Wednesday 22 February 2017

About Psoriasis

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)