Psoriasis is a condition that affects more than 6 million Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This skin condition produces red patches covered with dead skin cells that resemble scales, most commonly on the scalp, groin, lower back and elbow and knee joints. In some cases, psoriasis also causes pruritis, or itchy skin, as well as swelling and pain in the joints. Several simple eating strategies may help you control the symptoms of this condition, but you should check with your doctor before employing any strategy to treat psoriasis.
Flaxseed Oil
According to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," flaxseed oil may help you manage the effects of psoriasis. This oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and other compounds that may inhibit the body's production of arachidonic acid, a substance that promotes inflammation and causes reddened skin patches to swell. Add flax seed oil to salads, stir fry dishes, casseroles and other foods, or take the oil in supplement form.
Avoid Animal Products
Avoid animal products such as meat, milk and cheese, according to the Balches. These foods contain arachidonic acid. Red meats, such as steak, hamburger, roast beef, bacon, pork tenderloin, sausage and ham are particularly high in arachidonic acid.
Gotu Kola Tea
Add one cup of boiling water to 1/2 tsp. gotu kola, strain, and drink the tea twice per day. According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," gotu kola may help heal red, inflamed skin patches associated with psoriasis. This herb, native to Sri Lanka, was favored by Philippine healers for its skin-healing properties. You can also soak cheesecloth in gotu kola tea and apply it to affected skin areas to help control psoriasis. Talk to your doctor before treating psoriasis with gotu kola. This herb may cause skin rashes.
Avoid Fast Foods
Stay away from fast foods, advise the Balches. Fast foods are typically loaded with hydrogenated fats, trans fats and refined flours, which may place additional strain on the liver and prevent it from clearing away blood toxins that can worsen psoriasis symptoms.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psoriasis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
