Top 5 Functional Medicine Tests That Reveal Hidden Triggers of Psoriasis

Top 5 Functional Medicine Tests That Reveal Hidden Triggers of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is often seen as a surface-level skin concern, dry, itchy patches that cause discomfort and affect confidence. But at Midas Wellness Hub, we approach psoriasis differently. To us, it is not just a skin condition, but a reflection of deeper imbalances happening inside the body.

While conventional medicine often focuses on creams, steroids, or biologics to suppress symptoms, these solutions rarely answer the most important question: Why is the body producing these flare-ups in the first place? This is where functional medicine comes in, offering a holistic, root-cause approach to healing.

According to Dr. Shibani, Functional Medicine Expert at Midas Wellness Hub, psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that cannot be resolved by surface treatments alone. “Psoriasis is your body’s way of speaking to you,” she explains. “It tells us that something deeper, be it in the gut, hormones, or immune system, is out of balance. By uncovering these hidden triggers, we can help patients move beyond short-term relief and achieve true, lasting healing.”

One of the most powerful tools in this journey is functional medicine testing. These tests go beyond standard blood reports to provide insights into gut health, immune response, stress, toxins, and nutrient status, all of which can play a role in psoriasis.

Here are the five most important functional medicine tests that Dr. Shibani and the Midas Wellness Hub team use to uncover the hidden drivers of psoriasis.

1. Comprehensive Stool Analysis (Gut Microbiome Test)

The gut and skin are deeply connected, a relationship often described as the gut-skin axis. Research shows that imbalances in gut bacteria, leaky gut syndrome, or poor digestion can all trigger systemic inflammation, leading to psoriasis flare-ups.

• A comprehensive stool analysis evaluates:
• The diversity of gut bacteria (microbiome balance)
• Presence of harmful bacteria, yeast, or parasites
• Markers of digestion and absorption
• Inflammation levels within the gut

When these results are mapped out, we can see whether the immune system is being over-activated by gut imbalances. For example, low levels of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium can allow harmful microbes to flourish, producing toxins that stress the immune system.

Dr. Shibani’s insight: “When we restore the gut microbiome, many patients notice that not only do their skin symptoms improve, but they also feel lighter, more energetic, and experience fewer digestive issues. The gut really is the foundation of skin health.”

Healing Pathway: Based on results, we may introduce probiotics, prebiotics, dietary changes, and targeted supplements to restore gut balance and reduce psoriasis flare-ups.

2. Food Sensitivity Testing

Many people with psoriasis unknowingly eat foods that trigger their immune system. Unlike allergies, which cause immediate reactions, food sensitivities can create low-grade, chronic inflammation that manifests as skin flare-ups days later.

The most common psoriasis-triggering foods include:

• Gluten (wheat, barley, rye)
• Dairy
• Processed sugar
• Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants)

Food sensitivity testing helps identify which foods cause delayed immune responses. Patients are often surprised to learn that seemingly “healthy” foods might be fueling their skin condition.

Dr. Shibani shares: “One patient had persistent flare-ups despite following every medical treatment. Food sensitivity testing revealed dairy was his hidden trigger. Once we eliminated it, his skin cleared dramatically.”

Healing Pathway: Once food triggers are identified, we create an elimination and reintroduction plan so patients know exactly what nourishes their body and what worsens their symptoms.

3. Nutrient & Micronutrient Testing

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in immune balance and skin repair. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals make the body more vulnerable to inflammation and slow down the skin’s ability to heal.

Common deficiencies in psoriasis patients include:

• Vitamin D – critical for immune regulation
• Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory properties
• Zinc – aids skin repair and immunity
• B vitamins – support detoxification and energy production

A micronutrient test provides a detailed report of nutrient levels at the cellular level. It not only shows what you’re deficient in but also reveals whether your cells are able to utilize those nutrients effectively.

Dr. Shibani’s perspective: “It’s not enough to eat well, your body must absorb and use those nutrients. With micronutrient testing, we personalize supplementation and diet, ensuring your skin gets exactly what it needs to heal.”

Healing Pathway: Depending on results, we may prescribe vitamin D therapy, omega-3 supplementation, or specific dietary shifts to restore nutrient balance.

4. Hormone & Adrenal Stress Testing

Stress is one of the biggest psoriasis triggers, and many patients notice flare-ups during emotionally challenging times. This is not just a coincidence, stress hormones directly affect the immune system and skin health.

Hormone and adrenal testing measures:

• Cortisol levels (stress hormone) throughout the day
• Thyroid function (underactive thyroid can worsen psoriasis)
• Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
• Chronic stress can deplete cortisol reserves, leaving the immune system in overdrive. Thyroid imbalances can slow skin regeneration, while sex hormone shifts (such as during menopause) can increase flare-ups.

Dr. Shibani explains: “Stress is not just in your mind, it’s in your body chemistry. By balancing hormones and adrenal health, we can reduce inflammation at its source.”

Healing Pathway: Depending on test results, we may recommend adaptogenic herbs, mindfulness practices, stress-management techniques, and hormone-supportive nutrition.

5. Detoxification & Heavy Metals Testing

The skin is the body’s largest detox organ, and when the liver and detox pathways are overburdened, toxins often show up as skin conditions. Heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, or lead can disrupt the immune system and fuel psoriasis.

Detoxification testing evaluates how well your body is processing toxins, while heavy metals testing uncovers hidden toxic burdens.

Dr. Shibani’s observation: “Patients exposed to environmental toxins or processed foods often struggle with stubborn psoriasis. Supporting detox pathways helps ease the skin’s load, often resulting in noticeable improvements.”

Healing Pathway: Depending on results, we support detoxification with specific supplements, dietary strategies, sauna therapy, and lifestyle upgrades that reduce toxic exposure.

The Midas Wellness Hub Approach

At Midas Wellness Hub, we believe testing is only the first step. What truly sets us apart is how we use these results to build a personalized healing plan for every individual.

Dr. Shibani emphasizes:
“Psoriasis is not just about skin, it’s about your entire body. When we connect the dots between gut health, nutrition, stress, hormones, and detoxification, we can design a program that truly transforms lives.”

Our approach combines:

• Functional medicine testing
• Personalized nutrition and supplementation
• Mind-body therapies for stress management
• Gentle detoxification strategies
• Lifestyle guidance for long-term wellness

Patients not only see improvement in their skin but also report better digestion, improved energy, restful sleep, and enhanced emotional wellbeing.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is far more than a surface-level skin problem. It is a signal from the body that deeper imbalances need attention. By using functional medicine tests, Dr. Shibani and the Midas Wellness Hub team uncover the root triggers that fuel flare-ups.

Instead of masking symptoms, this approach helps patients achieve lasting relief, renewed vitality, and healthier skin from within.

If you’re struggling with psoriasis and looking for a solution that goes beyond temporary fixes, functional medicine testing could be your path forward. At Midas Wellness Hub, we are here to guide you every step of the way.