How does lifestyle and diet affect Psoriasis?

November 27, 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by red scaly patches on the skin with the added itchiness, inflammation and discomfort. It begins with systemic inflammation as well as an abnormal immune system and it affects the skin most. Consequently, lifestyle and dietary choices are important tools in controlling psoriasis symptoms and generally improving quality of life.

In this article, we will talk about how lifestyle and diet affects the development of psoriasis, what role does Iridology play in understanding underlying health patterns and what foods you should eat and avoid if you have psoriasis.

Fighting Psoriasis starts from the inside and works its way to the outside. What you eat is very important in addition to emotion. Learn how to combat Psoriasis with a proper “diet” or consuming smart foods by watching our video, “Psoriasis Diet”.

The Role of Lifestyle in Psoriasis Management

Stress Management

One of the most common triggers for psoriasis flare ups is stress. The immune system is highly responsive to emotional and psychological stress and it triggers inflammation. Methods of managing stress and increased resilience such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga and regular exercise can be helpful.

Tips for Stress Reduction

Meditation

Sometimes you’ve got to sit down and calm your mind and body for 10 to 15 minutes a day.

Physical Activity

Endorphins can be released from activities like walking, or swimming, or dancing – and these work to counteract stress.

Therapeutic Hobbies

Do something that brings you joy, for example, painting, gardening or music.

Sleep Hygiene

Inflamed skin is more reactive and poor quality sleep can further worsen inflammation. If you are a psoriasis patient, try to get at least 7–8 hours of restorative sleep every night. Developing habits like avoiding caffeine near the end of the day, keeping a routine and creating a calm environment before sleep are all ways to improve sleep quality.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise not only fights obesity — a known risk factor for severe psoriasis — but it also helps to fight inflammation. A moderate activity such as cycling, swimming, or brisk walking is what is best. But to prevent Koebner’s phenomenon, where new lesions can develop at the site of injury, high impact sports that cause skin trauma should be avoided.

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The Impact of Diet on Psoriasis

The foods you eat and how much of each can help you manage psoriasis. Nutrient dense foods that promote anti-inflammatory health can help to calm the immune system and improve gut health and minimise the frequency of flare ups.

Foods to Include in a Psoriasis-Friendly Diet

A diet that includes reducing inflammation and increasing overall health can make a huge difference in how psoriasis affects you.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3s have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts can be considered plant based sources.

Colourful Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants which neutralise the free radicals that cause inflammation. Choose between berries, leafy greens, carrots and bell peppers.

Whole Grains

Quinoa, brown rice, oats etc are packed with fibre, these help to maintain gut health and reduce inflammation.

Healthy Fats

Include olive oil, avocado, and nuts in your meals to give you heart healthy fats.

Probiotics

Yoghurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, all fermented foods, are great for gut health, and gut health has a lot to do with immune system function.

Herbs and Spices

Turmeric and ginger are anti-inflammatory superstars and easily added to meals.

Foods to Avoid with Psoriasis

Some foods can increase inflammation and make psoriasis symptoms worse. These can haunt you if not avoided.

Processed and Refined Foods

Foods that have a lot of sugar, trans fats and artificial additives, such as chips, cookies and soda, make the inflammation worse.

Red and Processed Meats

Some of these foods have arachidonic acid, which can trigger inflammatory pathways within the body.

Dairy Products

For some people, dairy can act as a trigger due to its inflammatory potential and possible links to food sensitivities.

Alcohol

Alcohol can decrease systemic inflammation, disrupt the gut barrier, and can interfere with medications used for psoriasis.

Gluten (for Sensitive Individuals)

Gluten may actually worsen psoriasis in people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

The Role of Iridology in Psoriasis Management

Iridology, a holistic diagnostic technique, is one that looks at the patterns, colours and structures of the iris in order to find out what is going on with the individual in a holistic sense. Iridology is not a stand alone treatment but a good tool in understanding the causes of psoriasis.

How Iridology Can Help Psoriasis Patients

Identifying Inflammatory Patterns

Iridology enables iridologists to detect signs of systemic inflammation and to identify areas of the body under stress, which might be the liver or digestive system.

Understanding Detoxification Capacity

Iridology can show how the body’s detoxifying organs are functioning. Poor detoxification can lead to toxin build up which can worsen psoriasis.

Guiding Personalized Interventions

According to iris analysis, Iridologists can suggest personalised ways of living, dietary changes, and detoxification protocols to resolve underlying health imbalances.

What to Expect During an Iridology Consultation

History-Taking

The practitioner will ask about your health history, lifestyle and symptoms.

Iris Examination

The Iridologist uses a magnifying device or camera to examine the iris for patterns.

Recommendations

Practitioners, on the basis of their findings, will recommend dietary adjustments, supplements, lifestyle changes to support overall health.

A Sample Psoriasis-Friendly Daily Menu

Breakfast

A smoothie of spinach, banana, blueberries, flax seeds, and almond milk.
A small handful of walnuts.

Mid-Morning Snack

Hummus with carrot and cucumber sticks.

Lunch

Grilled salmon served with quinoa and kale salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon.

Afternoon Snack

Greek yoghurt with a sprinkle of chia seeds (opt for plant-based yoghurt if dairy-sensitive).

Dinner

Baked chicken breast with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.
A side of fermented vegetables like kimchi.

Dessert

Fresh strawberries and dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher).

Lifestyle and Diet: A Synergistic Approach

Although psoriasis is a lifelong disease, chances are that a psoriasis friendly diet in combination with a healthy lifestyle will severely diminish the amount and severity of flare ups. A holistic approach to managing the condition includes stress management, routine exercise, quality of sleep, and a personalised diet.

Petrina answers the question “How does lifestyle affect Psoriasis?“

Conclusion

Psoriasis is one disease that requires a proactive strategy in medical treatment and also in daily lifestyle and dietary habits. When incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, avoiding potential triggers and exploring complementary practices such as Iridology, people can take charge over their health and at the very least stop symptoms.

Building a personal plan takes lots of work and you need to work closely with healthcare professionals such as iridologists, nutritionists and holistic practitioners to get a plan that matches your requirements. Many psoriasis patients respond to consistent effort and have significant improvement and pave the way for a healthier, more comfortable life.

What if we told you that you can heal and even reverse your Psoriasis without having to depend on conventional medication? Start your Psoriasis journey with confidence, using our resources that are meant to guide and encourage you. Start by downloading our FREE Psoriasis guide booklet, containing all relevant information and helpful tips. For those interested in gaining further knowledge and learning more about comprehensive approaches, enrol in our special Psoriasis course. Furthermore, you can book a free consultation from our wellness clinic to get professional help that will be aimed at meeting your needs. Do not let Psoriasis be a hindrance – begin your path to improved skin health right away!

To learn more about Psoriasis, check out our other related blogs:

How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis Using Iridology

How is Psoriasis diagnosed?

How Does Psoriasis Affect Quality Of Life?

Why Psoriasis Occurs

Are any other conditions linked to Psoriasis?

How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis Using Iridology