Before we dive in, let's have a quick reality check. Science has yet to invent the magic 'psoriasis-be-gone' diet. But, let’s give the rumor mill something to chew on: Jerry Bagel, a dermatologist rockstar from Windsor Dermatology, confesses that some psoriasis warriors swear by finding skin solace in eating or avoiding certain foods. Is it fact or is it faith? Who knows. But if it appears to help, why not give it a shot, right?

Food may not be the medicine we dream of, but it sure as heck shouldn’t be your enemy. So how about we play a little bit of food detective? Keep a food diary, and Batman-like, watch out for patterns. If the usual suspects like alcohol, junk food, or nightshades seem to be behind your worsened symptoms, maybe it's time to show them the door!

So, about these 'usual suspects' we warned you about.

1. Alcohol: Alcohol, while it may make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, is doing the exact opposite for your skin. It’s like a VIP pass for white blood cells, particularly the T cells we’d rather keep at bay, to parade into your skin. Chelsea Marie Warren, a wellness coach from Oregon, warns us that even the quiet ones who sip modestly could be rolling out the red carpet for a psoriasis flare-up.

2. Junk and Processed Foods: These bad boys are all flash, no substance. They’re rich in saturated, trans fats, and refined carbs which are essentially inflammation-inciting instigators. Add to that, they can pack on the pounds, creating a perfect storm for heart and vascular diseases which are already major threats for folks with psoriasis.

3. Red Meat: The secretive culprit here is arachidonic acid, a common ingredient in red meats that can be converted into inflammatory compounds. No prizes for guessing how that will affect your psoriasis.

4. Dairy: Dairy products, including everyone’s beloved cheese, can wreak havoc with arachidonic acid and another miscreant, the protein casein. Eggs might also be scrambled up in this, so maybe give poaching them from your diet a go.

5. Nightshades: This group includes odd bedfellows like peppers, white potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes. While the link here is still murky, giving them the cold shoulder won’t be the end of the world.

6. Gluten: It's a divisive topic in the world of psoriasis. Both psoriasis and celiac disease, where gluten causes an allergic reaction, seem to roll in the same circles. But easing off gluten only seems to offer benefits for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. If you suspect it's causing some mischief, maybe getting tested is a good idea.

So what CAN you eat? Good news, folks! It seems the Mediterranean diet, a glorious cluster of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, is your ticket in the gastronomical lottery. The National Psoriasis Foundation endorses it as an anti-inflammatory diet that could help keep the scale-tipping on the down-low. But always remember, before you embark on any drastic diet, you must consult your medical sage. It's all about finding the sweet spot that works best for you.

In this epic food battle, evidence may be scant, but if some tasty experimentation can help alleviate your symptoms, why not give it a whirl?