

Psoriasis affects people in different ways, and the same goes for food triggers. What bothers one person might not affect someone else. It can help to keep a food diary and write down how your skin reacts to certain meals. You can also talk to a dermatologist or a dietitian for advice that fits your personal needs.

Adding more anti-inflammatory foods to your meals – like fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and seeds – can help calm symptoms and support healthy skin. Diet changes won’t cure psoriasis, but they can make a big difference in how you feel.

By choosing the right foods, you can take better control of your symptoms and live more comfortably with psoriasis.