Are probiotics good for psoriasis? Using probiotics for psoriasis treatment has multiple benefits. Probiotics encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. These microorganisms help support the natural immune system of your body.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system is misguided to attack healthy cells. Good bacteria can help reduce these symptoms. At the same time, probiotics can reduce the inflammation caused by psoriasis. In some instances, it might control the swelling altogether.
Two main probiotics, Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, are the active anti-inflammation agents. Also, the inflammation in the intestines is also reduced.
Probiotics also stimulate the growth of T-cells, which are responsible for immunity regulation. Dysbiosis, the root cause of psoriasis, is also reversed using probiotics. An imbalance in body microbe communities can be another cause of psoriasis.
Probiotics help to maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria. Thus, it is both a preventative and curative treatment for psoriasis. Body microbes can play a role in psoriasis if they are an imbalance(1).
The easiest way to improve the microbial composition of the body is by adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet. Here is a list of some of the readily available, probiotic-rich foods.
1. Yogurt: A milk product, is rich in probiotics. The reason is that yogurt itself is made from the fermentation of milk. Fermentation results in the growth of microbes in the milk. As a result, yogurt is formed. You may have a nutritious breakfast of yogurt mixed with berries, nuts, and flax seeds.
2. Liquid Probiotics: There are also several liquid probiotics for psoriasis. An example could be a dairy drink called kefir. Again, this is produced through the fermentation of milk. Another example of a liquid dairy product that is rich in probiotics is acidophilus milk. Moreover, traditional buttermilk is also a great source of probiotics. However, the buttermilk must not be cluttered. All these can be consumed as mid-morning snacks.
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3. Kombucha: You can brew kombucha, a well-known tea that is rich in good bacteria and yeast.
4. Cheese: All fermented cheeses are a great source of probiotics. Cheese is produced through the slow fermentation of milk, making it rich in bacteria. You may try Gouda, cheddar, Swiss cheese or parmesan cheese, because of their high probiotic content.
5. Pickles: A traditional side-dish and food flavoring, are a rich source of probiotics. It is preferable to use fresh, sour dill pickles as they have the highest probiotic content.
6. Mio: An excellent source of probiotics. It is a Japanese seasoning paste that is made with fermented soybeans. Another Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans is natto. Miso and natto can be added to soups. A popular combination is added miso and ginger to black bean soup. Misa may also be used as salad dressings and marinades.
[Read: Cure Psoriasis with Herbs]
7. Fermented vegetables: A rich source of probiotics. An example of these vegetables could be kimchi and sauerkraut. These vegetables can be served as a side dish to main meals.
8. Yeast: Any baked product that uses yeast can be a good source of probiotics — for example, sourdough bread.
9. Tempeh: a popular meat substitute, has high probiotic content. This product may be used for stir-fry. Make sure you add this at the end of your cooking. Excessive heating can reduce the probiotic content.
10. Supplements: Some people prefer to take supplements of probiotics instead. The reason for most people is that they may not have the time to cook meals.
One thing to note here is that not all fermented foods have probiotics properties. For example, beer and chocolate are not probiotic-rich foods. Similarly, soya sauce and wine also lack significant probiotic content.
[Read: Supplements for Psoriasis]
Some people can experience severe nausea due to probiotic-rich foods intake. Similarly, people with pre-existing medical conditions, like pregnancy, may feel other side effects like gas. Psoriasis patients can be allergic to gluten(2). For them, sourdough bread is not an option. It is recommended that you check-in with your physician before starting a regular intake. A nutritionist may provide a customized solution for you.
Probiotics go along well with your natural immune system. They do not change anything – instead, they increase the number of good bacteria already present in your body. As a result, there are minimal chances of any adverse side effects. At the same time, you are not required to purchase or invest in any particular treatment measures.
Just incorporating probiotic-rich foods in your diet can do the magic for you. Moreover, the product is effective in curing psoriasis. All these features make probiotics treatment for psoriasis a useful option for most patients.
[Read: Foods to Avoid with Psoriasis ]
The three main probiotics for treating psoriasis are Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. All these have various positive effects on psoriasis.
Taking probiotic-rich foods in the morning before and during breakfast can improve the outcomes of the treatment. However, if you experience nausea, you may eat two such meals per week. It is best to check with your doctor for a carefully crafted individual plan.
Probiotics may cause mild side effects that are not harmful. There are no proven adverse effects of probiotics as they treat psoriasis naturally.