Psoriasis

Just tell me what to take for psoriasis

Psoriasis appears as patches of silvery scales or red areas on the legs, knees, arms, elbows, scalp, ears, and back. This condition is linked to a rapid growth of cells in the skin's outer layer. These growths on the epidermis never mature. 

Psoriasis generally follows a pattern of periodic flare-ups alternating between periods of remission. Attacks can be triggered by nervous tension, stress, illness, injury, surgery, cuts, poison ivy, viral or bacterial infection, sunburn or some medications. 

The underlying cause of the condition is not known, but it may result form a faulty utilization of fat; psoriasis is rare in countries where the diet is low in fat. Current research also points to an immune system role. The buildup of toxins in an unhealthy colon also has been linked to the development of psoriasis.

What helps?

Diet 

A lot of raw foods such as fruits, grains, vegetables. Bad foods are citrus fruits, fried foods, processed foods, saturated fats, sugar and white flour. (see our articles on Processed Foods and Fatty Acids).

Fiber is critical for maintaining a healthy colon. Many fiber components, such as apple pectin and psyllium husks, are able to bind with toxins in the colon and promote their excretion.

A "medicine" for psoriasis

Several promising studies have been conducted using bile salts as a medicine for treating psoriasis.  One theory is that many psoriasis patients have low bile production, which reduces the guts protective mechanisms. Toxins enter the blood through the gut, which triggers an immune response, inflammation and abnormal cell growth in the skin.

In a study in Hungary, 800 patients received bile salts for a period of 1 to 8 weeks. Almost 79% of that test group experienced complete remission of psoriasis, while only 25% of the control group had a similar improvement. The bile therapy led to long-term improvement: a follow-up two years after the initial study found that nearly 80% of the patients that received bile salts were in remission, while only 7% of the control group could say the same. [Pathophysiology. 2003 Dec; 10(1): pp.57-61

Supplements:

Flaxseed oil giving essential fatty acids (Omega 3) very often missing in the western diet, is important for all skin disorders and it aids in preventing dryness. It also contains ingredients that interferes with the production of arachidonic acid (AA), a natural substance that promotes the inflammatory response and makes the lesions of psoriasis turn red and swell. Red meat and dairy products contain AA.   

RECOMMENDED:

Psoriasis Remedy See left hand side of page under Conditions for Psoriasis remedy and more information about Psoriasis.

Bile salts are available in a Standard Process product called Cholacol.   It states

Cholacol provides a concentrated source of bile salts that will support the healthy metabolism and absorption of dietary fat.  Suggested use is 1 or 2 tablets with each meal.   Go to Cholacol by Standard Process