Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease that affects millions of people around the world. Genetics and immune system problems are just two of the many things that can cause psoriasis. However, a well-balanced and carefully planned diet can help a lot with managing the symptoms and flare-ups that come with it. This complete guide will talk about the 12 best and worst foods for managing psoriasis. It will also include a 7-day psoriasis diet plan and useful information about foods that can make your condition worse.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition affecting over 8 million Americans. It causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. While the exact cause is unknown, psoriasis is linked to genetics and environmental factors.
Diet is one environmental factor that can impact psoriasis symptoms. Some foods may trigger flare-ups, while others may help reduce inflammation. So, is shrimp good for psoriasis? Or does it fall on the “foods to avoid” list?
In this article, we’ll explore the evidence on shrimp and other dietary factors for psoriasis
How Diet Impacts Psoriasis
While diet doesn’t directly cause psoriasis, it can influence symptoms in a few key ways:
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Obesity Being overweight is associated with more severe psoriasis. Obesity leads to systemic inflammation, which may worsen psoriasis. An unhealthy diet high in processed foods contributes to weight gain.
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Inflammatory foods: Certain foods like processed meats, refined carbs, and sugary foods promote inflammation. For those with psoriasis, eating these foods may trigger flare-ups.
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Nutrient deficiencies: Nutrient deficiencies may exacerbate psoriasis. For example, low vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of psoriasis. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help prevent deficiencies.
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Food sensitivities Some people have sensitivities to foods like gluten that promote GI inflammation and affect psoriasis. Removing trigger foods may help.
While research on diet and psoriasis is limited, studies suggest certain dietary patterns and foods may impact symptoms.
Foods That May Worsen Psoriasis
According to research and anecdotal reports, these foods may trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people:
Processed Meats
This includes hot dogs, sausage, bacon, canned meats, and deli meats. Processed meats are high in inflammatory compounds and may promote psoriasis.
Dairy
Dairy contains casein and lactose, compounds that may trigger inflammation or sensitivities in some people with psoriasis.
Refined Carbs
Foods made with white flour, added sugars, and refined grains spike blood sugar levels. They also contain inflammatory advanced glycation end products.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are high in inflammatory fats like trans fats. Excess saturated fats may also worsen psoriasis.
Excess Alcohol
Heavy alcohol consumption promotes inflammation and may damage gut health. This can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
Gluten
Research shows a higher prevalence of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease in those with psoriasis. Gluten may trigger inflammation.
Nightshades
Foods like tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers contain solanine. This compound may affect digestion and inflammation in some people.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Psoriasis
While some foods may trigger psoriasis, others may help reduce symptoms. These include:
Fruits and Vegetables
Produce is rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Eating a rainbow of different fruits and veggies provides a range of beneficial compounds.
Fatty Fish
Salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help reduce inflammatory chemicals.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. In moderation, they make great anti-inflammatory snacks.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory compound. Using it as your main cooking oil may be beneficial.
Herbs and Spices
Anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have medicinal properties that may reduce inflammation.
Green Tea
Green tea contains the antioxidant EGCG, which has anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit psoriasis symptoms.
Is Shrimp Good for Psoriasis?
So where does shrimp fall when it comes to psoriasis diet? Here’s what the research shows:
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Shrimp is low in fat, especially saturated fat. It’s a good source of protein without the saturated fat content of red meat.
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Shrimp provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. A 3-ounce serving contains about 128 mg of omega-3s.
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It’s a low-calorie food that can be part of a healthy weight loss diet for those with obesity.
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Shrimp don’t contain common trigger foods like gluten, dairy, or nightshades.
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There are no studies linking shrimp consumption directly to psoriasis flares.
Based on its nutritional profile, shrimp appears to be a good, anti-inflammatory choice for those with psoriasis. That said, some people may be sensitive or allergic to shellfish. Discontinue eating if shrimp seems to worsen your symptoms.
For most, enjoying shrimp in moderation as part of a balanced diet is likely fine. Focus on preparing shrimp in a healthy way – opt for baking, grilling or sautéing in olive oil over deep frying.
Tips for Managing Psoriasis with Diet
There is no “one-size-fits-all” psoriasis diet. Different foods impact individuals differently. However, the following tips may help manage symptoms:
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Maintain a healthy weight to reduce systemic inflammation.
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Limit processed foods, sugars, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats.
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Eat plenty of anti-inflammatory fruits, veggies, fish, nuts, seeds, and herbs.
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Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake.
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Consider eliminating suspect trigger foods like dairy or gluten for 2-4 weeks to see if symptoms improve.
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Keep a food journal to identify personal triggers and helpful foods.
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Speak with a doctor or dietitian for personalized advice.
While dietary changes won’t cure psoriasis, they may help improve symptom management when paired with medications and lifestyle approaches. Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an integrative treatment plan.
The Role of Nutrition in Psoriasis Management
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing psoriasis by supporting overall immune function and reducing inflammation. Adding nutrient-dense foods to your diet can help ease your symptoms and improve the health of your skin. Staying away from foods that cause flare-ups can also help. You can read about the best and worst foods for psoriasis below:
Foods to Avoid with Psoriasis
Certain foods have been shown to exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and trigger flare-ups. It’s essential to limit or avoid the following foods to better manage your condition:
- Processed Foods: Snacks and meals that come in a package, as well as fast food and sugary snacks, are often highly processed foods that have trans fats, high sugar and salt levels, and These additives can promote inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms.
- Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can weaken the immune system and make inflammation worse, which can make psoriasis flare-ups more likely.
- Red Meat: Red meat has a lot of saturated fats, which can make psoriasis symptoms worse and cause inflammation in the body.
- Dairy Products: People with psoriasis may have problems with dairy products, especially full-fat varieties, because they can make the skin red and itchy.
- Vegetables in the Nightshade Family: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes are all nightshades and may make inflammation worse in some people.
- Refined Grains: White bread, white rice, pasta, and other foods made from refined grains have a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar levels to rise, which can make psoriasis symptoms worse and cause inflammation.
- Artificial Additives: Foods that have artificial preservatives, colorings, or additives can make inflammation worse and may make psoriasis worse in some people. It is important to choose whole, minimally processed foods.
- High-Sugar Beverages: Soda, energy drinks, and too much fruit juice all contain added sugars that can cause inflammation and have a negative effect on overall health, which could make psoriasis flare-ups worse.
- Shellfish: Some shellfish, like shrimp and crab, are high in iodine, which has been linked to making some people’s psoriasis worse. Monitoring your intake of iodine-rich foods may be beneficial.
You can better control your psoriasis and lower your risk of flare-ups by staying away from these extra foods and eating a balanced diet full of foods that reduce inflammation.
8 Foods That Affect Psoriasis
Is fish good for psoriasis?
Their omega-3 fats can help with inflammation and give your immune system a boost, so it’s a good idea to put fish on the menu at least twice a week. According to one study, people who ate 6 ounces of fatty fish a week saw their psoriasis symptoms get better. And these healthy fats may lower your chances of heart disease, too.
Is shrimp healthy to eat?
Shrimp is very healthy to eat, unless you have an allergy to shellfish. Shrimp is great because it is a low calorie, high protein food that is relatively inexpensive. Shrimp is also very versatile, so there are many recipes out there, meaning that you can eat shrimp multiple times a week each time in a different way. Don’t make shrimp your only protein source, because a healthy diet is also a varied diet.
What foods are good for psoriasis?
With psoriasis, a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods can help to reduce the severity of a flare-up. Almost all anti-inflammatory diets include fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which are compounds that decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.
Can whole grains help psoriasis?
Fiber-rich whole grains can ease inflammation. They also can help you slim down, and research shows that shedding pounds can help with your psoriasis symptoms. Choose whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas, and brown or wild rice. Labels like “multigrain” can be misleading, so check that a whole grain is the first ingredient listed.