🧴 Psoriasis: What’s Happening Beneath Your Skin?

Psoriasis is more than just dry, scaly patches on the skin—it’s a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. Normally, skin cells renew every 28–30 days. In psoriasis, this process gets fast-tracked to just 3–7 days, causing a pile-up of immature cells, which appear as red, inflamed, itchy, and flaky patches on the skin.

👨⚕️ As Dr. Umesh Wadhwani explains, this immune overdrive also leads to inflammation in the body, making it crucial to focus not just on skin care—but immune care and gut health through diet and lifestyle.

🔍 What Triggers It?

While the exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown (often labeled idiopathic), there are common root contributors:

• Stress

• Poor sleep

• Processed sugars and fried foods

• Dairy, eggs, and red meat (in some individuals)

• Excessive alcohol

• Gut imbalances

• Genetics and immune dysregulation
  
  

📈 Psoriasis affects about 2–3% of the population globally, and can appear at any age—often triggered by stress, infections, or dietary patterns.

⚠️ Signs & Symptoms

Most people with psoriasis experience cycles of flare-ups and remission. During flare-ups, symptoms include:

• Red, inflamed patches of skin

• Silvery-white scaling

• Itching, burning, or soreness

• Thickened or pitted nails

• Common areas affected: scalp, elbows, lower back, knees
  
  

These symptoms can impact both physical and emotional well-being—but with the right lifestyle strategies, flare-ups can be minimized and managed.

🥗 Nutrition for Psoriasis: The Inside-Out Approach

🌿 Core Dietary Principles

✅ Anti-inflammatory Focus

• Omega-3-rich foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish

• Turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, berries
  
  

✅ Gut Health Support

• Fermented foods (curd, kanji, buttermilk if tolerated)

• Prebiotic-rich foods: oats, garlic (low-FODMAP alternatives if needed)
  
  

✅ Adequate Protein Intake

• Skin regeneration and immune repair rely on amino acids

• Include lentils, tofu, paneer, eggs (if not a trigger), or lean poultry
  
  

✅ Balance & Moderation

• Portion control > food fear

• Don't restrict entire food groups unless clear intolerances are identified
  
  

🚫 Foods to Limit (Not Eliminate)

• Sugary snacks and processed foods

• Fried and ultra-processed meats

• Alcohol and smoking

• Dairy and eggs (observe symptom link, as it varies person to person)
  
  

🌟 Dr. Umesh reminds: “The basics of healthy eating remain the same—whether you have psoriasis or not. What matters most is consistency.”

💊 Key Nutrients to Focus On

Deficiencies in these can worsen immune imbalance and skin health:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating

• Vitamin D – Many people with psoriasis have low levels

• Zinc – Supports skin healing and immunity

• Vitamin B12 – Especially for those on vegetarian or restricted diets

• Magnesium – Helps regulate inflammation and stress response
  
  

💡 Supplements may help—but only after testing and professional guidance.

🧘 Lifestyle Strategies That Matter

🏃♀️ Move More, Gently

• Aim for 30 minutes of daily movement: walking, yoga, light strength work

• Avoid overtraining, which may spike inflammation
  
  

😴 Prioritize Sleep

• Flare-ups are often linked to poor sleep

• Stick to a calming wind-down routine
  
  

🌱 Manage Stress

• Psoriasis is stress-sensitive

• Meditation, journaling, breathing exercises—even a hobby you enjoy—can reduce flares
  
  

✅ Body Signals:

• Skin appearance

• Energy levels

• Digestion & gut comfort

• Sleep quality
  
  

✅ Relevant Lab Markers:

• Vitamin D, B12, CRP (inflammation), Omega-3 index

• Track flare-up frequency, duration, and dietary patterns in a journal
  
  

✅ What’s Next?

Need a personalized psoriasis plan?
We help you design a sustainable, enjoyable lifestyle and food approach that works for your unique body.

👉📅Click here to Book your free 30-minute consultation

You’ll get:

• A personalized symptom and food journal template

• Tailored supplement & nutrient intake plan

• Step-by-step food planning support
  
  

🎥 Watch the Full Video by Dr. Umesh Wadhwani on- What Is Psoriasis? | Doctor Explains 🚨

Let’s remind ourselves: Psoriasis management doesn’t mean “perfect eating”—it means knowing your body, managing triggers, and supporting long-term skin and immune health from the inside out. 💚