What Triggers Psoriasis?

March 18, 2024

Millions of people worldwide suffer from Psoriasis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes painful symptoms like dry, itchy, or scaly patches on the skin. Knowing and understanding what causes Psoriasis can help you manage it better and have an improved quality of life.

In this article, we go over the different factors that can worsen Psoriasis symptoms, including diet, weight, lifestyle habits, and emotional stress. People who have Psoriasis can learn important tips on how to reduce flare-ups and better navigate their journey to skin health and wellness by knowing these triggers. Come along as we explore the complex relationship between Psoriasis and its triggers, providing insights and practical ways to manage it.

Here are some common triggers of Psoriasis:

Meal Choices

The symptoms of Psoriasis can range from minor to severe, although meal choices are frequently more significant triggers than external factors. What you eat has a major impact on the condition’s onset, severity, and management. We will delve into the complex relationship between meal choices and Psoriasis, examining how specific foods can act as triggers, causing symptoms to worsen and affecting skin as well as general health.

Identifying Trigger Foods

There are some foods that may act as triggers for flare-ups of Psoriasis. Foods high in sugar, saturated fats, and processed ingredients are among them. In particular, red meat contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fats, which can worsen symptoms and promote inflammation, thus aggravating your Psoriasis. Furthermore, dairy products and gluten are frequently mentioned as common triggers for some people.

The Role of Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of Psoriasis, and several dietary components can make this inflammatory reaction worse. For example, eating a lot of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats can increase inflammation in the body, which can make Psoriasis symptoms worse.

The Gut-Skin Connection

There is a connection between Psoriasis and gut health. An imbalance in the gut microbiota, which is frequently impacted by what you eat, can exacerbate the symptoms of Psoriasis by causing systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation.

Practical Dietary Tips

A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help control Psoriasis symptoms, even if individual causes for the condition can differ. Moreover, seeking advice from a qualified nutritionist and maintaining a food journal to monitor possible trigger foods can provide personalised nutritional recommendations.

Learn more about which foods to avoid for Psoriasis, even some which you may have thought is okay for you to eat. Watch our insightful video, Foods to avoid for Psoriasis.

Request for our free guide 6 Proven Secrets To Improve Your Psoriasis.

If you are suffering from Psoriasis, discover natural proven techniques to improve and even completely reverse your condition by enrolling in our online course Psoriasis Expert Secrets.

Weight

Psoriasis symptoms can be significantly aggravated and triggered by weight. We will examine the complex connection between weight and Psoriasis, explaining how being overweight can act as a trigger for this challenging skin disease.

Understanding Psoriasis and Weight

There is a strong correlation between obesity and Psoriasis; obesity has been found to increase the likelihood of developing Psoriasis as well as exacerbate existing symptoms. Psoriasis and weight have a complex relationship that involves a number of biological processes and inflammatory pathways.

Inflammation and Adipose Tissue

Body fat, or adipose tissue, is an active endocrine organ that secretes adipokines (signalling proteins that can exacerbate inflammatory responses) and inflammatory cytokines in addition to being a passive storage depot. Obesity’s excess adipose tissue can cause low-grade chronic inflammation, which can aggravate Psoriasis and worsen systemic inflammation.

Impact on Immune System

It is well recognized that obesity dysregulates the immune system, changing immune function and making people more vulnerable to inflammatory conditions like Psoriasis. Being overweight can cause immune homeostasis to be disrupted, which can lead to a pro-inflammatory condition and worsen Psoriatic symptoms.

Role of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance, a condition in which cells lose their responsiveness to insulin, is frequently present in conjunction with obesity. Elevations in circulating insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are linked to insulin resistance. IGF-1 can promote keratinocyte proliferation (multiplication of skin cells) and play a role in the development of Psoriatic lesions.

Weight Loss as a Potential Treatment

Losing weight can reduce the symptoms of Psoriasis and even lower the chance of developing it. Those suffering from Psoriasis may find that changing their diet and increasing their physical activity helps them lose weight and manage their symptoms. Book a free discovery call with Planet Wellness and we’ll explain to you how we can help you in your weight loss journey to heal your Psoriasis as well as achieve great overall health.

Did you know Psoriasis is oftentimes triggered? Aside from FOOD, get to know the other triggers which usually flare up Psoriasis by watching our video, Triggers of Psoriasis.

Stress

Psoriasis flare-ups and stress are strongly correlated. We’ll explore the complex connection between stress and Psoriasis and explain how reducing stress can aid in symptom relief and improved quality of life.

Understanding the Psoriasis-Stress Connection

Psoriasis flare-ups are frequently attributed to stress. According to studies, stress is a trigger for 31% to 88% of Psoriasis symptoms in people. Stress can cause the body to react in ways that worsen inflammation and immune dysregulation, which can lead to Psoriatic lesions.

Impact on Immune Function

Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” reaction, which releases adrenaline and cortisol. Chronic stress can cause immune system dysregulation, which increases inflammation and can worsen Psoriasis symptoms.

Breaking the Psoriasis-Stress Cycle

Although stress can’t always be completely eliminated, managing stress levels can have a big impact on Psoriasis symptoms. People with Psoriasis can manage stress better if they incorporate stress-relieving practices including deep breathing exercises, yoga, mindfulness meditation, and regular physical activity. Getting help from loved ones, friends, or a mental health professional are also important ways to reduce stress.

Ronald and Petrina were regular guests on an internet radio breakfast show. Watch and learn many interesting facts and tips in our illuminating video, How To Manage Anxiety, Stress, Migraine or Headaches with Mint Tea.

Alcohol

Numerous factors, including lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption, could have an impact on Psoriasis. Let’s examine the relationship between alcohol and Psoriasis flare-ups and discuss management strategies.

Understanding the Link

Drinking alcohol can make Psoriasis symptoms worse. Alcohol can cause inflammation, weaken the immune system, and disrupt skin barrier function, all of which can lead to Psoriasis flare-ups.

Impact on Immune Function

Alcohol can upset the immune system’s delicate balance, increasing inflammation all across the body. This increased inflammation can cause Psoriasis symptoms—such as skin flaking, itching, and redness—to worsen.

Managing Alcohol Consumption

Moderate or no alcohol consumption may help those suffering from Psoriasis experience fewer and milder flare-ups. Although the effects of alcohol vary from person to person, it is helpful to be aware of how much alcohol you drink and how it may be affecting your Psoriasis.

Seeking Professional Advice

Speak with holistic healthcare professionals like Planet Wellness if you have Psoriasis and are worried about how alcohol may be aggravating your disease. We can assist you in navigating the complicated interaction between alcohol intake and Psoriasis and offer tailored advice based on your medical history.

How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis Using Iridology? Watch our informative video to gain valuable insights.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the many factors that could affect your Psoriasis. Let’s examine how smoking causes flare-ups of Psoriasis and what this means for people who are managing this condition.

Understanding the Link

Smoking can make the symptoms of Psoriasis worse. Psoriasis can develop and worsen due to the induction of inflammation and oxidative stress in the body caused by nicotine and other components of cigarettes.

Impact on Skin Health

It is well recognized that smoking negatively affects the general health of the skin, resulting in impaired wound healing and circulation. These side effects have the potential to increase Psoriasis patients’ inflammation and intensify symptoms like redness, scaling, and itching.

Reducing Psoriasis Risk

Both the risk of Psoriasis development and its symptoms can be greatly reduced by quitting smoking. Programs for quitting smoking and nicotine replacement treatment may facilitate this process by providing help and direction to people wishing to give up smoking.

Seeking Support

If you smoke and have Psoriasis, it’s imperative that you put your health first by quitting smoking. When you consult our clinic, Planet Wellness, we can offer you individualised advice and resources to help you successfully quit smoking.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people globally. By being aware of its triggers, people can more effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. People can learn a lot about controlling their Psoriasis by considering some common factors such as diet, weight, stress, alcohol, and smoking. It’s easier to navigate the complexity of Psoriasis with practical tips and professional guidance. Better symptom control and general well-being can result from proactive steps such as moderating alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, practising stress-relieving techniques, keeping a healthy weight, and changing one’s diet. Through the direct management of these triggers, people can embark on a journey towards healthier skin and an improved quality of life.

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

How To Get Rid of Psoriasis Using Iridology

What Is The Main Cause Of Psoriasis?

When Does Psoriasis Start To Heal?

Where Does Psoriasis Come From?

Psoriasis and Your Immune System

How To Heal Psoriasis Naturally