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PsoriasisPsoriasis, a common skin disorder, occurs when skin cells replicate too quickly. The skin produces new cells at about ten times its normal rate, but also it continues to slough off old ones at its usual, slower pace. With nowhere else to go, the new cells pile up under the surface, creating patches of red, swollen skin covered with silvery or whitish scales. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most often surfaces on the scalp, the knees, the elbows, the buttocks, and the backs of the wrists. The rash usually doesn’t itch, but if you scratch, it may bleed. Psoriasis comes and goes in cycles and leaves no scars, although the area may be thick and dry even in times of remission. The nails may also be affected and may develop stipples and pitted areas. Occasionally, in a condition known as pustular psoriasis, blisters will rise on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Psoriasis has also been linked to inflammatory arthritis of the fingers and the toes. Psoriasis can cause a type of arthritis that resembles rheumatoid arthritis in some individuals. The nails are affected in 30 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis, resembling in a pitting, a discoloration, and a thickening of the nails’ plates. The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, but the prevailing theory connects the high rate of cell replication to a genetic flaw. This theory is backed up by the large number of cases that run in families. As with most genetic disorders, however, it’s also likely that people simply inherit a predisposition to psoriasis. Lifestyle choices play an important part in determining the severity and the frequency of the condition or whether you’ll even experience it at all. A poor diet, for example, often worsens this condition. The identification and the treatment of food allergies is the key for some individuals. The digestive tract is a focal point for many people with psoriasis. Poor digestion, especially incomplete protein digestion, leads to the creation of toxins known as polyamines, which contribute to excessive skin proliferation. Also, the overgrowth of Candida albicans and various bacteria by-products is thought to worsen this condition. Along with the overgrowth of these microbes is often an imbalance or a deficiency of friendly flora, the good bacteria that help detoxify the body. Liver function is of crucial importance, as it is the body’s main filtering system. Optimizing liver function with sound nutrition and nutritional supplements can be helpful. We have also found a connection between psoriasis and a low intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Finally, stress, fluctuating hormones, sunburn, and other environmental factors can also contribute to flare-ups.
Symptoms
TREATMENT Diet As with all skin disorders, psoriasis is best treated by encouraging the body to eliminate toxins through the bowels and the urinary tract, rather than through the skin.
Increase your intake of fiber. Eat fresh, whole foods and include whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables, or beans at every meal. Essential fatty acids reduce inflammation and have been shown to greatly improve psoriasis. Cold-water fish like mackerel and salmon are excellent sources of EFAs, and so are both flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. (Flaxseeds are also a concentrated source of the fiber you need. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, along with 10 ounces of water.) Many psoriasis sufferers are deficient in zinc and vitamin A. Eat pumpkin seeds for zinc; for vitamin A, eat orange, yellow, or green vegetables. Drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours to improve digestion, flush away toxins, and reduce inflammation.
Do not eat other foods that are difficult to digest. Fatty, fried, and junk foods all fall into this category, as do products that are high in refined sugar. Alcohol causes inflammation and triggers psoriasis in many people. Drink only in moderation and monitor your intake; if alcohol leads to a flare-up, you should stop drinking altogether. In some people, psoriasis is brought on by allergic reactions to food. If a certain food triggers an episode of psoriasis or makes an existing one worse, remove if from your diet. Gluten, cow’s milk, sugar, and citrus fruits are common offenders. Make sure to avoid caffeine. Detoxification A detoxification program will reduce toxic waste and return your digestive system to a more efficient working order. You may discover that detoxification, especially fasting, brings on an episode of psoriasis or makes an existing flare-up worse, but that’s because you’re shedding toxins at an increased rate. Once your body system is clean again, you may find a dramatic improvement in your skin. Fast on juices for two to three days. Green drinks and detoxifying herbal teas are good choices for extra cleansing power.
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