While some foods can help to curb the development of psoriasis, others can exacerbate the symptoms. Here is a list of foods to avoid if you are prone to this chronic skin disease:
Coeliac disease is an inflammatory enteropathy caused by an immune response to the protein gliadin, found in gluten-containing foods such as wheat. Several studies have reported an association between psoriasis and coeliac disease, including a threefold increased risk of coeliac disease in patients with psoriasis in a 2017 meta-analysis. This correlation may be explained by the fact that Th1 cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of both conditions. These cytokines tend to produce pro-inflammatory responses.
Alcohol should be avoided by individuals suffering from psoriasis as it releases pro-inflammatory compounds, known as cytokines. Alcohol also triggers the proliferation of keratinocytes by increasing the levels of integrin α5, KGFR and cyclin D1, which are characteristic transcripts of keratinocytes.
An excessive intake of sugars promotes the differentiation of Th17 lymphocytes by activating TGF-β. This will encourage the production of IL-17 cytokines, one of the main factors causing psoriasis.
Experiments in rats have demonstrated that caffeine has pro-inflammatory effects when administered during an inflammatory process. It exacerbates tissue damage by amplifying the levels of mRNA of TNF-alpha, TNF-β, lymphotoxin-β, IL-6 and IFN-gamma in the spleen and by increasing IFN-gamma in the blood. Notably, cytokines such as IFN gamma act as mitogens for keratinocytes in psoriasis, promoting their proliferation.
Saturated fatty acids induce the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-23/IL-17. These innate immunity complexes and interleukins trigger a cascade of inflammatory reactions. Red meat, which contains saturated fatty acids, when consumed excessively, could exacerbate psoriasis.