Psoriasis, a skin condition with various triggers, has been associated with factors such as linoleic acid deficiency, incomplete protein digestion, and gut-derived toxins. In addition to conventional treatments, adopting a holistic approach that focuses on diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes can contribute significantly to symptom relief.
Understanding Psoriasis Causes: Some psoriasis lesions are closely linked to linoleic acid deficiency. Factors like incomplete protein digestion and poor intestinal absorption of protein breakdown products also play a role. Moreover, a diet low in dietary fiber is associated with increased levels of gut-derived toxins, contributing to psoriasis development.
Identifying Triggers: Psoriasis attacks can be triggered by various factors, including nervous tension, stress, illness, cuts, viral and bacterial infections, sunburn, and certain drugs like lithium, chloroquine, and beta blockers.
Dietary Recommendations: Focusing on a psoriasis-friendly diet is crucial. Eliminate all pork meat and fat, commonly found in pastry, biscuits, chocolate, and ice cream. Opt for a low-acid diet, including beneficial fruits and vegetables. Avoid saturated fats, sugar, processed foods, white flour, citrus fruits, red meat, and dairy products. Increase fish oil intake, especially those rich in EPA, such as cod, sardines, tuna, or mackerel.
Supplements for Improvement: Clinical trials have shown that supplementing the diet with 10 to 12 grams of EPA can lead to significant improvement. This improvement is attributed to the inhibition of inflammatory compounds known as leukotrienes. Additionally, incorporating 1-2 tablespoons of linseed oil per day can be beneficial.
Herbal Support: Herbs like St. Mary’s Thistle, sarsaparilla, red clover, and burdock have reported value in psoriasis treatment. Chickweed, applied as a lotion or cream, provides symptomatic relief.
Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding stressful situations, fatigue, environmental changes (such as exposure to cold), and trauma to the skin is essential to prevent new skin lesions. Addressing nervous and emotional problems is also crucial for comprehensive care.
Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight is beneficial for most psoriasis cases. Incorporating sunlight exposure, along with standard medical treatments involving psoriasis drugs and UV light, can contribute to effective management.
In conclusion, a holistic approach to psoriasis that includes dietary adjustments, supplements, and lifestyle changes can significantly contribute to symptom relief and overall well-being. Integrating these strategies alongside conventional treatments provides a comprehensive approach to managing psoriasis naturally.