Gluten Free Diet For Psoriasis

The skin condition psoriasis tends to go through periods of flare-ups and remission. While the exact cause remains unknown, it appears an improper immune system response triggers a process where new skin cells move to the surface rapidly, before old skin can shed, resulting in thick, scaly patches. Food allergies can potentially worsen autoimmune conditions and research suggests a sensitivity or outright allergy to gluten -- a protein present in several grains -- can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Research

A study published in the December 2000 issue of the "British Journal of Dermatology" tested the effects of a gluten-free diet on patients with psoriasis. Some individuals had tested positive for an antibody -- a substance your body produces to fight off a harmful substance -- which indicates gluten intolerance while others tested negative. Subjects followed a gluten-free diet for three months followed by their standard diet for another three. Researchers found patients with a demonstrated sensitivity experienced a significant decrease on the PASI, or psoriasis area and severity index -- a tool used to measure the severity of the condition. 18 of the 30 gluten-sensitive patients saw their psoriasis worsen after they resumed their standard diet. Subjects who did not have a demonstrated sensitivity to gluten did not experience any change in their condition on the modified diet.

A study published in the September 2008 issue of the "European Journal of Dermatology and Venereology" tested the serum samples of 67 patients with severe psoriasis against healthy control subjects with no family history of psoriasis or celiac disease. Researchers found the psoriatic patients had significantly higher concentrations of antibodies that indicate a sensitivity or allergy to gluten.

This research suggests a potential link between intolerance for gluten and psoriasis. The results of the diet study indicate, however, that following a gluten-free diet would only likely provide benefit if you have a demonstrated sensitivity to gluten.

Mechanism of Action

The exact connection between gluten intolerance and psoriasis remains unclear but some theories exist, according to an article published in the April 2007 issue of "World Journal of Gastroenterology." One theory holds that substances, such as incompletely digested proteins, leak from the intestines and out into the bloodstream, where they can trigger problems like improper immune system responses. Another possible reason is that gluten intolerance affects the actions of T-cells, a particular type of immune system cell involved in psoriasis outbreaks. Lastly, gluten intolerance seems to triggers a number of issues that affect how well your body absorbs nutrients -- particularly vitamin D, low levels of which have been linked with psoriasis.

Grains to Avoid

Allergy and sensitivity to gluten is becoming more well-known and you can find products specifically geared toward individuals who cannot eat this protein, and they will clearly be labeled as gluten-free. Not all products are formulated for this purpose, however, so you need to do some label detective work to find acceptable foods. Grains that contain gluten include wheat, barley, bulgur, durham, farina, graham flour, kamut, matzo, rye, semolina, spelt and triticale.

Acceptable Grains

Foods with the following grains do not contain gluten and you can safely enjoy them: amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, corn, cornmeal, hominy grits, polenta, quinoa, rice and tapioca. Most fresh meats, poultry, fruits and dairy products are gluten-free foods, according to MayoClinic.com.