Psoriasis is skin condition characterised by raised, red,
scaly patches of skin. Although the precise cause of psoriasis is unknown, in
practice I have found that certain natural approaches can help. Sufferers of
psoriasis tend to have raised levels of a fat known as arachidonic acid in
their blood streams.
Arachidonic acid tends to encourage inflammation in the
body, and some scientists believe that this may be an important underlying
factor in psoriasis.
In the body, arachidonic acid can be formed from what are
known as omega-6 fatty acids, such as those found in many margarines, vegetable
oils, processed foods, fast foods and baked goods such as muffins, cakes,
biscuits and patisserie.
It makes sense for you to avoid these foods. Other foods to
be limited in the diet include those that are rich in arachidonic acid
including dairy products and red meat.
While arachidonic tends to encourage inflammation in the
body, other fats, known as the omega-3 fatty acids, tend to do quite the
reverse. Omega-3 fats are found main in oily fish (such as salmon, trout,
mackerel, herring and sardines) and flaxseed (linseed) oil. Interestingly, it
has been noted that Greenland Eskimos who have a high intake of omega-3 fats
from fish also have a low incidence of psoriasis.
Some studies have found that fish oil supplementation can
help reduce the severity of psoriasis. Consuming plenty of oily fish in the
diet may be of benefit to sufferers.
In addition, it might help to supplement with two or three
grams of concentrated fish oil each day. If you don't eat fish, take one
tablespoon of flaxseed oil each day.
In some psoriasis sufferers, toxicity in the body appears to
be an important underlying factor. In practice, the purging of toxins from the
system does seem to have the ability to improve the symptoms of psoriasis in
many people. Eating a detoxifying diet is important, as is supporting the liver
- the body's primary organ of detoxification.
The diet should contain an abundance of fresh fruits and
vegetables. Not only do these foods tend not to tax and stress the liver, they
also contain an abundance of nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids (e.g.
beta-carotene) which can support liver function. Foods which contain a lot of
either fat or protein should be downplayed in the diet, as they require quite a
lot of chemical processing in the liver.
Red meat, dairy products and foods rich in damaged fats such
as processed, fried and fast foods should be kept to a minimum in the diet.
Alcohol should also be avoided, as this stresses the liver, and studies show
that it can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Water helps detoxification, and
sufferers should aim to consume at least 1½ - 2 litres of this (mineral water
is best) each day.
In addition to these dietary measures, it can help to offer
the liver specific support. One herb which is renowned for its ability support
and strengthen liver function is milk thistle.
Milk thistle is also believed to help reduce inflammation
and slow down excessive cell growth. Some research suggests that taking milk
thistle can help control psoriasis. The active ingredient in milk thistle is a
group of compounds collectively known as silymarin. 70 - 210 mg of silymarin should
be taken three times day, with beneficial effects normally coming in about
eight weeks.
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