5 FOODS TO AVOID
1. SUGAR
Desserts, chocolate, Starbucks drinks, and even fruit juices can be difficult to resist, but sugars cause the release of inflammatory messengers known as cytokines, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. These cytokine storms can cause inflammation on the skin… even the brain, where they are thought to be a primary cause of depression. People with psoriasis or eczema should avoid sugar as much as possible. Sugar can be identified by any word ending in "ose," such as "fructose" or "sucrose" on ingredient labels.
2. ALCOHOL
Alcohol is toxic to the liver. Excessive use impairs liver function and can promote inflammation by disrupting other multi-organ interactions. It's recommended to avoid it or use it sparingly.
3. ASPARTAME
Trying to go sugar-free? Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in more than 4,000 products worldwide. While it’s approved by the FDA, studies on its effects are mixed, and the impact on people with autoimmune disease are unknown. If you are sensitive to this chemical, your immune system may react to the “foreign substance” by attacking the chemical, which in return, will trigger an inflammatory response.
4. GLUTEN AND CASEIN
People with psoriasis or eczema are more likely to be gluten intolerant (gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye), or casein intolerant (casein is present in dairy products), and may find relief by avoiding these foods. Those with Celiac disease, a condition in which gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that destroys the small intestine and can cause joint discomfort, may find relief by following a gluten-free diet. Some patients with arthritis may also have gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, so there may be some overlap.
5. SATURATED FATS
Saturated fats cause adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is not only a risk factor for heart disease, but also enhances arthritis inflammation, according to several studies. According to the National Cancer Institute, the most saturated fats in the average American diet come from pizza and cheese. Meat food (particularly red meat), full-fat dairy goods, pasta dishes, and grain-based sweets are all culprits.
