“Detox diets” are often touted as a natural way to eliminate toxins, improve skin health, and reduce psoriasis symptoms. But these “cleanses” are often restrictive, unsustainable, and, in some cases, dangerous.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to accumulate and become red, itchy, and dry.

Although certain dietary factors may affect your symptoms, so-called “detox diets” promising a quick fix aren’t the solution.

No scientific evidence suggests that these diets remove toxins, enhance immune function, or cleanse your body.

Your body has its own detoxification system — involving the liver, lungs, kidneys, skin, and digestive system — responsible for getting rid of harmful chemicals and compounds.

This naturally occurring process doesn’t require dietary intervention or supplementation.

While detox diets may improve psoriasis symptoms for some people, it’s likely due to limiting specific dietary triggers rather than eliminating entire food groups.

Although the exact recommendations can vary, a detox diet usually involves eliminating anything considered inflammatory.

This typically includes some or all of the following:

Instead, you’re meant to eat a variety of antioxidant- and nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

More restrictive diets may make it harder to meet your nutrient needs and even increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies.

For example, poorly planned gluten-free diets are often low in fiber and may lack important micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and folate.

Other foods often avoided on detox diets provide essential nutrients. This includes dairy products and nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

Furthermore, detox diets can promote unhealthy eating habits and foster a negative relationship with food.

They can also be unsustainable and difficult to follow in the long run. Your psoriasis symptoms are likely to return once you resume a regular diet.

Research indicates that diet may play a significant role in psoriasis.

For example, a 2017 survey involving 1,206 people with psoriasis showed that certain dietary modifications seemed to improve skin conditions in the majority of respondents.

Some of the most effective modifications included decreasing alcohol, gluten, and nightshade intake or increasing fish oil, vegetable, and vitamin D intake.

Still, these skin health improvements were subjective, and not all dietary modifications were equally effective.

For instance, only 54% of participants reported that reducing alcohol consumption was helpful, and fewer than 43% noted improvements with increased vegetable intake.

Other dietary factors may also affect psoriasis severity.

According to a small 2014 study including 200 people, those with psoriasis tended to have lower antioxidant levels and higher levels of oxidative stress than a control group.

These results suggest that a diet rich in antioxidants may alleviate psoriasis symptoms by combating oxidative stress.

Other research indicates that fried foods, added sugar, refined carbs, and processed meats may increase certain markers of inflammation, which could contribute to psoriasis.

Some studies also show that those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity may have a higher risk of psoriasis. For these individuals, eliminating gluten may help relieve symptoms.

Nonetheless, following a gluten-free diet may not benefit those without gluten-related disorders.

In fact, in a study of 85,185 people with psoriasis, 85,324 people with psoriatic arthritis and 63,443 people with atopic dermatitis concluded that increased gluten intake wasn’t associated with a higher risk of each respective condition.

The same food item or ingredient can have different effects on different people. It’s important to find what works for you rather than eliminating entire food groups from your diet.

If you can tolerate gluten, for example, there’s no need to follow a restrictive diet that cuts out gluten completely.

Some research suggests that adding more whole grains to your diet lowers levels of inflammation, which may be beneficial for psoriasis.

Instead of following a short-term detox diet, stick to a nutritious, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and heart-healthy fats.

Doing so will ensure that you’re meeting your nutritional needs and make it much easier to identify potential triggers by eliminating one or two ingredients at a time.

Psoriasis detox diets often ban foods and beverages that may trigger symptoms, including gluten, alcohol, added sugars, nightshades, and refined carbs.

While eliminating certain items may benefit those with psoriasis, detox diets, quick fixes, and cleanses may be unnecessarily restrictive and promote an unhealthy relationship with food.

Instead, it’s best to follow a healthy, well-rounded diet while removing potential trigger foods one at a time to find what works for you.