Many people with psoriasis look for natural remedies to ease their symptoms. Some studies suggest that probiotics — healthy bacteria that support the body — may be helpful. One source of probiotics is kefir, an ancient drink that’s rich in these good bacteria.

“I can’t say for sure, but I have been drinking kefir on the advice of my doctor for stomach reasons, and my psoriasis seems to be clearing,” said one MyPsoriasisTeam member.

Medical treatment is the main way to manage psoriasis. But lifestyle changes can help, too. Here’s what these probiotics (and kefir) can and can’t do for psoriasis.

What Are Probiotics?

Not all bacteria are bad. While some germs can cause infections, others actually help your body stay healthy. Probiotics are one example — these are “good” bacteria that support your health in several ways. They can aid digestion, fight off harmful microbes, and help your body make certain vitamins.

Two common probiotic strains found in kefir are Lactobacillus and, in some products, Bifidobacterium. These beneficial bacteria may help keep your gut balanced and support your immune system.

Along with kefir, other fermented foods and drinks — like yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut — may also contain live microbes.

Fermentation is a natural process where bacteria or yeast break down sugars in food. This can create beneficial bacteria, but not all fermented foods contain probiotics.

You can also get probiotics from supplements, but it’s best to check with your doctor before adding them to your routine.

What Is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented dairy product. It originated in the Caucasus Mountains, between Asia and Europe. People have consumed kefir for its health benefits for hundreds of years. This drink is usually made from cow’s or goat’s milk. It can also be prepared with milk from animals such as buffalo and sheep, as well as plant-based milks, like soy or coconut. A different type, called water kefir, is made with water kefir grains (tibicos) instead of milk.

Milk kefir is different from other fermented dairy products — like yogurt, buttermilk, and sour cream. Kefir grains are added during fermentation. Kefir grains are a combination of yeast and bacteria. Kefir and its microbes have been studied for potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-allergy effects.

Kefir is similar to yogurt, but it’s thinner. You can drink it instead of eating it with a spoon. Kefir is packed with calcium, protein, B vitamins, and probiotics. It supplies even more “good” bacteria than yogurt does.

Kefir and Psoriasis

Some foods trigger psoriasis symptoms. Your gut bacteria might not be the first thing that comes to mind when psoriasis makes you itchy and uncomfortable. Some research from the journal Foods has shown a connection between intestinal health and skin health. Probiotics are often used by people with other types of autoimmune conditions, which involve inflammation.

Study of Kefir’s Skin Benefits

In a 2021 study, scientists evaluated the benefits of homemade kefir for people with inflammatory skin conditions. They divided participants into two groups, including people with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) and those without a skin condition.

At the end of the study, people in both groups who drank kefir had stronger skin barriers. Their skin was better able to protect against allergens, chemicals, and germs that cause infections. However, this study focused on eczema, not psoriasis, so its findings can’t be assumed to apply directly to psoriasis. More research is needed to understand if kefir has similar effects in people with psoriasis.

Psoriasis and Intestinal Health

Researchers believe that people with psoriasis are more likely to have a leaky gut than the general population. Leaky gut isn’t a recognized medical diagnosis. However, this term is often associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. When healthcare providers refer to leaky gut syndrome, they mean toxins are getting through your intestinal lining, which could trigger an inflammatory response.

There’s still a lot to learn about gut health and psoriasis, but kefir’s probiotics could help lower the body’s inflammation levels. This effect may help with psoriasis and your overall health.

Anecdotal Evidence From Members

​​One of the benefits of joining MyPsoriasisTeam, or a psoriasis support group in your area, is the opportunity to share with and learn from others living with psoriasis. This is what MyPsoriasisTeam members have said about their experiences with kefir:

• “I have been drinking organic goat milk kefir for breakfast for the past four days and taking a natural anti-inflammatory supplement. Everything seems to be helping.”
• “I started taking kefir three weeks ago after reading an article in a magazine. I have to say there’s already been a massive improvement in my psoriasis.”
• “Taking diatomaceous earth and milk kefir has really helped to clear up my psoriasis. I think it’s helped to fix my body from the inside out.”
• “I have only been taking kefir for a few days, but I am already seeing a slight difference. I read that kefir has anti-inflammatory properties.”

Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for psoriasis, changes in diet don’t have the same effect on everyone. While some people with psoriasis have had success with different types of diets, no diets have been scientifically proven to treat or cure the condition. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about taking kefir for psoriasis.

Health Benefits of Kefir

Probiotics from kefir may offer several benefits. Some animal and cell studies suggest possible anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal effects, but it’s not clear how well these findings apply to people.

The biggest effects from drinking kefir seem to happen in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, probiotics help fend off infections and toxins. They also help regulate how the immune system functions. Probiotics can help reduce diarrhea, especially in people who take antibiotics. There’s some evidence that probiotics can also help lower cholesterol levels and possibly improve obesity.

Kefir has been shown to help people with inflammatory bowel disease in some studies. Other studies suggest it also lowers blood sugar levels, which can benefit people with diabetes and prediabetes. Kefir isn’t medicine or a miracle food, but it may play a role in a healthier lifestyle.

Risks and Side Effects of Kefir

Kefir is readily available and generally safe to drink, but some people may want to avoid it or limit their intake. If you’re prone to intestinal issues, need to avoid even trace amounts of alcohol, or get frequent infections, consider these risks and side effects:

• Kefir and other probiotics can cause constipation, gas, nausea, and diarrhea.
• Kefir may contain small amounts of alcohol (0.5 percent to 2 percent).
• In rare cases, probiotics have been associated with dangerous bacterial infections in people who have a compromised immune system.

Should You Take Probiotics if You Have Psoriasis?

Technically, in the U.S., dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they are not regulated like prescription or over-the-counter drugs. That means safety is monitored, but efficacy claims don’t require preapproval. If you’re trying to improve your gut microbiome, food products like kefir may be a safer option than supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking supplements or changing your diet. Supplements and certain foods aren’t safe for everyone, so make sure your doctor is on board with your plan.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are you adding more probiotic-rich foods, like kefir, to your routine? Have you seen any changes in your skin inflammation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.