Eating right and exercising is beneficial for everyone's health. But, if you’re living with psoriasis, making healthy choices is even more important.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, overweight psoriasis patients—specifically those who are obese—are more likely to have severe psoriasis.

Want to find out how healthy you're really eating? Try keeping a food diary. If you see yourself not eating as well as you'd like, start substituting some healthier options into your diet.
Check out the lists below for a few factors to consider when maintaining a healthy diet.
Try more:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Low-fat dairy products
• Lean meats and fish

Try less:

• Red meat
• High-fat dairy foods
• Refined & processed foods
• Alcohol
  
  

What can you do to make exercise work for you? First, do all you can to avoid trauma to your skin.

• To lessen friction, wear looser exercise clothing.
• Gently shower right after you finish. "Don't rub and scrub," says Menter. "That can aggravate the psoriasis."
• "Right before exercising, put lubricants in the areas that are likely to be irritated," says Menter. He suggests using a little bit of petroleum jelly in the groin and under the breasts. You can also sprinkle on sweat-absorbent powder.
• At the first sign of a friction- or exercise-related flare-up, use topical medication to bring it quickly under control. Talk with your doctor about this.
• For better weight control, combine aerobics exercise and weight lifting. "Start gently with something like walking or light jogging. Then gradually build up your endurance and strength