We are all different, and the
key to your quest for psoriasis solutions is
- a willingness to try various treatments until you find
what works best for you. Yes, You can be helped, but
it depends on how much time and effort you are willing to
put into it. I trust that you will find the following guidelines,
helpful and informative.
Psoriasis is manifested
by silvery, scaly patches that may appear anywhere on the
body, but are most common on the scalp, ears, arms, legs,
knees, elbows and back. It may or may not be itchy, and follows
a pattern of periodic flare-ups followed by healing. Even
toes and fingernails sometimes lose their luster, and develop
ridges and pits. Psoriasis is sometimes associated with a
form of arthritis that is difficult to treat, called psoriatic
arthritis.
Normally your skin cells mature
and shed every 28 to 30 days. In psoriasis, new skin develops
seven to ten times faster than normal. Because your skin
cells can't shed fast enough, they pile up, forming raised,
scaly plaques. As the dead cells are pushed farther from the
surface, they form silvery white scales over the plaques.
The exact cause of psoriasis
is still not known, but certain things act as triggers,
and set the stage for a flare-up. Among them are food allergies,
nutritional deficiencies, climate changes, damage to the skin
from dryness, local injury or sunburn, reaction to certain
drugs, infections, build up of toxins in an unhealthy colon
and emotional stress.
Psoriasis solutions require
a comprehensive and consistent approach. Also remember
that any program may take months to show improvement, so be
patient. Continue treatment even during times of remission
when no lesions are visible. You see, the problem is still
there, just waiting for a trigger. The following steps will
help you not only prevent psoriasis attacks, but minimize
their severity. Here's what you do...
1. A diet that's low
in saturated fat, and low in animal products, has an ameliorating
effect on psoriasis. Eat a diet that is 50 percent raw foods,
including plenty of fruits, vegetables sprouts and grains.
Also eat seafood that's high in omega-3-fatty acids such as
salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring. Citrus may aggravate
psoriasis in some individuals. It is not only a good idea
to check for food allergies, but follow a 4-day rotation
diet. That is, don't eat any one food more often than
once every four days. Avoid red meat or dairy products.
2. Arachnidonic acid
is a natural substance that aggravates the inflammatory response
in psoriasis lesions, making them swollen and red. Taking
Evening Primrose Oil interferes with the production
and storage of arachnidonic acid. Take 500mg daily. NOTE:
Women suffering from breast cancer should limit their use
of evening primrose oil. Other good sources of the essential
fatty acids are flaxseed oil and salmon oil.
3. Vitamin B complex
is needed for healthy skin. Use a high-stress, yeast-free
formula. Take 50mg three times daily with meals. You will
want to take extras of the following B vitamins as well. Vitamin
B1 (thiamine) - important for proper circulation and healthy
skin. Take 50mg three times daily. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- deficiency has been linked to skin disorders. Take 50mg
three times daily. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) -
aids in proper adrenal function. Take 100mg three times daily.
Vitamin B12 - is important in cell formation and in longevity
of the cell. Take 2000mcg daily. Use a sublingual form.
4. Other vitamins, minerals
and supplements that are important are:- Vitamin A
- important for healthy skin and nails. Take 75 IU daily for
two weeks, then 50 IU daily for two months, then 25 IU daily.
Do not take more than 10 IU daily if you are pregnant. Vitamin
C with Bioflavenoids - important in boosting your immune
system, and forming collagen and skin tissue. Take 2,000mg
four times daily. Vitamin E - is an antioxidant that
neutralizes free radicals that damage the skin. Take 400 to
1,200 IU daily. Zinc - important in protein metabolism,
and proteins are needed for healing. Take 50mg of zinc daily.
Folic acid deficiency has been linked to psoriasis.
Take 400mcg daily. Glutathione may inhibit the growth
of psoriatic cells. Take 500mg twice daily on an empty stomach.
5. Shark cartilage
- stops the spread of psoriasis by inhibiting the growth
of blood vessels. It may take three or more months to show
results. The first to resolve is the itching and scaling,
followed by gradual fading of the redness. Take 1gm per 15lb
of body weight in three divided doses, daily.
6. For mild cases of
psoriasis, sunlight alone may be all that's necessary.
Ultraviolet rays slow down cellular division in the skin.
Expose your skin regularly to
moderate amounts of sunlight. To prevent sunburn, which can
actually aggravate your condition, avoid exposure to the sun
between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, especially during the
summer months.
7. You should be aware
that certain drugs trigger flare-ups in some people
and therefore should be avoided. Some of them are propranolol
hydrochloride and other beta-blockers, quinidine gluconate,
lithium, antimalarial medications, and even alcohol.
Detoxification programs
are helpful with psoriasis as they rid your body of potential
triggering toxins. Include the following steps in your program...
8. Milk thistle extract
- increases the flow of bile, and cleanses your liver. This
is important in keeping your blood clean. Take 300 mgs three
times daily.
9. Fiber is important
in maintaining a healthy colon. The fiber binds to colon
toxins, and aids in their elimination. In addition to foods
rich in fiber such as raw fruits and vegetables, and whole
grain breads and cereals, take psyllium seeds daily. Mix
with water or juice and drink immediately.
10. Moisturize -
as skin prone to psoriasis tends to be dry. Moisturizing is
particularly important during the winter months, when psoriasis
tends to flare up because of the dry, cold air.
