Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterised by red, scaly patches on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. While it is commonly associated with skin issues, psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder involving the immune system. Traditional treatments, such as topical creams, phototherapy, and systemic medications, can provide relief but often fail to address the root causes of the condition. Functional medicine looks beyond symptom management to uncover and address the underlying factors contributing to psoriasis. In this blog, we will explore the roots of psoriasis, its triggers, and how functional medicine can offer lasting relief through a personalised, holistic approach.
Understanding Psoriasis: A Complex Condition
Psoriasis is more than just a skin disease—it is a systemic condition that involves immune system dysfunction. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to an overproduction of skin cells that pile up on the surface, forming plaques. The most common types of psoriasis include:
- Plaque Psoriasis: Characterized by raised, red patches covered with silvery scales.
- Guttate Psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped lesions, often triggered by infections.
- Inverse Psoriasis: Red, shiny lesions that appear in skin folds.
- Pustular Psoriasis: White pustules surrounded by red skin.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Severe, widespread redness and shedding of skin
Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but it is most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Traditional Treatments for Psoriasis
Traditional treatments for psoriasis include:
- Topical medications: These drugs are applied topically to the affected area to decrease inflammation and allow the scales to clear.
- Light therapy: This therapy involves the use of ultraviolet light to slow the growth of skin cells.
- Oral medications: These drugs are oral drugs that aid in the suppression of the immune system.
None of the above address the root causes of psoriasis.
The Root Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is influenced by multiple internal and external factors that can contribute to its development and flare-ups:
- Immune System Dysfunction
At the core of psoriasis is an overactive immune response. T-cells, a type of white blood cell, mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and abnormal skin cell turnover. This dysregulated immune response is often linked to environmental triggers, such as infections or stress. - Environmental Triggers
While genetics lay the foundation, environmental factors often act as triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Some of the most common environmental triggers include:- Infections: Particularly streptococcal infections, candida overgrowth, parasites, which are known to trigger psoriasis (Michaëlsson et al., 2019).
- Stress: Emotional stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, likely due to the role of cortisol in immune system modulation (Dhabhar, 2014).
- Diet: A pro-inflammatory diet rich in sugar, gluten, and processed foods can exacerbate inflammation, while an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms (Barrea et al., 2019).
- Environmental Toxins: Exposure to chemicals, pollutants, or smoking can worsen psoriasis symptoms and inflammation.
- Gut Health
The gut plays a crucial role in immune system regulation. Dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) can contribute to systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction, potentially triggering or worsening psoriasis (Boehncke & Schön, 2015). The gut-skin axis, a connection between gut health and skin inflammation, is gaining recognition in psoriasis research.
Functional Medicine for Psoriasis
Functional medicine is identification of the causative factors of a disease rather than its symptoms alone. It has been very effective in the reversal of psoriasis, as it would be able to point out factors affecting the patient and then focus on these issues.Functional medicine is healing from the inside out, not just alleviating psoriasis but making a person healthier and more alive.
How Functional Medicine Transforms Psoriasis Care
Functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to healthcare, aiming to identify and address the underlying factors that contribute to disease. Instead of merely managing symptoms with topical creams or systemic medications, functional medicine practitioners seek to restore balance in the body by considering multiple aspects of health—nutrition, lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors. In the case of psoriasis, functional medicine focuses on the following key areas:
- Diet and Nutrition
An anti-inflammatory diet is central to managing psoriasis. Reducing the intake of pro-inflammatory foods, such as sugar, refined carbs, and gluten, can help reduce systemic inflammation and skin flare-ups. Instead, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (from fish or flaxseed), antioxidants (from fruits and vegetables), and healthy fats (such as those found in avocados and olive oil) can support skin health and reduce inflammation. Some functional medicine practitioners also recommend eliminating food allergens, such as gluten or dairy, to see if it improves symptoms. - Gut Health Optimization
Given the link between gut health and psoriasis, improving the microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, and a nutrient-dense diet is a key aspect of functional medicine. Healing the gut lining, balancing gut bacteria, and reducing intestinal permeability (leaky gut) may help reduce inflammation and autoimmunity. Studies have shown that the use of probiotics can improve psoriasis symptoms by modulating the immune response (Zhang et al., 2019). - Addressing Infections and Immune Dysregulation
Infections, particularly streptococcal throat infections, can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. A functional medicine approach involves identifying and treating any underlying infections that may be exacerbating the condition. Additionally, modulating immune system activity with nutrients such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can help restore immune balance. Some research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may worsen psoriasis, and supplementation may help alleviate symptoms (Ghoreschi et al., 2011). - Reducing Stress
Stress is a powerful trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness. By addressing the root cause of stress, individuals can help modulate their cortisol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. - Detoxification
Detoxifying the body through practices like saunas, adequate hydration, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins (such as smoking, heavy metals, or pesticides) is another important aspect of functional medicine. Reducing the burden on the liver and improving toxin elimination can help reduce the inflammatory load on the body.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Functional Medicine for Psoriasis Relief
A number of studies have supported the effectiveness of functional medicine approaches for psoriasis management:
- Dietary Interventions: A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that dietary changes, including a gluten-free diet, led to a significant reduction in psoriasis symptoms (Barrea et al., 2019).
- Probiotics and Gut Health: Research has shown that probiotics can improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation in patients with psoriasis (Zhang et al., 2019).
- Vitamin D Supplementation: Vitamin D levels have been shown to correlate with the severity of psoriasis. Supplementation with vitamin D may help regulate immune responses and improve skin health (Ghoreschi et al., 2011).
Psoriasis is a multifactorial condition that requires a comprehensive, personalized approach for effective management. Functional medicine offers a holistic pathway to uncovering the root causes of psoriasis and finding lasting relief. By focusing on diet, gut health, immune regulation, stress management, and detoxification, functional medicine provides a promising framework for those seeking long-term solutions beyond conventional treatments. If you suffer from psoriasis, working with a functional medicine practitioner can help you take control of your health and improve your skin’s appearance, all while addressing the underlying factors contributing to the condition. Functional medicine is healing from the inside out, not just alleviating psoriasis but making a person healthier and more alive.
References
- Barrea, L., Balato, N., et al. (2019). Nutrition and psoriasis: Is there any association between the severity of the disease and adherence to the Mediterranean diet? Journal of Translational Medicine, 17(1), 1-8.
- Boehncke, W. H., & Schön, M. P. (2015). Psoriasis. The Lancet, 386(9997), 983-994.
- Dhabhar, F. S. (2014). Effects of stress on immune function: The good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunologic Research, 58(2), 193-210.
- Ghoreschi, K., et al. (2011). Modulation of the immune response in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by vitamin D. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 7(4), 255-261.
- Michaëlsson, G., et al. (2019). Infections in psoriasis: The role of streptococcal and other infections in triggering guttate psoriasis. European Journal of Dermatology, 29(1), 12-18.
- Tsoi, L. C., et al. (2017). Genetic associations with psoriasis. The Lancet, 389(10081), 1216-1230.
Zhang, Z., et al. (2019). Effects of probiotics on psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 30(6), 583-588.
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