Caroline Kothari: Going Gluten and Dairy-Free Works Wonders

By Caroline Kothari

Staff Writer

I have psoriasis on my scalp. Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that produces raised, reddish, and often scaly patches. It can spread beyond the scalp to the forehead, back of the neck, or behind the ears. I have had this ever since I was little and it’s really annoying. 

My doctors have always told me not to drink milk because it affects my health. For the last 17 years of my life, I have not been following the doctor's advice because I have always thought that just changing my diet wouldn’t help my psoriasis. However, it turns out that it really does make a difference.

Recently, my mom decided what if this would actually work? So, after we got back from Italy in August, my mom told me that we should go on a gluten and dairy-free diet for a month and see how it turns out.

Being gluten free means I can’t eat bread, pasta, pastries, donuts, bagels etc. Being dairy free means I can’t drink milk, or have yogurt or butter, etc. Many of these gluten foods I used to eat all the time. My favorite foods that are gluten that I can’t eat are bread and pasta. 

So as I went through the month, things started to turn around for me. My psoriasis started clearing up and my head started looking like normal. It was like magic and I was thrilled. 

In addition, I felt so much more energetic and happy. I felt like I was drinking multiple cups of coffee a day, but I wasn’t. It was the change in diet!  I loved how I felt, so my mom decided we should do this for the rest of our lives. Sure, sometimes we may go off it for holidays, but other than that, we will be completely gluten and dairy free.

Not only does this diet help my psoriasis and my energy level, it also helps my mood. Now, trivial situations that used to seem like a big deal are actually not at a big deal at all. Being less sluggish helps my mood regulate because when I am not exhausted, I can actually function and feel good about everything in life. 

I think becoming gluten and dairy free has absolutely been the best thing for me. In fact, I think everyone should try it. This diet will make you feel like you’re Superman or Superwoman. It may be a bit more work, but it is worth it.