Potential to Reduce Psoriasis Disease Activity
“Both caffeine and antioxidants have effects that reduce inflammation and calm the immune system,” says Dr. Daveluy. “In psoriasis, parts of the immune system are overactive, so in theory, these compounds could be helpful.”
Metabolic syndrome increases your risk of cardiovascular problems, like heart attack and stroke. Because people with psoriasis have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, this is a positive finding, says Daveluy.
But drinking more — especially four cups or more per day — appeared to worsen psoriasis and raise the level of pro-inflammatory chemicals.
“It’s also important to note that the participants in the study drank black coffee, with no cream, milk, or sugar,” he says. Adding in those extras could potentially cancel out the benefits.
Increasing Energy Levels
Caffeine is well-known for its stimulating effects. For people managing the physical and mental fatigue that often accompanies psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, coffee may offer a modest energy boost. It enhances alertness by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain and increasing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Coffee can help people feel more awake and focused, which could be helpful in managing fatigue, which is often cited as one of the more bothersome symptoms of psoriasis.
Mood Improvement
There’s some evidence that regular, moderate caffeine intake can improve mood and even reduce the risk of depression in the general population. That’s because caffeine stimulates dopamine, which is a chemical in your brain that plays a role in motivation and learning.
Caffeine also has benefits in terms of exercise — it can improve your performance and reduce your perception of fatigue. Exercise is also associated with improved overall mood.
While these improvements have been found in the general population, they may be especially important for people with psoriasis, who are at a higher risk of depression.
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