Gluten Free Diets Help Psoriasis

Patients suffering with psoriasis commonly improve dramatically on a gluten free diet. The following research study found that people with psoriasis also had elevated antibodies to gliadin (wheat) and tissue transglutaminase (an enzyme antibody linked to celiac disease). The authors conclude that psoriasis and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are associated. Source: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008 Sep;22(9):1055-61.

Gluten Free Society’s Stance:

It has been well established that gluten intolerance can cause skin disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis, eczema, hives, and migratory inflammatory lesions have all been linked to gluten sensitivity. Treatment for the condition revolves around steroid based topical creams. The problem with using these creams is two fold.

1. Steroid creams don’t solve the problem. They only reduce the inflammation temporarily. When their use is discontinued, the skin inflammation returns.
2. The long term use of steroids causes bone loss, thinning of the skin, joint damage, and deficiencies of vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium and more. The side effects of nutrient loss can subsequently cause additional health problems. If we consider the medical credo of “first do no harm”, long term steroid use makes no sense.
If you suffer with psoriasis but don’t have any definitive answers as to why, you should consider being tested for gluten sensitivity or go on a gluten free trial diet. However; if you try going gluten free, make sure you have the right guidance. Watch this video tutorial on TRUE gluten free information.