Psoriasis and the Gut-Skin Connection: A Natural Approach
- Bradley Bush, ND
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition—it’s a complex, chronic inflammatory disorder often rooted in immune dysregulation, gut imbalances, and hidden food sensitivities. While conventional treatments focus on topical steroids and biologics, many patients are seeking a more natural, whole-body approach to address the root causes.
Emerging research and clinical experience show that supporting gut health and calming systemic inflammation can significantly improve psoriatic symptoms. Two key natural tools—black seed oil and a broad-spectrum probiotic with Saccharomyces boulardii—can help regulate immune responses, restore gut balance, and reduce skin flares.
The Power of Black Seed Oil for Psoriasis
Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) has a long history of traditional use for inflammatory conditions. Rich in thymoquinone, it has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects—making it an ideal support for autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis.
Clinical Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Calms overactive immune pathways
Supports skin barrier integrity and reduces itching, scaling, and redness
Helps modulate histamine and allergic-type reactions
Offers antimicrobial properties that may rebalance the skin and gut microbiome
Suggested Dosing
Start with a loading dose of 2 capsules twice daily with food for 2 weeks
Transition to 1 capsule twice daily for ongoing support (minimum 8–12 weeks)
Use a standardized, organic black seed oil supplement with 500 mg per capsule to ensure potency and purity
Broad-Spectrum Probiotics: Rebalancing the Gut-Skin Axis
The gut and skin are deeply connected. Intestinal inflammation, leaky gut, and imbalances in beneficial bacteria can drive systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation that shows up on the skin.
Adding a broad-spectrum probiotic that includes Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast, can help rebalance gut flora, improve digestive health, and regulate immune function.
Probiotic Protocol for Psoriasis
Week 1:Â 50-60 billion CFUs twice daily
Weeks 2–3: 50-60 billion CFUs at bedtime
Weeks 4–12+: 25-30 billion CFUs capsule daily to maintain microbial balance
Look for a probiotic formula that includes a diversity of strains—Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii—and ensure it’s free of common allergens and additives.
Functional Testing: Identifying Triggers That Fuel Psoriatic Inflammation
To uncover hidden contributors to psoriasis, functional testing can provide valuable insights.
Breath Testing for SIBO: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can drive systemic inflammation and worsen autoimmune conditions. A simple breath test using glucose or lactulose can help identify if bacterial overgrowth is contributing.
Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing
IgE: Identifies classic, immediate-type allergies (e.g., shellfish, peanuts)
IgG and IgG4: Detect delayed reactions that can trigger chronic inflammation
Complement C3a (CA3): Indicates immune complex activation from food reactions
Comprehensive stool or GI testing may also be warranted for those with chronic bloating, irregular bowel movements, or suspected leaky gut.
A Gentle Yet Powerful Start
This holistic psoriasis protocol is ideal for patients seeking natural, well-tolerated therapies. Both black seed oil and probiotics with S. boulardii are gentle enough for most patients, even those with sensitive systems.
In Summary
Reduce inflammation with black seed oil (standardized, 500mg/cap)
Rebuild gut balance with a multi-strain probiotic + Saccharomyces boulardii
Identify root causes through SIBO and food allergy/sensitivity testing
Support long-term healing with a multi-month approach that evolves with depending on progress
Psoriasis is not just skin-deep. Healing begins in the gut, and with the right tools—clean, effective supplements and personalized testing—you can help the body rebalance, regenerate, and reveal healthier skin from the inside out.
