Psoriasis in a nutshell

This is a relatively common skin condition where patches of skin become thick and red, and you almost develop ‘scales’. It doesn’t often itch, it just looks awful, and it can occur anywhere on the body.

Many things can trigger it, including:

• poor diet and nutritional deficiencies (the main cause)
• gluten, dairy products, seed oils (‘vegetable’ oils) & sugar
• high carbohydrate diet
• infections and flu, or illness in general
• food allergies (an important cause)
• essential fatty acid deficiency
• low digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid levels
• vitamin B-complex deficiency
• vitamin D3 & Vitamin A deficiency
• emotional stress
• drugs (such as beta-blockers, lithium, penicillin and chloroquine)
• skin damage
• bacterial or viral infections

WHAT HELPS?

FOOD:

• Decent diet – No 1!! See The Low-Carb Creed for a really good diet
• Exposure to sunlight
• Eat a diet of whole foods where possible
• Eliminate all gluten, dairy, sugar and seed oils
• Eat a diet high in wild-caught fatty fish (sardines, salmon, anchovies)
• Use olive oil, butter, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil
• More animal fat in the diet
• Have only pasture-fed meats, eggs, etc
• Liver and eggs for vitamin A which you are probably deficient in
• Take Vitamin D3
• More garlic and onions
• Organic veggies where you can
• Limit alcohol

SUPPLEMENT PROTOCOL:

Omega-3 fish oil is essential – take 3-6 a day
Berberine has been shown to be very helpful
Vitamin B6 (P-5-P)
Vitamin B12 – very important – take one under your tongue daily
Vitamin C – plenty!
Vitamin D3 is crucial to beating this – 2000iu-5000iu a day
• A good B Complex
Pure Hydrolysed Collagen, due to its excellent healing effect on skin
Milk Thistle
Selenium alleviates Psoriasis by activating the Glutathione Peroxidase enzyme
Quercetin inhibits the Lipoxygenase pathway of Arachidonic Acid metabolism which is implicated in Psoriasis
Zinc is lower in Psoriasis sufferers than in other people
• Take a good digestive enzyme like Prepzymes with meals
• Use a good probiotic like MaxiBiotic 20 daily away from food

To make it easier for you, all these can be found in my online store at www.sallyanncreed.co.za/shop

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

• Elevated Homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased risk of Psoriasis and this is why B6, B12 and folate will be very helpful
• Gluten has been implicated as a cause of Psoriasis (when Gluten is removed from the diet of Psoriasis patients, their condition generally dramatically improves).
• Alcohol (ethanol) consumption significantly exacerbates existing cases of Psoriasis (by increasing the absorption of toxins in the Gastrointestinal Tract and by impairing the function of the Liver).
• Tobacco smoking increases the risk of developing Psoriasis (especially in women).
• Eliminate all fructose sources, also known to worsen this condition.
• Stop all artificial sweeteners, use xylitol, erythritol or stevia instead
• Remember – psoriasis starts in the GUT, not the skin, so the gut needs to be addressed first of all

PSORIASIS

Many people today are struggling with a nasty condition called psoriasis and while there are conflicting opinions as to what helps or causes this condition, it doesn’t hurt to improve your nutritional status, and try something new if all else has failed.

Psoriasis is a skin ailment where the cells of a particular section of the skin on the body (arms, head, face or anywhere else) grow much faster than the other surrounding cells, causing scabs and reddening of the skin. People with psoriasis are often extremely sensitive about this as in some cases it can look a little unsightly. Although it is not contagious, it’s embarrassing and difficult for those who have it on areas which people can see, as it can look worse than it is.

Here’s a protocol you may find helpful if you are struggling with this condition.

1. Increase essential fatty acid omega-3 from fish oil (not from flaxseed oil – fish oil has the DHA and EPA present to help). Use 3000-6000mg a day (3-6 softgels)

2. Eliminate alcohol, gluten, dairy, sugar in all its forms especially fructose and artificial sweeteners – choose instead stevia or xylitol

3. Cut out all inflammatory fats such as sunflower oil, canola oil, soy oil, grapeseed oil, margarines etc. Use only extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil and real butter. Macadamia oil is also fine

4. Find out which foods you are intolerant too – this is very important and eliminate them.

5. Use digestive enzymes with your meals, and a probiotic to replace good flora in the digestive tract.

6. Take a good multi-mineral and multi-vitamin, plus consider a B12 sublingual daily tablet or liquid.

7. Avoid wheat and dairy – two foods which are often responsible for the underlying triggers to flare-ups.

 

Stress of course does exacerbate pre-existing conditions, and psoriasis is no exception. Consider eating fresh food, eliminating all ‘fake’ foods and do your best to modify your lifestyle where needed (early nights, plenty of water, little exercise each day) – and you should be pleasantly surprised with the result.

 

Disclaimer

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Originally published on https://www.facebook.com/SallyAnnCreedSA/ in 2020.