Exploring Psoriasis, Gluten Sensitivity, and Celiac Disease

Is there a link between your psoriatic disease and celiac disease? And can your diet help to mitigate the risks of both immune-related diseases? Episode 121 of NPF’s podcast, Psound Bytes, explores that issue with Brittany Link, a registered and licensed dietitian at Advice for Eating in Houston, Texas.

In “Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, and Psoriatic Disease,” Link sits down with NPF to discuss some of the intricacies of celiac disease – which can cause stomach lining damage for those with a gluten intolerance – and why you should consider getting tested for celiac disease if you are living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Link recommends talking to your doctor if you have any concerns.

“I think it’s always best to rule [celiac disease] out if there’s any concerns,” says Link. “Start with the less invasive testing, doing that blood work that’s not quite so intensive. And then go from there.”

She does warn that if you do think you might be at risk for celiac disease, make sure to talk to a health care professional before taking on a gluten-free diet. “One thing a lot of people don’t actually know is eliminating gluten from your diet before you get these tests can actually skew the blood test results to make them look normal if you haven’t been exposed to gluten for some time. So, making sure you get tested before you eliminate can be really important.”

If you are ready to take on a gluten-free diet, Link breaks down the basics and what foods you might not think have gluten in them.  To get all of Link’s recommendations and to learn more in this informative discussion on celiac disease, listen to Episode 121 now.

Photo by Jaime Green