Nutrition and Healing
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With the holiday season comes the irresistible draw of festive treats.

Gingerbread cookies, buttery pastries, cheesy casseroles—the list is endless!

For many, the holidays are a time to indulge, but if you’re living with psoriasis, your favorite comfort foods might be doing more harm than you realize…

New research suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) could be linked to psoriasis flare-ups.

This revelation is crucial as we head into a season filled with heavily processed holiday staples. If your skin is already sensitive, those extra helpings of chips, dips, and sugary snacks may not be as harmless as they seem.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

UPFs dominate the modern diet. These are the highly processed snacks and convenience foods designed for mass production and extended shelf life.

Think packaged cookies, sweetened yogurts, frozen pizzas, and even holiday favorites like flavored potato chips and canned soups.

These foods are often loaded with oils, sugars, and additives such as artificial flavors and colors. While they’re convenient and tasty, they’re also known to fuel inflammation—a key trigger for psoriasis flare-ups.

How UPFs May Worsen Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly speeds up skin cell production, leading to red, scaly patches. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors like diet significantly impact symptom severity.

According to experts, ultra-processed foods can wreak havoc on your body in several ways:

  1. Inflammation Overload: UPFs are high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, which promote systemic inflammation. This can trigger immune responses that worsen psoriasis symptoms.
  2. Gut Microbiome Disruption: These foods may harm gut health, reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing gut permeability—often called “leaky gut.” This allows toxins to enter the bloodstream, fueling inflammation.
  3. Obesity Connection: Regular consumption of UPFs is linked to weight gain, which is an independent risk factor for psoriasis flare-ups.

Dr. Rachel Day, a dermatologist, explains, “The low fiber content in UPFs, combined with their additives, can lead to gut dysbiosis. This creates a cascade of immune triggers that worsen psoriatic symptoms.”

The Holiday Conundrum

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those with psoriasis. Many traditional holiday dishes rely on UPFs, from processed meats in charcuterie boards to store-bought desserts.

While the occasional treat is fine, consistent overindulgence could tip the scales toward a flare-up. This is especially true for smaller gatherings where snacks and finger foods dominate the menu.

Tips to Enjoy the Holidays Without the Flare-Ups

The good news? You don’t have to skip out on the festivities entirely. Here are some simple swaps and strategies to enjoy the season without compromising your skin health:

  1. Go Fresh: Opt for whole, unprocessed ingredients whenever possible. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are great options.
  2. DIY Desserts: Make your own holiday treats to control sugar and additive levels. Try dark chocolate bark with nuts or homemade oatmeal cookies as healthier alternatives.
  3. Hydrate Wisely: Skip sugary sodas and processed eggnog. Instead, sip on herbal teas or water infused with holiday spices like cinnamon and clove.
  4. Moderation Matters: If you indulge in a processed treat, balance it out with nutrient-rich meals for the rest of the day.
  5. Know Your Triggers: Keep a food diary to track which foods might be linked to flare-ups, and avoid them next time.

The Bigger Picture

While the exact relationship between diet and psoriasis is still being explored, the emerging evidence is clear: what you eat matters. Dr. Day emphasizes, “Dietary modifications, such as reducing UPFs, can play a significant role in managing psoriasis symptoms alongside traditional treatments.”

The holidays don’t have to mean putting your skin health at risk. By being mindful of what’s on your plate and making smarter choices, you can enjoy the festivities without triggering a psoriasis flare-up.

Because let’s face it—there’s no joy in the season if your skin isn’t feeling merry and bright.

P.S. The ONE treatment for dozens of autoimmune diseases? Click here to learn more.

Sources:

Berman, R. (2024, December 2). Ultra-processed foods may trigger, worsen psoriasis flare-ups. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ultraprocessed-food-intake-linked-psoriasis-flare-ups-trigger#More-research-on-the-gut-and-immune-triggers

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