Ashley Braun, MPH, RD, is a registered dietitian and health content writer, with more than 5 years of experience, using science-based information to educate patients on chronic diseases.

Marissa Sansone, MD, is a board-certified physician and is currently a researcher in rheumatology at Yale University. She actively teaches rheumatology to residents and students, and publishes peer-reviewed abstracts in the journal Rheumatology.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which cells accumulate to form scaly and itchy patches. This is an autoimmune disease that may be caused by diet and other lifestyle factors. You can reduce sudden attacks and symptoms of psoriasis by changing your diet. This article will discuss foods to avoid and foods recommended for the treatment of psoriasis.

Red meat is rich in saturated fat and a type of polyunsaturated fat called omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 causes the production of compounds that increase inflammation in the body. Eating too much red meat and other omega-6-rich foods may cause symptoms.

Studies have shown that dairy products may promote inflammation and cause symptoms of psoriasis. In a 2017 survey, people reported that dairy products were one of their causes of psoriasis. However, more research is needed to understand the true impact of eating dairy products on psoriasis.

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat and barley. It is found in foods such as bread, pasta, bagels and some grains. For people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance may cause inflammation and increase the symptoms of psoriasis.

Processed foods are associated with an increased risk of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. Usually vitamins and minerals are stripped from the food during processing, taking away most of the useful nutrients.

Eating processed foods may increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to psoriasis attacks. Try to limit the following foods:

Solanum plants belong to a plant family called Solanaceae. An investigation found that patients with psoriasis improved their symptoms after removing nightshade from their diet. Common vegetables and spices in Solanaceae include:

Another reported cause of psoriasis symptoms is alcohol. Regular drinking can affect the body and immune system in many ways. It is recommended that patients with psoriasis avoid drinking alcohol or drink alcohol only occasionally.

Caffeine may be the cause of psoriasis symptoms. Some patients with psoriasis report that severe symptoms have improved after removing caffeine from their diet. Drinks that contain caffeine to limit psoriasis include:

Some people are allergic or allergic to citrus fruits, which may cause inflammation. There is little research on the effect of citrus fruits on psoriasis. Nevertheless, it may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to citrus fruits.

Since psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune response and inflammation, it is recommended to eat foods that help reduce inflammation.

Fruits and vegetables are staple foods in an anti-inflammatory diet because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage and help reduce inflammation.

It is recommended to regularly add fruits and non-starchy vegetables to your meals and snacks, such as:

Many types of fish provide a fat with anti-inflammatory properties called omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids while limiting the content of omega-6 fatty acids (found in foods such as red meat, corn, and soybeans) can help control inflammatory symptoms such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis sick.

Examples of fatty fish include:

Heart-healthy oils contain anti-inflammatory fatty acids and antioxidants. Not all oils are good for the heart, some oils provide more omega-6 fatty acids. Try adding these heart-healthy oils to your diet:

Eating foods containing probiotics (such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, or kombucha) or taking probiotic supplements can help maintain a healthy gut and may help treat psoriasis. A randomized controlled trial in 2019 found that taking probiotic supplements can help reduce the severity of symptoms and the number of psoriasis episodes.

Through a balanced diet, many people can get enough vitamins and minerals. Nonetheless, if there are any deficiencies or additional nutritional needs, supplements may help. A 2014 study found that nutritional supplements that may help reduce inflammation and symptoms in patients with psoriasis include:

When looking for a psoriasis diet, look for a plan that includes foods that are good for psoriasis, while limiting foods that may trigger symptoms. Not all diet plans are good for psoriasis. Here are some options that may help your condition.

Dr. John Pagano is known for his research on natural treatments for psoriasis. His book titled "Cure Psoriasis: Natural Selection" focuses on improving symptoms through diet and lifestyle. The diet plan includes:

Vegetarian and vegan diets will naturally limit many inflammatory foods while promoting fruits and vegetables. Generally, these diets are rich in healthy oils, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

There are not enough studies to recommend that every person with psoriasis adopt a gluten-free diet. Conversely, research suggests that a gluten-free diet may improve symptoms in people with gluten sensitivity or allergies.

Food allergies and sensitivity can increase inflammation in the body, thereby aggravating diseases such as psoriasis. Therefore, if you have allergies, avoiding trigger foods is important to limit inflammation.  

Paleo diet advocates eating whole foods and restricts all processed foods. The diet mainly includes fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and fish. In a 2017 survey, people reported that following the paleo diet helped improve symptoms and skin appearance.

The Mediterranean diet is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The diet promotes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Foods in the diet are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that may benefit psoriasis.

A 2015 study found that people who did not eat a Mediterranean diet were more likely to develop psoriasis symptoms than those who had eaten a Mediterranean diet. The study also suggests that diet may help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

The Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP) is an elimination diet designed to help reduce inflammation and symptoms. This is a very strict meal plan that allows you to eat meat, fish, vegetables and healthy oils.

It may help reduce inflammation in the short term, but in the long term it may not be a good choice because it is a very strict meal plan.

The ketogenic diet is a popular diet trend, a very low carbohydrate and high fat diet. Some studies have shown that following a ketogenic diet may help reduce weight and reduce inflammation in the body.

Nevertheless, this option may not be suitable for everyone, because it reduces the intake of fruits and vegetables. At the same time, it adds foods rich in omega-6, such as red meat.

Other tips that may help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis are:

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is difficult to manage. Avoiding foods that increase inflammation may help control psoriasis symptoms. Try to focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish. Symptom triggers may vary from person to person, so be aware of which foods may cause your symptoms.

You will encounter conflicting recommendations about what to eat and what not to eat, which may worsen your psoriasis symptoms. This may vary from person to person. If you think food is a trigger, keep a food and symptom diary so that you can find specific triggers.

Discuss any major changes in your diet with your healthcare provider. Most importantly, a balanced diet can provide you with the nutrients you need for overall health. A registered dietitian may be an important resource to alleviate any fears and guide you to develop good eating habits.

Foods that can cause psoriasis include tomatoes, eggplant, red meat, gluten, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.

Some studies indicate that caffeine may be the cause of psoriasis symptoms.

Chicken is a leaner protein, so it may treat psoriasis symptoms better than red meat.

In small amounts, most types of unsweetened juices may be suitable for psoriasis. However, some people report that citrus fruits cause their symptoms, so this juice may not be suitable for everyone.

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