Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and dry, reddish patches with silver scales on your skin. More than 6 million Americans have it, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doctors believe that heredity plays a role in its development and stress can trigger your symptoms. In addition to medical treatment, dietary changes may help manage blisters, itching and pain. While whole wheat can benefit some people with psoriasis, it causes problems for others.
Risks
Avoiding wheat improves psoriasis symptoms in some people. In a study published in the "British Journal of Dermatology" in July 2009, researchers compared the prevalence of celiac disease -- an autoimmune disease in which gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, triggers harsh reactions -- among 12,502 people with psoriasis and 25, 284 people without the disease. Participants with psoriasis showed greater incidences of celiac disease compared to participants without. Treatment for celiac disease involves a gluten-free diet, which means eliminating all whole wheat products and foods containing barley, rye or wheat derivatives. If you have a sensitivity to wheat or gluten, which is less severe than celiac disease, you may benefit from limiting or avoiding significant wheat sources, such as white and wheat breads and most cereals, crackers and pasta.
Benefits
If you do tolerate wheat, whole wheat products can provide multiple dietary benefits. Because whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, they provide more nutrients and fiber than refined grains, such as white flour. Whole grains may also reduce inflammation and enhance the weight loss process, according to Arthritis Today. These attributes are particularly important if you have psoriatic arthritis, which affects about 5 percent of all sufferers, or if you are obese, which increases your risk for psoriasis flareups. Nutritious whole wheat foods include 100 percent whole wheat breads, pasta and tortillas and low-fat baked goods made with whole wheat or stoneground wheat flour.
Wheat Alternatives
Whether whole wheat suits your diet or not, other whole grains can benefit your diet. Nutritious wheat-free whole grains include oats, brown rice, wild rice and air-popped popcorn. As starches, whole grains provide rich amounts of glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Other nutritious starches, according to physician and nutrition specialist Dr. Melina Jampolis, include beans and potatoes. Gluten-free rice, corn and oat-based breads, cereals and pasta are also available at many health food and grocery stores.
Additional Suggestions
In addition to avoiding wheat if exacerbates your symptoms, the UMMC recommends avoiding simple sugars, alcohol and foods high in saturated fat. To cut back on sugar, eat more whole fruits and vegetables and fewer soft drinks, candies and sugary desserts. Other foods that may trigger allergic reactions and worsen psoriasis include dairy products, corn, eggs and citrus fruits. If you suspect a food allergy, seek proper testing from your doctor. Although research findings are mixed, omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis. Top sources of omega-3 fats include cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring, ground flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil.
