Functional Health Approach to Psoriasis and IBS

A Clinician's Guide to Patient Recovery

Many people live with chronic skin conditions, digestive discomfort, and fluctuating energy levels without realizing that these issues can be deeply connected. This case illustrates how targeted functional testing and lifestyle adjustments can address symptoms at their root, thereby improving both quality of life and long-term health.

Client Background

• Age/Gender: 70-year-old female
• Primary Concerns: Weight loss (BMI 29.7), fatigue, poor sleep
• Additional Symptoms: Digestive discomfort (diarrhoea, wind, bloating) and psoriasis since 2016
• Diagnosis: Psoriasis, overweight, IBS-like presentation

She came to me thinking weight loss was the main goal. But very quickly, it became clear her gut health was playing a major role in her skin, digestion, and energy.

Main Symptoms at Presentation

• Skin: Itchy, scaly red patches on face, back, thighs, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
• Digestive: Irregular bowel movements with frequent diarrhoea (no known food triggers).
• Energy & Sleep: Fluctuating energy levels, disrupted sleep.
• Other: History of stress and trauma.

Relevant History

• Significant weight gain since quitting smoking in 2012
• Long-term stress from personal and family circumstances
• Past medical interventions: antibiotics, anti-depressants, NSAIDs, Imodium
• Campylobacter infection in 2014
• Retired, socially active, but reports high perceived stress
• Diet included regular red and processed meat, dairy, eggs, coffee (6 cups/day), and alcohol.

For practitioners reading this, those factors - especially infection history, high caffeine, and frequent alcohol consumption - can influence both microbiome balance and gut barrier integrity.

Functional Testing: GI Effects

We used the GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile to map out what was happening in her digestive system. Why? Because skin issues and gut issues often share the same root cause: inflammation + microbial imbalance.

Key Findings

1. High Secretory IgA: Suggests gut lining irritation or infection, linked with psoriasis
2. Elevated Eosinophil Protein X: Marker for intestinal inflammation
3. Presence of Potential Pathogens: Klebsiella and Citrobacter (linked to psoriasis, gut barrier issues, and diarrhoea)
4. Elevated Desulfovibrio piger: Produces hydrogen sulphide gas, damaging to gut lining
5. Low Pancreatic Elastase: Indicates low digestive enzyme output, associated with poor nutrient absorption

Theraputic Approach

We didn't just want to manage symptoms. We wanted to calm the inflammation, restore the gut lining, rebalance the microbiome, support digestion and lighten the immune system's load.

She already exercised regularly and had a good social network. The big gap? Stress management. We worked on identifying her biggest stress triggers and building in daily tools for emotional regulation.

Dietary Adjustments

• Elimination Phase: Removed gluten, dairy, alcohol, red meat, nightshades, sugar; reduced coffee to 1 cup/day
• Anti-inflammatory focus: Fresh fish, whole grains, diverse vegetables, and salads

Lifestyle Modifications

• Stress identification and management strategies

Supplement Protocol

• Gut healing: Glutamine, zinc
• Inflammation reduction: Omega-3 fish oil, vitamin D3
• Pathogen management: Targeted antimicrobials
• Microbiome support: Probiotic
• Digestion & detoxification: Digestive enzymes, bile acids
• Stress support: Adaptogenic interventions

Results After 4 Months

• Skin: Psoriasis improved from scaly red patches to pale pink, non-scaly areas; no new outbreaks
• Digestive: Diarrhoea reduced to 1-2 episodes/month, linked to stress events
• Weight: Lost 6.5 kg
• Energy: Improved daily functioning and reduced fatigue

The Ongoing Plan

She is slowly reintroducing nightshades, dairy, eggs, and white meat, while continuing to avoid gluten, red meat, sugar, and alcohol. She's still taking omega-3s, vitamin D3, and a probiotic daily.

Takeaway for Clinicians and Patients

• Gut health is central - Addressing intestinal inflammation and microbiome imbalances can benefit both skin and digestion.
• Functional testing saves time - Pinpointing imbalances early leads to more targeted, effective interventions.
• Sustainable habits matter - Dietary changes, stress management, and supplementation can work together to restore long-term health.

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