Psoriasis

Psoriasis - What is it?

 

 

Skin cells grow too quickly and look like thick white, silver or red patches.

 

The outer layer of skin, manufactures new cells and sheds old ones.  In Psoriasis the process is sped up to 4 or 5 days, instead of shedding inconspicuously, the outer cells form scales due to possible defect of enzyme on outer layer of the skin.

 

The immune system plays a major role in psoriasis.  The balance of the immune systems T-helper cells(TH1 & TH2) are important to its function and affect on psoriasis.

 

TH1 uses white blood cells to go after viruses and cancer.  TH2 helps the body respond to foreign invaders, using antibodies to go after bacteria.  The body strikes a balance between the two, by switching back and forth.  In Psoriasis, one dominates and suppresses the other.

 

Disrupters are:

 

Trans fat

Mercury

Heavy metals

Sugar

Processed foods

Alcohol

Lack of sleep

Lack of exercise

Stress

Infections

Injury

Lack of sunlight

Smoking

Certain Medications such as lithium, beta-blockers, and anti-malarial drugs.

 

TH1 & TH2 - How does it affect Psoriasis?

 

TH1 and TH2 produce a protein substance called cytokines.  Cytokines produce inflammation as a temporary response to injury or infection.  Over-production of certain small cytokine molecules lead to invasion and inflammation of an organ or body system.  Cytokines play a major role in making psoriasis symptoms better or worse. The good news is cytokine production can, for the most part, be controlled through proper nutrition.

NUTRITION & PSORIASIS

 

Most meat produces cytokine.  Fish is an exception to the rule.  Fish actually decreases cytokine levels.  (Mercury free fish).  Skinless boneless chicken, water packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies, swordfish, carp and orange roughy.

 

Seeds & Nuts - 12 Almonds or 1 ounce per day.

 

Vegetables: beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, collard greens, cauliflower, leeks,  okra, onions, spinach, summer squash, turnip, water chestnuts and zucchini.  Carrots, apricots mangoes, and green leafy vegetables - high in beta carotene (Precursor to vitamin A) which is excellent for the skin.

 

Grains: Amaranth, buckwheat & Quinoa for tissue growth and repair. Complete protein (quinoa) contains lysine.

 

Digestive Enzymes - 50% of people with psoriasis have a low HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) in their stomachs.

 

Supplements

 

Milk Thistle

Omega 3

GLA/Gamma

Evening primrose oil

 

For suggested use please seek the advice of a health care practitioner.