Is Going Gluten-Free Really That Helpful For Psoriasis?

By DianeT

2 min read

I know a lot of you can relate. I have had psoriasis for over 5 decades now. I have lost count of how many health plans and diets I've been on to find relief from the itch.

Many of us with psoriasis understand the role of diet within the realm of psoriasis management. Mindful eating is one of the ways we try to avoid outbreaks and flares.

The discussion of gluten

I've worked with many different doctors, and my preference is the doctors who try to heal from the inside out instead of defaulting to a single pill.

Currently, I have a doctor who talks a lot about gluten. Gluten is a consistent ingredient mentioned by different psoriasis patients; what has remained inconsistent is if the lack of said gluten is impactful in avoiding and clearing psoriasis outbreaks.

Of course, gluten is a primary ingredient in many of our favorite foods. Who doesn't like a thin or thick-crust pizza with all that gooey cheese? It may be worth giving up these carbs if it means clear skin.

Gluten sensitivity & psoriasis

It appears that psoriasis and gluten sensitivity are commonly lumped together - including celiac disease, another autoimmune condition that impacts how blood absorbs food. I didn't know until my doctor told me that I had high markers for gluten sensitivity and diagnosed me with this additional condition. No one had ever told me this.

So now I have yet another autoimmune condition to deal with. My doctor recommended finding natural ways to keep this under control. Okay, I know we are wise here, but this is life-changing. I have to learn to eliminate gluten from my body and figure out if that is enough.

I wanted to figure out if taking gluten off of my diet would help me. The first thing I did was keep a diary of every single morsel I put in my mouth. I did do this for 3 months.

Saying goodbye to my favorite snacks

Of course, this approach is not for everyone. What works for one person won't for the next. I recommend talking with your doctor about different ways to manage your gluten intake if you want to try it.

My approach? I had to focus on purging processed products. These products had wheat, barley, and rye. I forewent pizza, pasta, and any bakery products. Yes, this is crazy, and yes, it is so boring. Why do you think this only lasted 3 months for me to cut out all my favorite foods? I was miserable.

In the back of my mind, I just kept thinking, what if there is something to this? More importantly, what if it would help my psoriasis go away?

Have you tried a gluten-free diet to improve your psoriasis symptoms?

Please know this is not just about removing gluten. My approach did indeed push me towards healthier eating habits. I was forced to add in more vegetables, fruits, and water. I lost a few pounds along the way. A healthier lifestyle and eliminating gluten allowed me to feel healthier and have more energy.

I think 3 months may not have been a long enough trial run to see improvement in my skin, but I missed my pizza and my favorite snacks!

Have you tried a gluten-free diet to improve your psoriasis symptoms? Was it difficult, and did you notice any improvements?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The PlaquePsoriasis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Dewi Member
Tried it - failed miserably
DianeT Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="Dewi" user-id="4247461"/> , Oh I get it. Year after year I failed. It was difficult. Once I started getting off a few medications. I decided to keep at it. I had develop cormorbilities and losing 40 pounds helped me. We are all different, so what worked for me might not help the next person. I hope you find something that works for you. Diane (Team Member)
TiffanyCC Member
There are so many wonderful gluten free options for every food out there now. You don't have to give up pizza or pasta. 3 of the biggest triggers for me food wise are dairy, meat and processed sugar (white sugar). Dairy especially is a HUGE inflammatory food for everyone and especially people like us with autoimmune conditions. I try to limit my gluten as much as can and I have cut out dairy and meat for almost 6 years. My inflammation in the first few months dropped immensely. My skin wasn't as inflamed and angry. I also cut out alcohol which again is seriously bad for your skin. I urge anyone suffering from PsO and PsA like to me to really look at what you are putting in your body because it can have a huge impact on your disease. With so many alternatives available now it has really made the transition fairly easy. Food really is important. 
1. DianeT Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="TiffanyCC" user-id="6641358"/> , Thanks for sharing so much information. WOW!! When I read you have given up meat for 6 years is amazing!! I am going to look into better eating habits. I start good and then fall off the wagon. My husband and I just recently retired. So all we do is travel and eat. What is one tip you can give for just giving up one thing? Most of us can give up something for a few days. How do you stick to it? Diane (Team Member)
Rebecca Member
was diagnosed with pityriasis rubra pilaris 4 months ago. I immediately went on a anti inflammatory diet which meant no sugar, no dairy and no wheat or grains. I took pills from a dermatologist and was allergic to them. I have continued on without cheating and have managed to almost be clear. My whole body was red and I had it from my scalp to my soles. I was a complete mess. I know if you want to be free from these auto immune diseases you have to follow this type of diet . There are many instances of people and doctors who have followed this diet and have great success. <inline-mention username="CommunityMember264" user-id="4738639"/> Check out you tube. You have to get your digestive tract back in balance as you heal from the inside out.
1. CathyD Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Rebecca" user-id="8847672"/>, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences here. It's always wonderful to hear that someone has found something that's truly helped them, and it's great that your efforts with this anti-inflammatory diet have paid off! We have many community members who find various dietary changes helpful for managing their psoriasis, although unfortunately they don't work for everyone (I'm one of those people, sadly). I thought you might be interested to read the following article on psoriasis and the anti-inflammatory diet: <a href='https://plaquepsoriasis.com/living/anti-inflammatory-diet' target='_blank'>https://plaquepsoriasis.com/living/anti-inflammatory-diet</a> Hoping your pityriasis rubra pilaris continues to clear as time goes on, and you can get the complete relief that you deserve. Wishing you the very best! -Catherine, Community Moderator 
2. DianeT Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="Rebecca" user-id="8847672"/> , Thanks for sharing some of your journey with us. I have been down this road before. I did manage to lose 60 pounds, but it didn't improve my PsO. As you know we are all different and respond differently to different things. I'm so happy to hear that this works for you. Did you cut out meat also? Can you share one tip? As you know cutting out everything at once is a disaster for failure. Well, for me it is. I have to take baby steps. Thanks for responding. Diane (Team Member)
Rebecca Member
I eat meat except pork. I am also going to an allergist to see what may trigger a flareup. And for me cutting out all these different foods was not a struggle, After all, I l was a total mess and was desperate. My skin developed warts and what I call nodules and lumps which have almost gone. I took methotextrate and had flareups for 5 days. Then I tried acitetrin but broke into a big flareup after taking 6 pills. So I quit them because I felt I had nothing to lose by going on with my diet. I did not want to take pills and destroy my immune system. I also lost my hair but now have fuzz coming in so hopefully I will get my hair back. But I juice kale, carrots, and celery every morning. I take different vitamins like vitamin D3 because we dont get much sun in Canada. Also magnesium, calcium. vitamin C , also also powdered vegetables and fruits. I am now taking Schinoussa marine collagen to hopefully make my skin get less dry. Also, B12, folic acid and some others. When I have flareups my skin gets deep red all over. But have not had a flareup since I gave the pills. When you have this type of psoriasis you will do just about anything to get well and I feel I am getting better from the inside <a href='http://out.Also' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>out.Also</a> I take probiotics to make sure my gut is healing just in case I have leaky gut.
Rebecca Member
I also did not eat eggs or the nightshade vegetables. But am now slowly incorporating eggs and gluten free bread into my plan. But gone are my sauces and processed foods and things in a bottle and I probably will go onto the paleo or AIP diet in the future.
1. DianeT Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="Rebecca" user-id="8847672"/> You are very dedicated. I start out doing pretty good but usually fall off the wagon in a few days. Thanks for sharing. Diane (Team Member)
2. Clair G Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Rebecca" user-id="8847672"/> How have you found re-introducing gluten-free bread and eggs? Has your body been coping well? I find that Anything repacked or in a bottle is so hard to pinpoint what is actually in it. It is easier just to avoid it. - Clair (Team Member)
DianeT Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="Rebecca" user-id="8847672"/> , Thanks for some great information, it's very helpful. Please let us know how this works out. Diane (Team Member)
Rebecca Member
Hi Clair, I seem to be fine with gluten free bread and eggs. I also make my own mayonnaise. I did a lot of research on auto immune diseases especially psoriasis related .So because there are too many preservatives and chemicals in bottled sauces it is best to avoid them. But I am going to an allergist to find out why I developed this disease and how to avoid any flareups. Also, I need to know what specific foods I should avoid. I do want to use ketchup and other things eventually.
1. DianeT Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="Rebecca" user-id="8847672"/> , Please let us know your experience with the allergist. I keep saying I am going to go to one. Thanks for the information. Diane (Team Member)
Rebecca Member
I went to an allergist and he just did the usual things such as allergies to ragweed etc. I had no allergies so will have to fine someone who does food sensitivity. I still think I got this disease because I had 6 vaccinations in only 7 month in 2021 and I believe it confused my immune system. I had 2 shingle shots, a flu shot , pneumonia shot and 2 covid shots,. After the second covid shot I developed many allergy like symptoms and also a rash on my face. Even my throat felt like I had something stuck in it and I would lose my voice. My gland on the one side of my neck was always large. Anyway my family doctor didnt seem to think it was anything. But my hair is growing back now, my skin almost clear and my thick nails are growing <a href='http://out.So' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>out.So</a>, I will continue to stay away from processed foods and find a food system that will work for me. But, yes, I truly believe you have to have an anti inflammatory diet because psoriasis is a auto immune condition and has to be cleared from the inside out.
DianeT Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="Rebecca" user-id="8847672"/>, It seems like you have done your homework on this one. Thanks for sharing so much of your journey with the community. I'm so sorry you have had to go through so much, but you are figuring it out. This disease is complicated. So are you on an anti-inflammatory diet? I would love to hear more about that. Here is an article that you might find interesting. https://plaquepsoriasis.com/living/anti-inflammatory-diet Let us know how you are doing. Diane (Team Member)

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