Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an over-responsive immune system. When the immune system functions properly, a highly complex collection of processes work together as our first line of defence to prevent disease. However, this defence system can go wrong, causing autoimmune disorders. The body thinks there is a problem, and the immune system goes into overdrive to defeat the perceived problem. Except there is no problem. So, the immune system attacks perfectly healthy tissue, replacing it far too quickly and erratically. For psoriasis sufferers, the result of this unnecessary response is red, flaky patches on the body that are usually itchy and painful and in some can affect the joints.
Around 2-3% of the UK population have psoriasis, affecting men and women equally. Some people will have a family history of the condition, but others may not. A flare-up of psoriasis can be triggered by a number of factors, such as stress or anxiety, injury to skin, hormonal changes, or certain infections or medications.
The medical approach to psoriasis mostly involves topical treatment to the skin, if they don’t work then you can be referred to a dermatologist for UV light treatment or systemic medication.
Psoriasis is very unique to each individual and therefore treatment results can be very varied and often a trial-and-error approach is required, which can be frustrating.
The complementary approach can be effective and comes at the problem from a different angle with the concept of what’s on the skin’s surface reflecting a problem within.
You won’t be surprised that the approach encompasses diet and life-style modifications!
An anti-inflammatory, high-alkaline diet incorporating plenty of skin-friendly foods and juices, and avoiding the foods that you probably know are problematic for you.
The importance of an alkaline diet is perhaps the simplest and most powerful principle. Fresh vegetables, most fruit, nuts, seeds, pulses and filtered water are considered alkaline. At the opposite end of the spectrum, sugar, junk food, processed or refined foods including white bread and pasta, sweets, carbonated drinks, alcohol and drugs are considered acidic.
Other things you might try avoiding are: strawberries, peanuts, nightshades (like tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes) and citrus fruits.
Dairy, of course, is another common inflammatory food so look for more alkaline variants such as goat cheese, milk and yoghurt.
Cut out smoking and alcohol
Being more active, regular daily exercise is so important. Do what you enjoy and build up slowly if you haven’t done much exercise before.
Nutritional supplements, especially vitamins B6, B12 and D3, and fish oils, can also help. A study has shown psoriasis patients taking high doses of fish oil (10 g/day) for two months saw significant improvements in symptoms and in the amount of skin surface affected. While another study found that 3.6 g/day of purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; found in fish oil) reduced the severity of psoriasis after just two to three months. Flaxseed oil can be used if you are vegetarian or vegan.
Slippery elm bark powder (taken as a tea or tincture, or as capsules or lozenges) anecdotally seems to help some people.
Acupuncture (traditional Chinese approach) has been shown in multiple studies to help skin and joint pain, although it is unlikely to be long term and ongoing maintenance would be required if it helps you. There are very minimal side-effects so trying this approach has no downsides.
Some find a natural, aloe-vera-based face and body moisturiser, used twice a day can help and is less sticky than the medical emollients.
Changing your diet and lifestyle doesn’t cost much but takes effort – it can be done alongside the medical approach you have been doing and at Walnut Grove we have seen many patients benefit over the years from a more natural approach either in isolation or alongside the traditional medical treatments.
Give us a call if you need advice or help to tackle a new approach.
