There are always new trends and fads when it comes to the latest diets. People are always looking for new strategies and programs to help them get into better shape and increase their level of health. Sometimes these fads come and go but it seems that gluten free is one method that is going to stick around for the long haul. Gluten-free diets have been huge for the past few years due to their ability to provide weight loss and an increase of general health. However, a gluten-free diet may also hold the possibility to help with psoriatic arthritis, continue reading to find out how.

What is psoriatic arthritis?
Let’s begin by uncovering what psoriatic arthritis is. It is a type of arthritis that people who have psoriasis are prone to developing. Psoriasis is a skin disease that is known for causing dry, scaly, itchy, red skin. Although the cause is still, a little murky professionals believe that it is caused by the immune system being triggered when it is not actually needed to act which causes skin cells to be produced by the body at higher rate than they need to be.

About thirty percent of people who have psoriasis are diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis that is known as psoriatic arthritis. This condition is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system, believing that it is in danger and needs to fight, attacks tissue that is actually healthy. In the case of psoriatic arthritis, this autoimmune disease attacks the joints and the skin. The result of the immune system attacking the healthy skin and joints is that they experience swelling, inflammation, pain, and stiffness. You may experience one or even all of these symptoms in various joints within the body when you are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.

 What is a gluten-free diet?
This diet has been a success in the public. It began as a specialized diet for those who have a gluten allergy but these days the majority of people who follow this diet don’t have an allergy to gluten at all. A gluten free diet is a regimen that cuts out all foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a mixture of two different proteins and it can be found in cereal grains. It helps foods keep their shape and acts as a binding substance. Foods that contain gluten are baked goods, breads, cereal, pastas, beer, and much more. Many people experience weight loss from this diet because they end up staying away from carbs which can be a source of weight gain for many people.

How can a gluten free diet help psoriatic arthritis? 
While a gluten-free diet has not been proved to eliminate psoriatic arthritis those with this condition have stated that it has helped them better manage the symptoms and severity of psoriatic arthritis. This is why Rochelle Rosian, MD, a rheumatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio states that there is a possibility that a gluten-free diet could benefit those psoriatic arthritis. So while there is a chance that this may be a possible psoriatic arthritis treatment, there is no definitive conclusion amongst those in the medical community.

According to research conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation suggests that up to 25 percent of individuals who have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis may be living with a gluten sensitivity. As we previously discussed, these conditions are autoimmune disorders that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body. It is possible that a person who has one of these conditions along with a gluten allergy could have inflammation in their gut. When it is exposed to gluten, the reaction and symptoms could be amplified. There could also be a connection in the origin of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory diseases. A gluten allergy is an inflammatory bowel disease so many believe that treating one could also help the other, if in fact their origins and causes are linked.

Should you go gluten-free?
While there is a chance that going gluten free could help you manage your psoriasis not everyone should go gluten free. If you have a gluten allergy, you should definitely follow a gluten free diet for your overall health. If you do not, it can be a big mistake to go gluten free. While carbs are something that are bad in excess, you should have some carbs and whole grains in your diet in order to stay healthy.

In conclusion
While this potential link in between psoriatic arthritis and a gluten free diet is exciting, there is still much research that needs to be done. Also, remember that you should discuss all diet changes with your doctor before you make then to make sure this diet will be a good choice for your personal situation.