Psoriasis is the result of an overactive immune system. So, is boosting your immune system counterintuitive when it comes to fighting it? 

Everybody has an immune system to protect and defend us from infections. However, when a person has an autoimmune disease, their immune system mistakenly mounts a response. 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that specifically causes white blood cells or T-cells to attack the skin cells, speeding up the process of cell production. This creates a build up on the surface of the skin. The body also launches an inflammatory response which causes problems below the skin, deep within the body.

As psoriasis is a chronic illness, it can't be cured; however, it is possible to target and treat symptoms, which sometimes results in remission for long periods of time, and often means that flares are reduced in frequency, duration and severity. 

Although the immune system is the cause of psoriasis, it's also key in helping to manage it. Experts think that supporting the immune system to function effectively can help to calm the overactive immune response and reduce inflammation.

Here are some of our top tips for supporting the immune system and helping reduce psoriasis symptoms:

Eat a healthy diet: Although there isn’t enough scientific data to show a link between diet and psoriasis severity, many people find that adopting a healthy diet is beneficial, especially one rich in vitamin D.

Many of those who live with psoriasis find an anti-inflammatory diet is helpful; try one rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, berries, herbs, spices, as well as healthy fats like olive or hemp seed oil, and foods rich in omega 3, including oily fish like mackerel or sardines.

Although they might seem ‘healthy’, you could also try avoiding any foods from the nightshade family such as bell peppers, aubergines, tomatoes and potatoes - some people find they flare after eating them. Keep a trigger diary and see which foods work for you, and which don’t.

Reduce stress levels: An increased level of stress can commonly trigger psoriasis symptoms, exacerbating painful itching. Try to build in time in your day to reduce stress, perhaps with calming activities such as yoga, mindfulness or meditation.

Quit smoking: Smoking can make symptoms of psoriasis worse, and because of the link between psoriasis and lung disease, it is important to give up smoking for overall lung health.

Avoid alcohol: Alcohol causes inflammation in the body and excessive alcohol consumption has now been scientifically proven to worsen psoriasis symptoms. With so many tasty alternatives out there at the moment, we recommend switching some of your weekly intake to an alcohol-free substitute.

As well as playing a role in the fight against psoriasis symptoms, boosting your immune system adds to your overall health and wellbeing, and reduces susceptibility to other illnesses.

Recommended products for skin prone to psoriasis:

Try a trio of our topical treatments to manage the painful symptoms of psoriasis:

Balmonds Body, Hand & Hair Wash
based on gentle, plant-based cleansers, our two-in-one hair and body wash is perfect for sensitive skin.

Balmonds Daily Moisturiser
our natural moisturiser that softens, hydrates and feeds the skin with super-soft shea butter.

Balmonds Skin Salvation
our beeswax-based signature product is an intensive moisturising ointment, that works wonders on broken or scratched raw skin.