Ultra-Processed Foods May Worsen Psoriasis Through Inflammation and Gut Disruption
Recent scientific research suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods may play a significant role in triggering or worsening psoriasis flare-ups. In a large observational study conducted in France, researchers analyzed health and dietary data from more than 18,500 adults between the ages of 62 and 70. Participants provided detailed, self-reported information about their eating habits as well as the presence and activity of psoriasis symptoms. The analysis revealed a strong association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and active psoriasis, even after accounting for factors such as age, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking status, and other underlying health conditions.
Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that typically contain refined sugars, unhealthy fats, emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial flavorings, and very little dietary fiber. Examples include packaged snacks, sugary cereals, soft drinks, ready-to-eat meals, and processed meats. According to researchers, these components are known to promote chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation—a key driver of psoriasis, which is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Similar conclusions have been discussed by experts from institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in journals like The BMJ and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
One of the proposed mechanisms behind this link involves the gut microbiome. Ultra-processed foods can alter the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, reducing microbial diversity and impairing the gut’s protective barrier. This increased gut permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut,” allows bacterial toxins and inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream. Once in circulation, these substances can overstimulate the immune system and exacerbate inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and reviews in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology support the idea that gut health plays a crucial role in immune regulation and skin diseases.
In addition, high consumption of ultra-processed foods is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. These conditions are themselves recognized risk factors for psoriasis and are known to worsen disease severity and treatment response. Excess adipose tissue produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can further fuel psoriatic inflammation. Dermatology experts, including those cited by the American Academy of Dermatology, have emphasized the importance of weight management and metabolic health in controlling psoriasis symptoms.
However, the researchers also acknowledged important limitations in their findings. The strongest associations were observed in participants who self-reported having psoriasis, while the link was not statistically significant among cases confirmed by dermatologists. This discrepancy suggests the possibility of reporting bias and highlights the need for more rigorous, clinically validated studies. Randomized controlled trials and long-term dietary intervention studies would help clarify whether ultra-processed foods directly contribute to psoriasis flare-ups or merely correlate with other lifestyle factors.
Overall, the study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that nutrition interacts closely with genetic predisposition and immune function. For individuals who are genetically susceptible to psoriasis, a diet high in ultra-processed foods may accelerate disease onset or intensify symptoms. While dietary changes alone cannot cure psoriasis, experts increasingly agree that reducing ultra-processed food intake and adopting a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods may support better disease management and overall inflammatory health.
