Frederick Jace
Pregnancy is an amazing journey for every woman, and it is a great experience. The only thing that women should be careful about is their health and diet. When you are pregnant, there are numerous things to take care of. During pregnancy, the body undergoes remarkable changes in order to accommodate the growing fetus, which can sometimes lead to skin problems.
Few skin conditions improve during pregnancy while some get worse, while some remain unchanged, while some disappear completely during this period. One of the most common skin disorders is psoriasis, an autoimmune disease characterized by red, itchy, scaly patches on the scalp, elbows, knees, etc.
Many pregnant women have psoriasis, and while some may not experience flare-ups during pregnancy, others may notice their psoriasis worsening. As the skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, one should avoid certain products and foods. So, what foods can help in managing psoriasis during pregnancy? Read on to find out.
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Vegetables
Pregnant women with psoriasis should eat plenty of vegetables. Vegetables are rich in Vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene, which are known to be effective against psoriasis. These are also important for pregnant women as they help with blood circulation leading to healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Vegetables recommended include carrots, spinach, turnip greens, kales, lettuce, broccoli, etc.
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Fish
Pregnant women should eat more fish during pregnancy because fish is good for their overall health, especially for the brain development of the baby. Fish will also benefit a woman with psoriasis because it contains omega 3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. Some common types of fish to eat include salmon, sardines, bluefish tuna, etc.
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Grains
Whole grains are recommended for pregnant women with Psoriasis because they have a low glycemic index which means that the carbohydrates they contain are absorbed slowly into the bloodstream, and it helps prevent insulin spikes. Foods such as whole grains, oats, brown rice, quinoa, etc., should be eaten during pregnancy.
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Nuts
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and should be included in the diet of psoriasis sufferers during pregnancy. They should always be eaten raw or dry roasted because they are high in omega 6 fatty acids which can cause inflammation if not taken in moderation. Some common types of nuts to eat include walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
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Fruits
Pregnant women should increase their fruit intake as fruit is high in Vitamin C, which boosts their immune system. As mentioned earlier, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks your skin cells. Increasing fruit intake helps improve immunity. By eating fruits, therefore, you will be boosting your immune system, and your skin will be protected from further damage.
Watermelon, for instance, has Vitamin A, which improves the health of your red blood cells, soothes dry, inflamed skin, and moisturizes your skin well. On the other hand, oranges are high in Vitamin C, which helps prevent infections. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which help with psoriasis symptoms like itching or pain. These are just two examples of fruits you can eat. Others include bananas, apples, cherries, pears, peaches, and strawberries.
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Water and Fluids
The human body is made up of 60% water by weight and growing a baby takes up a lot of fluid, so drinking fluids regularly is essential during pregnancy. You should aim to drink around 8 glasses of water daily. Ice cubes, too, count towards this fluid intake. You should also avoid carbonated drinks if possible as they may trigger psoriasis to flare.
If you find yourself incredibly thirsty, perhaps consider drinking mild herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, or green tea instead.
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Lean meat and poultry
Another great food option for pregnant women with psoriasis is lean meat and poultry. Try to incorporate them into your diet at least twice a week. If you have food aversions and cannot stand plain meat or chicken, try marinating the meat in spices before cooking it.
Conclusion
Now that you know the foods to eat if you are pregnant and have psoriasis, you can now go on and have a healthy pregnancy with your little bundle of joy. However, note that different people have different triggers of psoriasis. In as much as some foods are recommended, they may end up causing you an outbreak. As such, you can try out different food recipes to manage psoriasis. In addition to this, do not forget to consult your doctor before making any diet changes while pregnant. This is important because there are some things you absolutely must avoid during pregnancy, no matter what. In return, if you plan out your diet carefully while avoiding the triggers of psoriasis, there might actually be more benefits than simply preventing psoriasis flare-ups.
