Blog

Can Probiotics Help Manage Psoriasis? Exploring the Science and Benefits

If you’re living with psoriasis, you’re likely familiar with the challenges it brings—red, scaly skin patches, itching, and discomfort that can impact your confidence and quality of life. What if something as simple as taking a probiotic supplement could help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms? That’s precisely what recent research suggests. Let’s dive into the findings in a simple and approachable way so you can understand how probiotics may play a role in improving psoriasis.

What’s the Connection Between Probiotics and Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, leading to inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover. This results in the hallmark patches and discomfort. Research has shown that gut health plays a vital role in regulating inflammation, and probiotics—beneficial bacteria that support gut health—might help modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis.

What Did the Study Find?

A meta-analysis of seven high-quality studies examined how probiotics affect psoriasis. Here’s a snapshot of what was studied and the key takeaways:

• Psoriasis Severity: The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) measures the severity of psoriasis. Probiotics helped reduce PASI scores by about three points, indicating notable improvement.
• Inflammation: Probiotics also reduced C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation often elevated in psoriasis.
• Quality of Life: Although less consistently reported, some studies noted improvements in quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
• Safety: Probiotics were generally safe, with few adverse events reported.

Who Participated in the Studies?

The studies included 400 adults aged 18 to 70, all diagnosed with psoriasis. These participants came from diverse locations, including Iran, Brazil, Spain, and Ireland. They represented a mix of skin types and psoriasis severities, making the findings broadly applicable.

How Did the Studies Work?

Participants were randomly assigned to take either a probiotic supplement or a placebo for periods ranging from two months to six months. The probiotics included either single-strain or multistrain formulations, commonly featuring Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species—both known for their immune-modulating properties.

The Science of Probiotics and Inflammation

Probiotics influence the gut microbiome, a community of trillions of microorganisms in your digestive tract that interact with your immune system. In psoriasis, an imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) can exacerbate inflammation. Probiotics help restore this balance, reducing systemic inflammation and potentially improving skin conditions.

Here’s how they work:

1. Gut Barrier Strengthening: Probiotics improve the gut lining, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and triggering inflammation.
2. Modulating Immune Responses: Certain probiotic strains promote anti-inflammatory cytokines while suppressing pro-inflammatory ones.
3. Reducing CRP Levels: Lower levels of CRP indicate less inflammation, correlating with reduced psoriasis severity.

What Types of Probiotics Were Used?

The studies varied in the types of probiotics used, but two main genera stood out:

• Lactobacillus: Known for reducing gut inflammation and boosting immune function.
• Bifidobacterium: Effective at maintaining gut health and regulating immune responses.

Multistrain formulations (containing multiple probiotic species) were generally more effective than single-strain options.

Why Did Probiotics Work for Psoriasis?

The success of probiotics in managing psoriasis comes down to their anti-inflammatory properties. Psoriasis is driven by chronic inflammation, and probiotics help combat this by:

• Reducing gut dysbiosis, which is linked to systemic inflammation.
• Modulating T-cell activity, which plays a role in autoimmune responses.
• Lowering markers like CRP and IL-6, which are elevated in psoriasis.

Practical Tips for Using Probiotics for Psoriasis

If you’re considering probiotics as part of your psoriasis management plan, here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Quality Products: Look for probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
2. Check the CFU Count: Aim for at least 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per serving for effective results.
3. Be Patient: Benefits may take a few weeks to become noticeable, so stick with the regimen.
4. Consult Your Doctor: Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you have other medical conditions.

The Big Picture: What Does This Mean for You?

The findings from this meta-analysis are promising, showing that probiotics can reduce psoriasis severity and inflammation. However, it’s essential to view probiotics as part of a comprehensive psoriasis management plan, including:

• A nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet.
• Topical and/or systemic treatments prescribed by your dermatologist.
• Stress management techniques, as stress often exacerbates psoriasis.

Are Probiotics Safe for Everyone?

For most people, probiotics are safe and well-tolerated. However, individuals with compromised immune systems or severe illnesses should use them cautiously and consult a healthcare provider.

Room for More Research

While this meta-analysis provides robust evidence for the benefits of probiotics, more studies are needed to:

• Determine the most effective strains and doses.
• Understand how diet and lifestyle influence probiotic efficacy.
• Explore long-term effects of probiotic supplementation for psoriasis.

Conclusion: A Promising Step Forward

Probiotics are emerging as a natural, accessible tool to help manage psoriasis. While not a cure, they can complement traditional treatments by reducing inflammation and improving symptoms. If you’re curious about adding probiotics to your routine, start with a high-quality supplement and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Citation

Zhu Y, Xu F, Chen H, Zheng QThe efficacy and safety of probiotics in the adjuvant treatment of psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Med (Lausanne).(2024)