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alt=a man going gluten-free looks depressed, surrounding by pizza and baked goods

Illustrated by Emily Joynton

Is Going Gluten-Free Really That Helpful For Psoriasis?

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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.

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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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