Psoriasis
is a chronic inflammatory disease which afflicts the autoimmune system. Most of
the sufferers are adults; however, children also can be affected.
In any
case, developing symptoms of psoriasis should be taken as an incentive to
optimise your nutrition. Several scientific studies have revealed that a change
of diet can have a very beneficial impact on this disease.
(pics
courtesy dermis.net and healthline.com)
When
suffering from psoriasis, certain areas of the skin become very dry, the skin
starts to flake and itch (psoriasis vulgaris). Typical are also thick,
yellowish scabs on some parts of the body, which can often get inflamed
(psoriasis exsudativa). These are caused by a pathologically abnormal
metabolism of the skin, which means that the cells of the uppermost layer of
the skin regenerate about eight times faster than in a healthy person.
Typically, a healthy epidermis regenerates in about 4 weeks, whereas with
psoriasis this process takes about 3 to 4 days.
In rare
cases, the skin all over the body is thickened by extensive inflammation, so
that it gradually loses its elasticity and begins to crack, mainly around the
joints (shoulders, elbows, knees etc.) - which is called erythrodermic
psoriasis.
Psoriasis
vulgaris is the most common form. It manifests itself by sharply margined,
often irregular, inflamed skin papules which are covered with silvery-white
skin flakes. The most affected areas are the scalp, behind the ears, the elbows
and knees as well as the gluteal fold. In later states, many sufferers develop psoriasis
of the nail, which alters the shape as well as the colour of the nails and can
ultimately destroy the nails so that they detach themselves from the nail bed.
Another
disease which often manifests after long-term psoriasis is psoriasis arthritis
(PSA). The difference is that, while psoriasis vulgaris affects the skin cells,
PSA attacks the joints, manifesting in long-term inflammation. At first, it
affects the lining membranes of the joints and then the cartilage.
In most
cases, PSA affects the finger and toe joints, however, other joints can also be
afflicted. When suffering from PSA, the joints are red, swollen and painful. If
the inflammation persists over a long period, the joints will eventually get
stiff and movement is restricted. An already existing psoriasis can develop
into PSA. Although there is a possible connection to a genetic predisposition,
it is likely to be triggered by other factors, such as bacterial infections,
taking certain medication (e.g. some antihypertensive (high blood pressure)
drugs, rheumatism meds or anti-inflammatory medication etc.), long-term
emotional stress, a bad diet, environmental toxins or severe obesity. Too much
belly fat is particularly dangerous, because that is where inflammatory
messenger substances are produced, which can periodically trigger inflammation
of the joints.
Psoriasis
can occur in recurrent attacks, which means that the symptoms are sometimes
worse, sometimes less. It is said that there is no cure for psoriasis. However,
there are measures to help the sufferer, so that the periods where the symptoms
are less get longer with time. Medication is not always helpful, however, in
many cases, holistic methods can bring great relief.
Conventional
treatment for psoriasis has many side-effects. Often, the treatment is only
external, i.e. of the skin. Typically, medication contains salicylic acid, tar
and cortisone. These products are designed to fight the symptoms of the
disease, but not the cause. Moreover, there are often severe side-effects.
Salicylic
acid is prescribed to remove the skin flakes. It has antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. However, when using it over a
long period of time, it can damage the skin and is potentially toxic.
Creams
containing tar can prevent excessive cell division, have an anti-inflammatory
effect and soothe itching. Yet, tar is classified as cancerogenic when applied
for a longer period of time. Therefore, they should not be used.
Cortisone
is often prescribed to psoriasis sufferers in the form of creams, tablets or
injections - despite of the many possible side-effects: water retention, high
blood pressure, increased blood sugar, a weak immune system, osteoporosis,
weight gain and Cushing Syndrome (a "moon face", "buffalo
hump" on the back of the neck, skin fragility).
PUVA
therapy is another possible treatment for psoriasis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PUVA_therapy)
Although
PUVA therapy helps to prevent inflammation, balances a hyperactive immune
system, thus reducing the excessive division of skin cells, which sounds great.
However, there is also a downside. PUVA therapy can cause sunburn. Even with
the eyes closed, there is a great danger of developing conjunctivitis, cataract
or a degenerative mutation of the retina. Also, this therapy can cause
alterations in skin pigmentation as well as actinic keratosis (an early form of
skin cancer).
Let's
have a look at the possible causes - diet, toxins as well as psychological
aspects play an essential role when it comes to psoriasis.
As in
most of the cases, when it comes to autoimmune disorders, conventional medicine
doesn't know any concrete causes.
From a
holistic view, however, the following aspects are taken into consideration.
1. A weak
or overburdened immune system
As
mentioned above, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder and therefore concerns the
immune system. That's why an overburdened immune system is an important factor
when it comes to psoriasis.
The
immune system has the task to protect the body from toxins. The immune defence
attacks pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi etc.) as well as toxins and other
foreign matters.
The
intestines play an important role for the immune system, as most of its work
happens there. All the toxins we absorb in one way or another end up there,
after all. The more toxins have accumulated in the intestines, the more work
there is for the immune system. And any additional pathogens, allergic
reactions or external injuries of the skin can push the immune system to its
limits. It becomes overburdened, weakened and can no longer keep up with its
manifold tasks. And now, as a result, it can happen that the stressed-out
immune cells suddenly turn overactive and begin to attack the body's own
tissue. Because it afflicts the body's own cells, this process is devastating,
of course.
Although,
the basic principle is that sufferers of psoriasis already have a genetic
disposition, however, additional factors are required for triggering the
diseases. These are mainly the already mentioned overburdened immune system as
well as an unsound intestinal environment.
2.
Healthy intestines are of the essence
A healthy
intestinal mucous membrane prevents toxins to be reabsorbed into the body;
therefore, a completely intact intestinal mucosa is essential.
Too many
toxins, pollutants and harmful bacteria in the gut cause a toxic intestinal
environment which damages the intestinal mucosa. This causes toxins and
undigested food components to leak into the bloodstream. This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome which can lead to severe reactions of
the immune system, i.e. inflammatory and allergic reactions.
Scientific
studies have revealed that microscopic injuries could be found in the
intestinal mucosa of psoriasis sufferers, which were caused by inflammation in the
intestines. This concerns sufferers with psoriasis as well as PSA.
A toxic
intestinal environment offers the ideal habitat for pathogenic bacteria, fungi
or parasites, whereas useful bacteria can hardly survive. The result is an
overpopulation of the intestines with bad bacteria (dysbacteriosis) which is considered
as a trigger for various diseases.
While the
pathogenic intestinal inhabitants multiply, the number of "healthy"
bacteria diminishes. This means that the latter are no longer able to produce
short-chain fatty acids which feed the cells of the intestinal mucosa. A lack
of these fatty acids can lead to a degeneration of the mucosa, which furthers
the development of Leaky Gut Syndrome.
The toxic
excretions of the intestinal fungi (e.g. Candida albicans) are particularly
dangerous for the intestinal mucosa, because they attack and destroy the mucous
tissue. The first scientific study, carried out in 1986, showed a direct
connection between psoriasis and an extremely damaged intestinal environment.
During a
study, stool samples from patients with seborrhoeic eczema as well as psoriasis
affecting the scalp were tested. The result revealed that all of the patients
presented a highly pathogenic intestinal flora which was dominated by
pathogenic yeast fungi.
3.
Hyperacidity promotes flare-ups
An
unstable gut flora is almost always connected to a hyperacidity of the body.
Due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, many people suffer from a chronic
hyperacidity which can be the cause for numerous diseases.
Excess
acidity has, like toxins, a corrosive effect on both mucous tissue and joints.
The result is an inflammatory process which can trigger recurrent flare-up of a
latent psoriasis.
Usually,
the body gets rid of acids via the urine as quickly as possible; however, the
excretion capacity of the kidneys is limited. In case of a chronic
hyperacidity, the amount of acid to be excreted is more than the kidneys can
cope with. When this happens, the body depends on the skin which is the body's
largest excretory organ. When more acid than usual is excreted via the skin,
any already damaged areas of the skin become even more inflamed, which is the
reason why the condition of the skin significantly deteriorates periodically.
4. A bad
diet makes psoriasis worse
Coconut
oil smells nice and can also be used on the affected areas of the skin. It has
a soothing, nourishing effect on damaged skin.
A weak
organism and inflammation (typical in the course of autoimmune diseases) comes
with the activation of "free radicals". These are
highly aggressive molecules which attack and destroy organ cells.
That is why it is very important to ingest antioxidants which
prevent cell damage and have anti-inflammatory properties. The most potent
ones are Astaxanthin, L-Glutathione as well as Aronia berry.
Frankincense is a
unique remedy for any inflammatory disease (even for certain types of cancer).
The explanation can be found in the chemical construction of frankincense as it
closely resembles the drug Cortisone, however, without its side-effects if
frankincense is administered properly by a health professional!
Psoriasis
sufferers often notice that the symptoms improve when spending their holidays
in the sun and by the sea. Sunlight and saltwater is a wholesome combination.
Sunlight is absorbed by the skin and then processed, via a highly complex
process, into Vitamin D. This vitamin supports the immune system and prevents an
excessive immune response which is in general responsible for the development
of autoimmune diseases. It also triggers the increased production of the body's
own antibiotics which attack bad bacteria, fungi etc and so help the immune
system. Vitamin D has a limiting effect on the excessive new-skin cell
production.
Bathing
in sea salt (e.g. dead sea salt, Himalayan salt) softens the skin flakes and
helps to remove them. It also has a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect
and helps to get rid of the itching.
Restoring
the intestinal mucosa and re-balancing the gut flora is of utmost
importance when it comes to the treatment of psoriasis.
A bad
diet can be the cause of a weakened immune system, a dysbacteriosis in the
intestines as well as a hyperacidity of the body.
This
indicates that an unhealthy diet plays an important part in the development of
any disease. That also means that a healthy diet can positively influence any
disease, which certainly holds true for psoriasis.
By eating
high-quality foods containing vital substances, our body will get enough energy
to activate its self-healing abilities which are essential to maintain good
health. The biggest mistake we are making when it comes to diet is to consume
too much sugar, products containing white/processed flour and animal protein of
low quality and ready meals (which often contain ingredients of inferior
quality, artificial ingredients and next to no micro-nutrients).
On top of
that, there is the low quality of many conventional foods, i.e. residues of
pesticides, high content of nitrate etc.
Sugar and
white/processed flour supply the pathogenic bacteria, fungi and parasites with
their favourite food.
An
excessive consumption of animal products, including dairy products, can
overburden the digestive system. Often, the body can't process these huge
amounts of protein. This will lead to an excess of protein which can further
promote psoriasis flare-ups due to an increased concentration of uric acid.
5.
Healthy eating helps with psoriasis
A healthy
diet is essential when it comes to lessen the symptoms of psoriasis. However,
it is important to state that there is not ONE diet that suits everybody. If
you suffer from psoriasis, you might already have noticed which foods are good
for you and which will worsen the symptoms. Some find that gluten will make
things worse, others will be affected by dairy products or overly acidic foods.
A food intolerance test (e.g. kinesiology) can help to find what is good for
you or not.
6.
Remedies that can help
When preparing your meals, use oils which are high in omega 3 fatty acids,
such as linseed oil and hempseed oil. These oils have anti-inflammatory
properties and are therefore essential when it comes to the treatment of
psoriasis. As these oils lose their beneficial properties when heated, take a
tablespoon daily of the oil of your choice. For those who don't like to take
pure oils, krill oil capsules are a good alternative.
Beneficial
are also coconut oil and Ghee (ayurvedan clarified butter). Those
still maintain their valuable fatty acids even in high temperatures.
During a
study, psoriasis sufferers were given 60 ml of Ghee over 7 days. Not only sank
their level of cholesterol, when it was increased, but also their skin improved
and itching and redness of the skin disappeared.(Kumar
MV, Sambaiah K, Mangalgi SG, Murthy NA, Lokesh BR. Effect of medicated ghee on
serum lipid levels in psoriasis patients. Indian J Dairy &
Biosci. 1999;10:20–3.)
The liver
is our largest excretion organ and gets confronted with any toxin that enters
our body. As mentioned above, psoriasis is in many cases linked to a
dysfunctional bowel (e.g. Leaky Gut Syndrome), so that the liver is even more
affected by the resulting excess of toxins. This, in turn, causes an increased
workload for the immune system which will eventually struggle to cope. It is
therefore clear that strengthening the liver will automatically lead to
relieving the immune system. That means that the liver needs as much support as
possible. There are various plant remedies to aid liver-regeneration: milk
thistle, dandelion and artichoke. Good for strengthening the liver are
alkalising or acid-base-balance powders, dandelion extract or powder.
Unfortunately,
it is not always possible to get enough natural Vitamin D so that it is
necessary to take a suitable Vitamin D3 supplement. A simple blood test,
carried out by your doctor, can determine how much supplementation is needed.
Psyllium
or flea seed husks support
the self-cleaning mechanism of the intestinal tract.
Before
taking any of the mentioned remedies, please consult your healthcare
professional.
7. If
psoriasis has a physiological cause
A
possible connection between psoriasis and the condition of the souls of those
affected is quite interesting. Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked.
Yet, it is a well-known fact that the skin is the reflection of the soul.
The
functions of the skin are manifold; three of them show a clear connection to
the psyche:
- The
skin is our largest contact organ that connects us to the world.
- At the
same time, it defines us and protects us from the environment.
- The
skin projects all internal processes.
Considering
just these functions leads us to the following questions:
- How
sociable are you? Do you distance yourself too much from others?
- From
whom or what is your (scale) armour supposed to protect you?
- Are you
afraid that others might hurt you?
- What is
it that wants to break free through the (skin) barrier and want to be seen?
Of
course, it is not always reasonable to answer these questions all by yourself.
Therefore, consult an experienced therapist as they can show you ways how to
eliminate these emotional blocks step by step.
8.
Recommended steps to help with psoriasis
Please
don't try to put those recommendations into actions all at once, because this
would overburden your excretory organs which would be forced to get rid of all
those dissolved acids and toxins as quickly as possible.
Instead,
take those steps:
1. Begin
with changing your diet. Stick to food which has anti-inflammatory and alkaline
properties. Additionally, take an organic mineral supplement. Taking Vitamin D
will help, too.
To
support the skin, take alkaline bath additives or goats milk powder and use a
body lotion containing coconut oil.
After
consulting your health professional, you may also start taking frankincense.
2. After
about 8 weeks you may start with cleansing your gut and rebuilding the gut
flora.
3.
Subsequently, you should strengthen your liver function (e.g. milk thistle
complex) and perhaps and take an anti-acid supplement. Here is some helpful
information:
For
further questions, please contact groveclinicoxon@gmail.com.
(source:zentrum-der-gesundheit.de)
