Living with psoriasis means constantly managing your triggers—and sometimes, the very foods you love might be making things worse. While we all know about the usual suspects—like spicy foods and alcohol—there are some unexpected foods that could be sneaking under the radar, causing flare-ups you don’t even realize. If you're tired of battling your psoriasis without understanding why, keep reading—these surprising foods might be the real culprits.
1. Nightshades: Not Always So Friendly
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes—these veggies, known as nightshades, are common in many dishes, but they might be doing more harm than good for your skin. Nightshades contain solanine, which can aggravate inflammation, potentially triggering psoriasis flare-ups. If you love pasta with marinara or a big side of mashed potatoes, it might be worth cutting back to see if your skin responds.
2. Dairy: Your Favorite Comfort Food Could Be a Hidden Enemy
If you're a cheese lover or can’t resist a cold glass of milk, you might want to rethink your dairy intake. For some people with psoriasis, dairy products—particularly full-fat varieties—can increase inflammation in the body, making flare-ups more intense. Opting for plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut yogurt could help keep your skin calm and your cravings satisfied.
3. Processed Meats: The Hidden Inflammation Culprit
Bacon, hot dogs, sausage—processed meats are packed with preservatives, unhealthy fats, and sodium that can inflame your body and worsen psoriasis. These foods contribute to the inflammatory cycle, making it harder for your skin to stay clear. Reducing or eliminating processed meats from your diet could help decrease flare-ups and leave you feeling better overall.
4. Gluten: The Silent Psoriasis Trigger
While gluten is well-known for being an issue for those with celiac disease, it can also cause problems for people with psoriasis. For some, gluten—found in wheat, barley, and rye—can trigger an immune response that inflames the skin, leading to flare-ups. If you haven’t tried a gluten-free diet yet, it might be time to see if cutting out gluten makes a difference for your skin.
5. Sugary Treats: Too Much Sugar, Too Much Inflammation
We all know sugar isn’t the healthiest option, but did you know it could be triggering your psoriasis too? Consuming high amounts of sugar can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels, which in turn increases inflammation throughout the body. Whether it’s a sugary snack or your daily soda, cutting down on refined sugars might help calm your skin and keep flare-ups at bay.
6. Alcohol: It’s Not Just the Buzz
A cold beer or a glass of wine might seem harmless, but alcohol is a well-known psoriasis trigger. It can dehydrate the skin, weaken the immune system, and even cause blood vessels to expand, all of which can worsen psoriasis symptoms. If you’re noticing more flare-ups after a drink, it might be time to cut back and see how your skin reacts.