Psoriasis Diet
by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 04/28/2006 at 05:14PM
There are a number of claims and theories surrounding the potential link between psoriasis and diet. It can be difficult to evaluate the role that diet plays in the development or treatment of the condition, because there are so many other factors that can affect one's reaction to a particular diet or dietary supplement. In addition, a dietary substance can act as a remedy for one person and a psoriasis trigger for someone else.
There are several foods and dietary supplements that you can experiment with to help with psoriasis. But be sure to check with your natural health care provider before making any changes to your diet or adding any new supplement to your diet. Be sure to avoid any dietary regimen that calls for extreme measures such as fasting or routine enemas as these can be harmful to your health.
Beware of Miracle Diets
Specialized diets for the treatment of psoriasis are detailed in hundreds of websites and books, even though there is no direct evidence that any one diet will cure the condition. The development of psoriasis has been linked to such foods as sugar, alcohol, junk food, gluten products, tomatoes, coffee, and eggs. There are also many foods that are associated with an improvement of psoriasis symptoms. These foods include herbal teas, zinc supplements, fish oil capsules, milk thistle, shark cartilage, and turmeric.
Any diet that that reduces your consumption of junk foods and alcohol is likely to be beneficial for your health. In this sense, it will not hurt to experiment with a psoriasis diet, as long as you have obtained your health care provider's approval. But beware of diets that call for extreme measures such as fasting or routine enemas. These diets can be dangerous for your health, and there is no indication that they will actually work.
Zinc Supplements
In the late 1960s, researchers examined the role of zinc deficiency in the development of psoriasis. The skin holds roughly one-fifth of the body's zinc supply. And other mammals have demonstrated scaly plaques and other skin problems when they experience a zinc deficiency. For example, rats and mice that are deficient in zinc develop a skin condition that is very similar to human psoriasis. The United States Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for zinc is 15 milligrams (mg). Yet, most Americans do not consume this amount. A zinc supplement may be beneficial in improving the symptoms of psoriasis but there is no direct evidence that this links exists. I recommend Zinc Orotate available by special order through www.ghchealth.com.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements have many nutritional benefits for the skin as well as the cardiovascular system and the immune system. Fish oil contains a large dose of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid.) Multiple studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of fish oil capsules for the treatment of psoriasis. A study published in The Lancet in 1988 noted that psoriasis patients who took ten fish oil capsules daily for eight weeks had "significant lessening" of itching, redness and scaling. Patients in the control group who took ten olive oil capsules saw no significant improvement in their condition.
In another study, about sixty percent of the people surveyed noted that the area and thickness of their psoriatic plaques decreased, as did the redness and itching, after adding fish oil capsules to their diets. Be sure to check with your health care professional before trying any new nutritional product. Fish oil capsules are sold over the counter in health and natural food stores nationwide.
Organic Milk Thistle
Psoriasis involves the over activation of the white blood cells known as T-cells. These cells cause inflammation and the excessive re-growth of skin cells. Milk thistle has been shown to inhibit the activation of T-cells; therefore, it may be useful in the treatment of psoriasis. However, no specific studies have been conducted regarding this supplement and psoriasis. Milk thistle can be purchased over-the-counter at health food stores in tablet or fluid extract form. Is herb is not directly associated with any adverse side effects; however, you should still consult your health care provider before adding it to your diet.
Shark cartilage
Shark cartilage may play a role in the inhibition of new blood vessel development. This may be helpful in controlling psoriatic lesions. Shark cartilage is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Shark cartilage is usually taken in pill form. It can be found online or at most health food stores.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for years in traditional Chinese medicine for the relief of pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is used frequently in the treatment of arthritis, and it may also be useful for those who suffer from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Turmeric is a natural spice that is used in most curry recipes. It can be found in capsule found and taken as a dietary supplement.
