Gut Health and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is often thought of as a purely skin-level condition—red patches, flaking, itching, and inflammation. But newer research shows something bigger is happening beneath the surface. In many people, psoriasis is deeply connected to the gut microbiome and the immune system that lives there.

If your gut bacteria are imbalanced or inflamed, your skin often shows it first.

Here’s how gut health influences psoriasis, why flare-ups may start in the gut, and what science says can help support both systems.

What Is Psoriasis, Really? (Hint: It’s an Immune Condition)

Psoriasis is an autoimmune-driven inflammatory condition where the immune system speeds up skin cell turnover. Instead of replacing skin every 28–30 days, psoriasis causes new cells to develop every 3–4 days—leading to:

• Thickened patches

• Flaking and scaling

• Redness and inflammation

• Itching or burning

But why does the immune system become overactive in the first place?

One major answer: gut inflammation.

The Gut–Skin Axis: How Your Gut Talks to Your Skin

Your gut and skin are constantly communicating through what's called the gut–skin axis. When the gut is healthy, immune responses stay balanced. When it’s inflamed or imbalanced, this communication breaks down.

Here’s what researchers see in psoriasis:

🔥 1. Increased gut permeability (“leaky gut”)

A more permeable gut lining allows inflammatory molecules (like LPS) into the bloodstream, triggering immune overactivation—one of the key drivers of psoriasis.

🦠 2. Reduced microbiome diversity

Studies show people with psoriasis often have fewer beneficial bacteria such as:

• Faecalibacterium prausnitzii

• Lactobacillus

• Bifidobacterium

These bacteria normally help reduce inflammation.

⚠️ 3. Systemic inflammation travels to the skin

Once inflammation starts in the gut, it doesn’t stay there. It circulates through the body and often appears as skin flare-ups.

🧠 4. Stress affects both the gut and skin

Stress alters gut bacteria and increases cortisol—one of the biggest triggers for psoriasis.

Gut Issues Commonly Seen in Psoriasis

Many people with psoriasis also struggle with:

• Bloating

• Indigestion

• Food sensitivities

• Constipation or diarrhea

• IBS

• Fatigue after meals

Why? Because gut inflammation affects digestion and immune balance at the same time.

How Improving Gut Health May Help Psoriasis

While gut support is not a cure, research suggests it may reduce flare frequency, severity, and systemic inflammation.

Here’s what helps:

1. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Gut Foods

Try to eat more:

✔ Fiber-rich foods

(berries, flaxseed, chia, oats, sweet potatoes)Fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria that calm inflammation.

✔ Omega-3 fats

(salmon, sardines, walnuts)Omega-3s help reduce inflammatory cytokines tied to psoriasis.

✔ Polyphenols

(olive oil, pomegranate, green tea, turmeric)These plant compounds support a stronger microbiome.

✔ Fermented foods

(yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)These increase good gut bacteria naturally.

2. Identify Trigger Foods

Common psoriasis and gut triggers include:

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Alcohol

• Processed sugar

• Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers) for some individuals

An elimination diet or food journal can help uncover your personal triggers.

3. Support the Gut Lining

Ingredients shown to improve gut barrier function include:

• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

• Slippery elm

• Marshmallow root

• L-glutamine

• Zinc carnosine

These nourish and soothe the intestinal lining—important if “leaky gut” is contributing to flare-ups.

(Consider our VitaProtect Daily)

4. Use a High-Quality Probiotic

Probiotics may help rebalance gut bacteria linked to immune dysfunction. Strains often studied for skin support include:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus

• Lactobacillus plantarum

• Bifidobacterium lactis

They help calm inflammatory pathways connected to psoriasis.

(Consider our VitaCleanse ImmuneCore)

5. Manage Stress (It Matters More Than People Think)

Stress worsens both gut inflammation and psoriasis.

Effective strategies include:

• Deep breathing

• Yoga

• Light movement or walking

• Journaling

• Improving sleep

Reducing stress hormones helps quiet inflammation throughout the body.

6. Maintain a Healthy Gut Motility Pattern

Regular bowel movements help eliminate inflammatory byproducts. Hydration, fiber, and magnesium can support regularity and reduce inflammatory load.

When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider

If psoriasis symptoms worsen or gut symptoms become chronic, consider speaking with a dermatologist or functional medicine provider—especially if you suspect food sensitivities or autoimmune involvement.

Bottom Line: Heal the Gut, Calm the Skin

Psoriasis isn’t just a surface-level issue—it’s deeply tied to the immune system and the gut microbiome. By supporting gut health, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the gut barrier, many people experience fewer flare-ups and more resilient skin.

Strengthening the gut doesn’t replace medical treatment, but it can complement it in powerful ways.