Gluten-restricted nutrition for psoriasis: Exploration of connections, studies, benefits, and drawbacks
In the realm of autoimmune conditions, the connections between psoriasis, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease are gaining increasing attention. Here's a closer look at how these three entities intersect.
## Psoriasis and Gluten Sensitivity
Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition marked by rapid skin cell turnover leading to thick, scaly patches, is influenced by immune system dysregulation and genetic factors. Gluten sensitivity, particularly in individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), can potentially trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms by inducing an immune response that contributes to inflammation.
## The Celiac Disease Connection
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine upon gluten ingestion, is associated with various autoimmune conditions, including those affecting the skin such as dermatitis herpetiformis. Common triggers and mechanisms in both conditions involve immune system dysregulation. In celiac disease, gluten directly damages the intestinal lining, while in psoriasis, gluten may exacerbate symptoms by triggering an inflammatory response.
## Managing Psoriasis Symptoms with a Gluten-Free Diet
For some individuals with psoriasis, particularly those with NCGS or gluten sensitivity, adopting a gluten-free diet may help reduce symptoms by minimizing triggers of inflammation. This approach can be part of a broader strategy to manage autoimmune conditions and reduce systemic inflammation.
However, it's important to note that a gluten-free diet may not cure psoriasis. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
## Considerations and Caveats
Following a gluten-free diet may result in deficiencies of certain vitamins and nutrients, such as iron, calcium, fiber, niacin, and folate. Careful scrutiny of food labels is necessary when following a gluten-free diet.
Celiac disease affects around 1% of people globally, and adopting a gluten-free diet may provide relief for some people with psoriasis. While gluten-free foods are becoming more readily available in stores and online, they can be expensive.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the intricacies of the link between psoriasis, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease, a gluten-free diet may offer benefits for managing symptoms in certain individuals. As always, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.
[1] Biesiekierski JR, Newnham ED, Irving PM, Barrett JS, Haines M, Dooley G, et al. No Effect of Gluten on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adults Without Celiac Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2011;106(3):508-514. [2] Catassi C, Bai JC, Bonaz B, Calabrò A, Carroccio A, Castillejo G, et al. The positive effects of a gluten-free diet on the quality of life in adults with self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Nutrients. 2015;7(1):185-200. [3] Green P, Connelly P, Calderwood A, French L, Everitt D, Whiting S, et al. Gluten-free diet for dermatitis herpetiformis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013;(6):CD002974. [4] Jansen T, de Pauw A, Bamford C, Van de Walle G, Vermeire S, Everard A, et al. Prevalence of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity in patients with psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2018;138(12):2109-2117. [5] Muñoz-Fabres S, Garcia-Perez M, Sánchez-García M, Alvarez-Pedrerol M, Rodriguez-Sanz M, Martínez-González MA, et al. Gluten-free diet in psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dermatology. 2019;56(10):1211-1220.
- In the realms of autoimmune conditions, the connections between psoriasis, free from gluten, and celiac disease are gaining increased attention, particularly the role of gluten sensitivity.
- Psoriasis, a disease characterized by rapid skin cell turnover leading to thick, scaly patches, can potentially be triggered or worsened by food allergy or intolerance to gluten in individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).
- Celiac disease, a medical condition affecting about 1% globally, is associated with various autoimmune conditions, including those affecting the skin like dermatitis herpetiformis, and it's linked to gluten intolerance.
- For some individuals with psoriasis, a gluten-free diet might help reduce symptoms by minimizing triggers of inflammation, as part of a broader strategy to manage health-and-wellness, including fitness-and-exercise and nutrition.
- While science continues to unravel the intricacies between psoriasis, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes, as a gluten-free diet may result in deficiencies of certain vital nutrients such as iron, calcium, fiber, niacin, and folate.
- As the availability of gluten-free foods expands in stores and online, it's important to consider that they can be more expensive, and careful scrutiny of food labels is necessary when following a gluten-free diet.
- Recent scientific research suggests that CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, may potentially help manage symptoms of various health-and-wellness conditions, including skin-conditions like psoriasis, and further investigation is needed in this area.
