Psoriasis? According to research, your diet and health of your gut might offer some relief.
That’s what 86% of 1206 psoriasis patients in the United States reported when they responded to a national survey.
The greatest skin improvement was reported after reducing alcohol (53.8%), gluten (53.4%), nightshades (52.1%), and after adding fish oil/omega-3 (44.6%), vegetables (42.5%), and oral vitamin D (41%).
While this post does not substitute medical advice, it does offer some things to think about and discuss with your medical provider. Naturopathic doctors are well versed in the use of food as medicine, identifying nutrient deficiencies and use plant based medicine.
Psoriatic activity begins far before the lesions appear on the top of the skin. It is important to understand the underlying mechanisms in order to solve the root cause of psoriasis. Root cause may be different in different people. This is the nature of an autoimmune condition.
Three percent of the world’s population affected by this itchy red and flaky plaques of white skin and it is rare in African heritage. It can affect more that skin, sometimes nails and joints. It is equal in male and female in some studies however Icelandic studies show double the occurrence of psoriatic arthritis in women vs. men. Typical onset is when one is in their twenties, but can delay to age seventy. Some relief in pregnancy (as in other autoimmune) is observed when the immune system is down-regulated so the mother doesn’t abort the fetus. Lymphoma and Celiac disease are highly associated conditions.
Food sensitivities are common in autoimmune conditions, psoriasis included. And there are many factors that can improve gut health and address leaky gut.
Individualized treatment is key to restore health, increase health and maintain health. Interactions between body systems and the body as a whole must be considered. Naturopathic doctors take time to get to know you as a whole person and how you interact with your environment and with this recognize factors that influence health and complex chronic illness such as lifestyle, genetics, environmental impact and health of the microbiome. Responsibility for your health is shared in a patient-practitioner therapeutic partnership. You know you have a good fit when you feel safe and empowered by the interaction.
With Dr. Laura M. Brown, ND, your intake and initial assessment will include a diverse set of questions that may explore many factors in your health such as:
- Lifestyle: Diet, activity level, sleep hygiene, work life, hobbies and stressors.
- Genetics: Including your family history of physical and mental conditions.
- Environment: Including your exposure to toxins and allergens.
- Microbiome: the bacteria living on and in your body
Kinds of Psoriasis
Chronic plaque psoriasis: extensor surfaces, scalp, body
Guttate psoriasis: multiple scaly papules smaller than 1 cm on the extremities and trunk, in children/young adults, after streptococcal infection (strep throat)
Pustular psoriasis: characterized by crops of sterile pustules that erupt, located mostly on the palms and soles but may become generalized & emergent.
Inverse psoriasis: in skin folds, often if excess weight. Susceptible to secondary bacterial infection.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: skin surface and systemic affect
Nail involvement possible: nail plate pitting, thickening, separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis), and yellow discoloration (oil spots)
Psoriatic arthritis: inflammation from condition affects the joints and causes pain and reduced mobility.
Solving Psoriasis
An individualized plan is created to identify risk factors, diagnose and address the common factors that contribute to psoriasis. This includes:
REMOVE aggravating conditions, overgrowth of bacteria like Streptococcos that is linked to Psoriasis.
REPAIR the intestinal permeability through an anti-inflammatory leaky gut diet, mucousal membrane healing agents
REPLACE the depletions that are present to help the body strengthen and return to wellness.
REINOCULATE the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria to displace the pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics and lacto-fermented foods.
REBALANCE – immune systems, adrenals, detoxification pathways, sleep rhythms.
If you are interested in improvement of your psoriasis, get started with an initial appointment now.
Reference: Afifi, L., Danesh, M. J., Lee, K. M., Beroukhim, K., Farahnik, B., Ahn, R. S., Yan, D., Singh, R. K., Nakamura, M., Koo, J., & Liao, W. (2017). Dietary Behaviors in Psoriasis: Patient-Reported Outcomes from a U.S. National Survey. Dermatology and therapy, 7(2), 227–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-017-0183-4
Picture credit @ https://www.instagram.com/austinbruch/
