In recent years we have seen an increased concern with gluten. While many people have boarded the gluten-free bandwagon, the gluten free lifestyle is a response to a very real medical condition, known as celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes digestive problems for those who suffering from it’s condition.
People are going gluten free for reasons beyond celiac disease and many believe that there is a link between gluten and psoriasis.
Although there is no conclusive evidence that a lifestyle that is gluten free will benefit sufferers of psoriasis, like celiac disease, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease ; leading many patients and medical staff members to believe that reducing or eliminating gluten from their diet can alleviate symptoms.
In an isolated case one woman who was conformed to have psoriasis, swears by her gluten free diet, citing that she has gone a year without flare ups since adopting a gluten free diet.
The benefits appear to be most apparent on a case by case basis. The diet could help, or not. The type of psoriasis seems to be a factor as well. This woman suffers from guttate psoriasis which shows a higher rate of benefit.
According to Everyday Health, an Egyptian researchers dug further, they found a higher likelihood for psoriasis patients to have antibodies in their blood to the protein gliadin, which is found in wheat and causes digestive issues for celiac patients and others with confirmed gluten sensitivities.
Even without conclusive evidence, some dermatologists believe that going gluten free can make an impact. One New Jersey doctor who is a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation board, expressed a belief that going gluten free with psoriasis can help in around a quarter of cases.
According to WebMD, with any medical condition, there is a possibility that your diet can have an effect on your condition; however, it’s important not to rely on the dietary changes alone. If eliminating certain foods from your diet reduces your psoriasis or other symptoms, it’s likely you may be on the right track.
At the same time, overall nutrition should not fall be the wayside and it’s best to be cautious about taking on any extreme dietary changes, without first discussing it with your physician.