Natural Healing and Lifestyle Changes Shown to Help Psoriasis

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Natural Healing and Lifestyle Changes Shown to Help Psoriasis

Friday, October 16, 2009 by: Alex Howard, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews)

Psoriasis is a skin condition where reddened rashes or plaques covered

in slivery scales can appear on the skin of the scalp, back of the

wrists, elbows, knees, buttocks, ankles and sites of repeated trauma.

There is a family history in 50% of cases. The condition is fairly

common, occurring in 2-4% of the population, and mainly in Caucasians.

Some individuals also experience associated arthritis (psoriatic

arthritis). So what causes psoriasis, and how can it be treated

naturally?

 

Psoriasis is caused by a buildup of skin cells that have replicated too

rapidly. The rate at which skin cells divide in psoriasis is roughly

1000 faster than normal skin cells. This high rate of replication is

simply too fast for the cells to shed, so they accumulate, resulting in

the silvery, scaly characteristic of psoriasis.

 

The problem results from a basic defect within the skin's cells.

Although genetic factors play a significant component, rebalancing the

defect in skin cells is the prime therapeutic goal. A number of

problems appear to cause or contribute to the condition.

 

Incomplete digestion increases levels of undigested protein in the

bowel and creates compounds called polyamines. These contribute to the

excessive formation of skin cells. Polyamines have been found to be

increased in individuals with psoriasis. Taking protein digesting

enzymes to ensure proper protein digestion may help.

 

Toxins from bacteria in the gut have been found to be higher than

normal in individuals with psoriasis. These toxins increase skin cell

proliferation. Low fibre diets are linked to increased bowel toxicity.

Sarsaparilla has been found very useful to help reduce toxins from the

bowel. A high fibre, low sugar, low saturated fat diet promotes good

gut health. Probiotics may also be useful.

 

Inflammation can cause psoriasis since these individuals often have a

far higher production of inflammatory compounds called leukotrienes.

Leukotrienes have been found to increase cell proliferation. These

compounds are produced from arachadonic acid; a fat found solely in

animal fats and other animal food sources. Omega 3 fats will reduce

these pro-inflammatory fats, and individuals with psoriasis have been

found to be deficient in omega 3. Quercitin, vitamin E, garlic, onions,

omega 3 fats and minimising sources of arachadonic acid in the diet may

all help reduce the inflammation and the psoriasis.

 

Treating liver problems in individuals with psoriasis has been found to

be of great benefit. Alcohol consumption may significantly worsen

psoriasis. It increases absorption of toxins from the gut and reduces

the liver's capacity to detoxify them. Milk thistle has been found to

be of value in the treatment of the liver and psoriasis.

 

Food allergies, the common one being gluten, may be important for some

patients with psoriasis. Allergy testing can be very useful in this.

 

Decreased levels of certain nutrients, or an increased need, can result

in psoriasis. Nutrients include vitamin A, zinc, chromium selenium,

glutathione, vitamin E and Vitamin D.

 

Ultraviolet light has also been found to be very useful in treating psoriasis.

 

Foods to avoid:

 

- Avoid sugar and white refined carbohydrates as they feed bad bacteria

in the gut and can increase toxins absorbed from the gut.

 

- Minimise saturated fat from dairy produce and fatty cuts of red meat

since they contain the pro-inflammatory fat arachadonic acid that has

been associated with psoriasis.

 

- Minimise alcohol as it increases the absorption of toxins from the gut and reduces the liver's ability to detoxify toxins.

 

Foods to increase:

 

- Increase intake of sources of fibre including all vegetables and fruit, lentils, beans and gluten-free grains.

 

- Ensure you eat sources of oily fish which contains the

anti-inflammatory omega 3, three times per week. Oily fish includes

salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and tuna.

 

- Other non-fish sources of omega 3 are flax oil, hemp oil and walnuts.

 

- Eat pumpkin seeds, linseeds and sunflower seeds as these contain a

range of anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids and zinc, which

supports good skin health.

 

- Try more gluten free grains such as brown rice, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, tapioca, corn and quinoa.

 

- Try alternatives to milk including unsweetened soy milk, oat milk and rice milk.

 

- Figs, prunes, kiwi and papaya are all very good for the skin.

 

- Use rosemary, caynenne pepper and turmeric in your cooking as they contain anti-inflammatory properties.

 

- Make plenty of vegetable juices including raw beetroot, artichoke,

carrots and apples with a base of celery and cucumber as these will

help cleanse the liver.

 

Ensure you chew your food thoroughly and sit down at each meal where

possible as this will improve your digestion and absorption of protein.

 

Sunbathing is also helpful for psoriasis because it increases levels of

vitamin D. However, avoid getting sunburned as this can increase the

risk of skin cancer.

 

Consider ultra violet light therapy for three minutes three times per week using 295-305nm.

 

Ensure you manage your stress levels: moderate exercise, yoga, tai chi, meditation and all good forms of relaxation.

 

www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C139462.html

www.psoriasis.org/netcommunity/subl...

www.nutritionalmedicine.org.uk/phdi....