Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune and inflammatory skin disease driven by an overactive immune response, disrupted gut barrier function, and metabolic dysfunction. High-carbohydrate diets, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation activate immune cells—especially Th17 and Th1 pathways—that release cytokines such as IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-α. These cytokines stimulate rapid keratinocyte proliferation, causing the thick, scaly plaques characteristic of psoriasis. Systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and leaky gut allow bacterial fragments (LPS) to enter the bloodstream, further activating the immune system and intensifying skin inflammation.

Insulin resistance and blood sugar spikes worsen psoriasis by elevating inflammatory cytokines, increasing oxidative stress, and accelerating skin cell turnover. Stress-related HPA-axis dysregulation raises cortisol, which destabilizes immune activity and can cause flares. Nutrient deficiencies common in high-carb diets—especially zinc, omega-3s, vitamin D, and B-vitamins—impair skin barrier function and worsen autoimmune activity.

Fasting, ketogenic diets, and carnivore diets directly reduce the inflammatory pathways that drive psoriasis. Ketosis lowers insulin, decreases IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α, and restores immune balance. Carnivore and ketogenic diets eliminate dietary triggers that aggravate autoimmunity (grains, seed oils, sugar, gluten, lectins, and high-omega-6 foods). They also increase intake of anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and complete amino acids essential for skin repair. Fasting activates autophagy, clears inflammatory immune cells, repairs the gut barrier, and reduces keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Together, these metabolic interventions often lead to dramatic reduction of plaques, decreased itching, and long-term remission of psoriasis symptoms.