I have had psoriasis for almost five years now, and during that time have read numerous books on the subject. I have gone from someone who didn’t even know what psoriasis was to what many people would consider an expert. Some of the books I read suggest making extremely drastic changes to your diet. While I am not disagreeing with the fact that people would be better off eating healthier, I just don’t think these drastic changes are ever going to be implemented by 99% of the people who read them. The fact of the matter is that the majority of Americans are stubborn. They stick with what they know and love. I read that over 90% of people give up on their New Year’s resolutions after only two months. So, I think it only makes sense to identify the most important things psoriasis sufferers need to be eating, and the main culprits they need to stay away from.
Omega 3 fatty acids are essentials for many functions in our body, including memory and heart health, as well as being an anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that the majority of Americans are deficient in Omega 3′s. Therefore, it is important for people with psoriasis to get Omega 3-rich fatty fish (salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel), walnuts, and flaxseed in their diets. Spinach and romaine lettuce are incredibly nutrient-dense and great for overall health. I don’t want to hear the excuse “I don’t like the taste of vegetables”; you need to eat them every day. Some of my personal favorite vegetables are broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Fruit is a close second to vegetables in importance for psoriasis sufferers. They are chalk full of vitamins and nutrients that aid in keeping all parts of our body healthy and functioning at their optimal levels. Some of them are even foods high in iron or fiber, and that helps your system even more. Apricots and mangoes are the most essential fruits on my shopping list, since they are high in beta carotene. The body converts beta carotene into Vitamin A, which is required for a healthy skin level. I love apples and grapes as well, since they are so convenient to carry around as snacks. Bananas go great with cereal and other breakfast foods. It really doesn’t matter which fruits you get, as long as they are a part of your everyday diet.
There are other things besides fruits and vegetables that I think people with psoriasis need to consume on a regular basis. Rice and beans is a quick and healthy meal to consider. Tofu is a good food for getting more protein when you are eating lots of vegetables. Green tea has so many different health benefits; I think you would be crazy if you didn’t drink it every so often. Saffron tea also seems to have a positive effect on psoriasis.
As far as foods (and drinks) psoriasis sufferers should avoid, or at least minimize drastically, there might be some things that are a bit of a surprise. Processed foods are an obvious item to stay away from as much as possible. Citrus foods, including lemons, limes, and grapefruits, should be avoided as they may cause a psoriasis flare-up. I have found the “nightshades” like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes to cause psoriasis breakouts sometimes as well, so watch your skin to see if they cause any sort of reaction.
Alcohol is the number one worst thing for many people with psoriasis. I have seen it first hand – I was in college when I first got psoriasis and my skin would breakout every time I had one too many with my friends. Every type of alcohol is bad for psoriasis, whether it’s white wine, beer, rum, or whiskey. If there is NO WAY you can possibly go without having alcohol, at least minimize it as much as possible. Limit yourself to two beers and wines when you are out, and don’t go over that limit.
Soda and other high sugar drinks need to be avoided as well. The immune system plays a specific, important role with psoriasis, and all the extra sugar in those drinks does nothing but impair the immune system. If your immune system is not functioning at its highest level, you are going to find that not only will you get sick more often, but your skin will flare-up also.
I don’t suggest trying to change your whole diet overnight into something you would see with a fast weight loss plan. I found it worked much more effectively when I made a few small changes away from high cholesterol foods, then when I got completely comfortable with them, making a few more changes. It is up to you to implement these healthier changes into your diet; no one is going to do it for you. You are going to have to show the willpower to stick with the changes. Eventually, you WILL feel better, look better, and be amazed at how easy the diet has become.
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