Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that leads to accelerated skin cell turnover. Normally, skin cells mature and are replaced on the surface within about a month, but in psoriasis, this cycle lasts only a few days. The result is thickened red areas covered with silvery scales – psoriatic plaques. Psoriasis can affect limited areas or be widespread, and besides the skin, it can also affect nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis). It is considered a severe disease due to its impact on quality of life (visible lesions, itching, pain) and the risk of associated diseases.
Symptoms of psoriasis:
- Skin changes: red, raised lesions covered with scales (most commonly on elbows, knees, scalp, lower back). The scales are white or silver and constantly flake. Lesions can crack and bleed if severe.
- Itching or pain: in some patients, lesions itch or burn, while in others they cause no discomfort other than aesthetic.
- Nail changes: pitting of the nails, thickening or crumbling of the nails, separation of the nail from the nail bed.
- Psoriatic arthritis: pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints, most commonly fingers and toes, sometimes knees – can occur in up to 30% of those with psoriasis.
Psoriasis occurs due to the hyperactivity of the immune system, which mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells and triggers inflammation. Genetics plays a significant role (it often runs in families), and triggers can include infections (e.g., streptococcus can trigger guttate psoriasis), stress, cold climate, skin injuries (Koebner phenomenon), or certain medications. The key process is chronic inflammation mediated by T-lymphocytes and cytokines (especially TNF-alpha, interleukins 17 and 23) that cause accelerated proliferation of keratinocytes. This inflammation is not limited to the skin – elevated inflammatory markers can be found in the blood, explaining why psoriasis increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Oxidative stress is also noted in psoriatic lesions; rapid cell division and inflammation lead to the formation of free radicals, and it has been proven that patients with psoriasis have lower levels of antioxidant vitamins in the skin. Immune imbalance is the essence of psoriasis: the body overreacts and maintains inflammation even when it should not.
Natural support for the body
In addition to topical therapy and medications prescribed by a dermatologist, diet can influence the course of psoriasis. Spelt is recommended as part of an anti-inflammatory diet for psoriasis for several reasons. Firstly, spelt is a good source of selenium – and selenium is a trace element whose deficiency is associated with worsening psoriasis. Selenium is a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which helps remove hydrogen peroxide and protect skin cells from oxidative damage. By consuming selenium, we strengthen the skin's antioxidant defense.
Spelt contains zinc and vitamin E, two important nutrients for skin health. Zinc aids in wound healing and plays a role in regulating the skin's immune response, while vitamin E reduces inflammation and itching, improving skin hydration from within. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects – not directly like a drug, but by replacing refined carbohydrates with spelt, the levels of insulin and leptin, hormones that when elevated can stimulate inflammatory processes, are reduced. Spelt polysaccharides can modulate the gut immune response, and there is evidence that a healthy microbiome and avoiding the “leaky gut” syndrome can help skin diseases.
Introducing spelt into the diet helps control body weight and detoxification – as psoriasis is related to obesity and liver burden (medications, toxins), spelt helps eliminate harmful substances through fiber and maintain normal fat metabolism. Chlorophyll from spelt green juice also has a reputation as a skin aid – it acts as an antibacterial (reducing the risk of secondary infections of scratched skin) and helps cleanse the blood of toxins, which traditional medicine considers beneficial for calming skin diseases.
Overall, spelt can contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of psoriatic attacks, improve skin condition, and even protect the heart and blood vessels of those affected (which is important because psoriasis carries cardiovascular risk). Along with spelt, of course, plenty of fluids, other sources of omega-3 fatty acids (flax, fish), and fresh vegetables are recommended to achieve optimal anti-inflammatory effect.