Foods That Make Psoriasis Worse

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes reddish-colored, scaly dry patches on your skin. Psoriasis is not contagious and usually not painful, although severe cases lead to arthritis. Though the cause of psoriasis remains unknown, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center stress, obesity, cold air, injuries, certain medications and excessive alcohol or tobacco use can trigger flare-ups. In addition to medications and exercise, a healthy diet, limited in certain foods, may help reduce your symptoms.

Fatty Meat and Poultry

Fatty meat and poultry, such as porterhouse steak, hamburger meat, organ meats, processed meats and dark-meat chicken, contain rich amounts of saturated fat -- fats associated with high cholesterol levels, weight gain, diabetes and heart disease. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends avoiding animal-derived fat sources for improved wellness and weight control. Avoid deep-fried meat and poultry and items prepared with butter or lard, which increase the saturated fat and calorie content. Common dishes based upon fatty meat and/or poultry include cheeseburgers, pepperoni or sausage pizza, fried chicken, fast-food breakfast sandwiches, veal Parmesan and ham and cheese omelets.

Whole Milk

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Whole milk also contains rich amounts of saturated fat. Milk is also a common food allergen that triggers psoriasis in some people, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If milk products seem to cause or worsen your symptoms, choose non-dairy equivalents, such as soy milk, instead. Otherwise, avoid whole milk and whole milk products, such as high-fat cheeses, ice cream, egg nog, heavy cream, high-fat coffee beverages, cheesecake and sour cream to help control symptoms of psoriasis.

Gluten

Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, barley, rye and a slew of condiments, baking mixes, marinades, baked goods and snack foods. Though gluten-containing foods, such as whole-wheat bread, provide dietary benefits for most people, eliminating gluten from your diet may help reduce psoriasis symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Common foods that contain gluten include enriched white, wheat and rye breads, cold cereals — except gluten-free corn and rice-based cereals and commercially prepared cookies, cakes, pastries, pizza crust, muffins, pie crust, crackers, pretzels, couscous, muesli, creamy canned soups, gravy mixes and many processed meats. Since gluten is found in a wide variety of foods and products, seek guidance and approval from your doctor before eliminating gluten for best results.

Added Sugars

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Added sugars are ingredients such as cane sugar, brown sugar, honey, dextrose, maltose, fructose and corn syrup that add sweet flavor, but few nutrients, to foods. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends cutting back on added sugars as a useful dietary tool for managing your symptoms. Common sources of added sugars include regular soft drinks, candy, chocolates, cakes, pies, cookies, frosting, jam, jelly, pancake syrup, sweetened cereals and sweetened tea and coffee beverages. Avoid foods that list a form of sugar as one of its top-listed ingredients for best results.