Can a leaky gut be the cause of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is often seen as just a skin condition — red, inflamed, scaly patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, and beyond. But beneath the surface, psoriasis is actually an autoimmune issue, meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues. Recent research and functional medicine insights are revealing a strong link between psoriasis and something called leaky gut syndrome.

So what is leaky gut, how can it trigger psoriasis, and — more importantly — what can you do to fix it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, happens when the lining of your gut becomes damaged and porous. Normally, your gut acts as a tight barrier, allowing nutrients through while blocking toxins, microbes, and undigested food particles. But when the barrier breaks down, harmful substances can leak into your bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.

In people genetically prone to autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, this can be the spark that sets the fire ablaze.

How Leaky Gut Can Lead to Psoriasis

1. Immune Overactivation: When foreign particles enter the bloodstream due to a leaky gut, the immune system gets confused and begins attacking not just invaders — but also your own tissues, like the skin.

2. Chronic Inflammation: A leaky gut creates low-grade, chronic inflammation throughout the body, which is a known driver of psoriasis flare-ups.

3. Microbiome Disruption: An unhealthy gut often comes with an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis), further impacting immune function and skin health.

What You Can Do To Heal Leaky Gut and Improve Psoriasis

1. Clean Up Your Diet

• Eliminate inflammatory foods: Gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods are common culprits that irritate the gut lining.

• Avoid food sensitivities: Consider an elimination diet to identify personal triggers (e.g., eggs, soy, nightshades).

• Eat whole, anti-inflammatory foods:

  • Omega-3-rich foods (wild salmon, chia seeds, walnuts)

  • Colorful vegetables and fruits (high in antioxidants and polyphenols)

  • Bone broth and collagen (help repair the gut lining)

  • Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir) to support the microbiome

2. Use Targeted Supplements

• L-Glutamine: An amino acid that helps rebuild the gut lining

• Probiotics: Replenish healthy gut bacteria; opt for a high-quality multi-strain formula

• Digestive enzymes: Support proper breakdown of food, easing pressure on the gut

• Zinc carnosine: Shown to help protect and heal the intestinal wall

• Vitamin D: Regulates the immune system and reduces psoriasis severity

• Curcumin: Active compound in turmeric with strong anti-inflammatory effects

3. Lifestyle Changes to Support Healing

• Stress management: Chronic stress can compromise the gut barrier and worsen psoriasis. Try:

  • Meditation

  • Deep breathing

  • Yoga

  • Journaling

• Regular movement: Exercise helps reduce inflammation and supports healthy digestion.

• Avoid NSAIDs and excessive alcohol: Both can damage the gut lining.

4. Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is the body’s prime time for healing — both gut and skin. Aim for:

• 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night

• A consistent sleep schedule

• No screens 1 hour before bed

• Cool, dark sleep environment

Poor sleep = increased inflammation and slower gut repair.

Psoriasis isn’t just skin-deep — it often starts in the gut. By addressing leaky gut through diet, targeted supplements, stress reduction, and better sleep, many people see improvements not only in their digestion but also in their skin health.

It’s not always a quick fix, but healing from the inside out is a powerful, root-cause approach that brings lasting relief. For more information have a look at the book How You Can Beat Psoriasis available from all Amazon stores.