foods that trigger psoriasis

Foods That Trigger Psoriasis: What to Avoid for Clearer Skin

Living with psoriasis means learning to manage flare-ups, reduce inflammation, and support your skin's healing process every day. While skincare products and therapies play a vital role in symptom control, diet (or foods that trigger psoriasis) is an often-overlooked topic that can significantly impact your condition.

In this blog post, we explore the foods that trigger psoriasis, why they affect your skin, and how you can make better choices to support your psoriasis journey. We’ll also highlight specific products from our store, Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, that help counteract dietary flare-ups and soothe irritated skin.

Understanding the Link Between Diet and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes skin cells to multiply faster than normal, leading to red, inflamed, scaly patches. While genetics and immune system dysfunction are core factors, inflammation triggered by food can worsen the severity and frequency of flare-ups.

Certain foods increase systemic inflammation, disrupt gut health, or stress the immune system, leading to flare-ups that can persist for weeks.

Common Foods That Trigger Psoriasis Flare-Ups

1. Processed Foods and Refined Sugars

Highly processed foods like pastries, sugary cereals, biscuits, and soft drinks promote inflammation throughout the body. Excessive sugar spikes insulin levels, which increases the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Better Alternative: Focus on low-GI, anti-inflammatory snacks. Avoid added sugar and check ingredient lists for hidden sweeteners.

Product Tip: While you detox from processed sugar, support your skin topically with our Bee Venom Psoriasis & Eczema Spray to reduce redness and itchiness.

2. Red Meat and Fatty Cuts

Red meats—particularly fatty cuts and processed varieties like sausages or salami—contain arachidonic acid, which is known to exacerbate psoriatic inflammation. These meats can trigger or intensify plaques on elbows, scalp, and knees.

Try This: Switch to lean meats like turkey, skinless chicken, or plant-based proteins such as lentils and chickpeas.

3. Dairy Products

Full-fat dairy, especially cow’s milk and cheese, contains casein and saturated fats that can aggravate the immune response. Some individuals with psoriasis report marked improvement when reducing or eliminating dairy.

Helpful Tip: You don’t have to give up all dairy—try lactose-free or plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk.

Customer Favourite: If flare-ups appear on your scalp after dairy consumption, try our Psoriasis & Eczema Shampoo Treatment to soothe irritation fast.

4. Nightshade Vegetables

Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and capsicum belong to the nightshade family, which contains alkaloids that may disrupt gut function or stimulate inflammatory pathways in psoriasis sufferers.

Not everyone is sensitive to nightshades, but if you notice flare-ups after eating them, try an elimination diet for 30 days and monitor your skin's response.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can dilate blood vessels, worsen skin dryness, and interfere with the liver's ability to detoxify inflammatory compounds. Even moderate alcohol consumption is linked to an increase in psoriasis severity.

What to Do Instead: Stay hydrated with anti-inflammatory drinks like herbal teas, lemon water, and green juice.

Pro Tip: After a night out or unexpected flare, apply our Manuka Honey Skin Cream to help restore moisture and calm irritation.

6. Gluten-Containing Grains

Some people with psoriasis are also sensitive to gluten, even if they don’t have celiac disease. Gluten can compromise gut health, triggering systemic inflammation that impacts the skin.

Try This: Consider trying a gluten-free diet for 3–6 weeks and observe any reduction in flare-ups. Replace bread and pasta with quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potato.

7. Fried and Fast Foods

These are loaded with trans fats, salt, and preservatives that lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. French fries, deep-fried chicken, and store-bought chips can push your immune system into overdrive.

Healthier Swap: Air-fried snacks, baked sweet potato wedges, or roasted chickpeas make satisfying anti-inflammatory alternatives.

Skin Rescue Product: If you’ve had a fast-food binge and notice a flare, our Salicylic Acid Scalp & Body Treatment can help shed flakes and reduce scaling quickly.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips for Psoriasis Management

Now that you know the foods that trigger psoriasis, here’s how to build a psoriasis-friendly diet:

Eat More Of:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. These help regulate immune function.

  • Bright-Coloured Veggies: Carrots, spinach, kale, and pumpkin are rich in antioxidants and fight skin inflammation.

  • Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and quinoa offer fiber to promote gut health.

  • Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt (if dairy is tolerated) support healthy gut flora.

Drink Plenty Of:

  • Water: Essential for skin hydration.

  • Green Tea: Contains polyphenols that reduce skin inflammation.

  • Turmeric Lattes: Turmeric is a known anti-inflammatory spice with curcumin, which may ease psoriasis symptoms.

Explore our Psoriasis Essentials Collection at Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies to support your healing both internally and externally.

What If You’ve Already Had a Flare-Up?

Don’t worry—flare-ups happen. When they do, reach for topical relief and restorative products that complement your skin’s natural healing process.

Our Top-Sellers for Fast Flare-Up Relief:

Final Thoughts: Foods That Trigger Psoriasis

Managing psoriasis isn’t just about what you put on your skin, but also what you put in your body. By avoiding common foods that trigger psoriasis, you give your skin the best possible environment to heal and stay calm.

Experimenting with dietary changes doesn’t have to feel restrictive—it’s about tuning into your body and choosing supportive options. Combine those changes with therapeutic products from our online store, and you’ve got a powerful, holistic approach to your skin’s health.

Take Control of Your Skin Today

👉 Browse our full range of psoriasis treatment products at www.psoriasisandeczema.com.au
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