Features - More Psoriasis - Susan Clark

A Deeper Understanding of Psoriasis

Most common on the knees, scalp, legs and torso, the constant flaking, itching and scaling of the affected areas which characterises this condition that affects 1% of the population is the result of skin cells that have gone into overdrive, reproducing a thousand times faster than normal. The rate at which cells divide is controlled by a complex balance between two compounds: cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and cyclic guanidine monophosphate (GMP). Higher than normal levels of GMP cause cells to divide too fast. Higher levels of AMP reduce the rate of cell replication.

Oddly, studies have shown that a drop in levels of both these compounds causes cells to rev up and divide too fast again suggesting that the key to normal replication must be the balance between the two.

While stress, junk diets, bacteria, viruses, digestive disorders, liver and kidney problems, prescription drugs and multiple nutritional deficiencies have all been cited as the underlying cause, nobody has yet proven what really is to blame.

In 50% of cases, there is a family history of the problem and while conventional treatments may relieve the symptoms, they do not tackle the root cause - which in some sufferers, for example, has been shown to be an intolerance to gluten.

One theory that is worth exploring is that this condition is linked with the body's inability to metabolise fatty acids. This can be easily remedied if you get into the habit of taking digestive enzymes. Take one with each meal and another two capsules between times. Avoid citrus fruits, fried foods, wheat, white flour, dairy products and sugar. Step up the amount of vegetables, both raw and cooked, in your diet and take a tablespoon of olive oil daily with salad. Linseed or flaxseed oil is an excellent source of the fatty acids, so are the oily fish, especially mackerel and salmon.

Try to drink eight glasses of pure water each day and get into the habit of juicing. Two large glasses of carrot & celery juice, each day, will help. Carrot, of course, is rich in vitamin A - which is crucial for skin health. Low levels have been found in sufferers. Celery contains compounds called psoralens which researchers now believe can also help prevent psoriasis. These are also found in limes, lettuce and lemons.

Avoid alcohol, which will make your condition worse, and get into the habit of drinking organic nettle tea, which acts as a gentle liver-detoxifying agent. Also, avoid rapid weight gain, which can also exacerbate the problem. A detoxification programme will help decongest the colon and can help maintain normal weight.

In one study, sufferers who ate turkey, instead of other meats, reported significant improvement although this does not determine whether the benefit came from the turkey itself of the reduction in saturated fats in the diet from avoiding other types of fattier meats.

Vitamin D (which is not a vitamin at all, but a hormone) plays a crucial role in cell replication. The best natural source is sunlight, which may explain why psoriasis improves with exposure to the sun. Sunlight activates the pineal gland to regulate the hormones that act as chemical messengers and control all the body's natural functions. The hormone released through the skin is called solitrol, which is a form of Calcium D3.

Malformed cells, such as those that typify psoriasis, do not reach maturity before they slough off. This could, according to holistic skin therapists, be because they are not producing enough solitrol. The best place to remedy this is at the Dead Sea in Israel or Jordan. It is the lowest point on earth with an atmospheric haze that offers greater protection from the more harmful rays of the sun than any other place on earth.

You also get the heat without the humidity that would otherwise accelerate mineral loss. One of the minerals that has been linked with helping improve psoriasis is selenium - which is found in onion, garlic, chicken, seafood, tomatoes and broccoli. It is especially effective against psoriasis affecting the scalp. Few people get enough of it in the diet and so need to supplement with between 100-200mcg per day. Avoid stress-related outbreaks by taking a daily vitamin B complex.



Written by Susan Clark, award-winning UK health journalist, author & broadcaster, you'll get the truth about natural remedies & practitioners.

www.whatreallyworks.co.uk

Page Created: 1 February 2005