Oxidants, antioxidants, free radicals, and oxidative stress are terms you will hear being used by those with some knowledge of the body and its natural functions. Maintaining good health is dependent on the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the body. Without enough antioxidants in the body, there is a build up of free radicals, which are unstable, cell-damaging molecules. Psoriasis is one of the diseases that appears to thrive in the body in the absence of a proper balance of oxidants and antioxidants.
Psoriasis
According to The American Academy of Family Physicians, psoriasis occurs when your immune system mistakes your skin for an infectious agent such as a bacteria or virus, and attacks it in an attempt to protect your body. This non-contagious but chronic condition is often familial, and is characterized by scale-like patches on your skin, cracking and peeling of the skin, areas that itch and burn and even bleed. Treatments are available for the symptoms, but the condition itself may persist. Knowing the relationship between antioxidant levels and psoriasis could lead to better management of this skin condition.
Antioxidants
The production of free radicals in the body is the result of the oxidation process that accompanies many natural activities, such as the breakdown of food. Since external agents like tobacco smoke, environmental contaminants, and radiation also increase free radical production, the potential exists for the presence of large quantities of free radicals in the body. When the cells of the body are damaged by free radicals, it is said to be in a state of oxidative stress, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Antioxidants are used by the body to prevent oxidative stress from occurring, and to repair damage caused by the free radicals. Damaged cells can cause diseases, and antioxidants are agents that may minimize cell damage and thus prevent diseases. These nutrients fight oxidation, and include vitamins C and E, minerals such as selenium and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids.
Psoriasis and the Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance
The hypothesis that there is an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system in psoriasis patients is supported by a study reported in The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, which found decreased antioxidant activity in psoriasis test subjects.
Sources of Antioxidants
The amount of antioxidants found in foods varies widely. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition rated the antioxidant content of 1113 food samples, and found that foods with high antioxidant content were found among herbs and spices, nuts and grains, fruits and vegetables, and berries. Based on serving sizes, blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, artichokes, cranberries, brewed coffee, raspberries, pecans, blueberries, ground cloves, grape juice, and unsweetened baking chocolate had the highest rating.
Considerations
You will benefit from a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables, many of which have antioxidant properties that will help you stay healthy. Antioxidant supplements are also available, and if you are prone to psoriasis and think that a supplement would be helpful, consult a health care professional. Most antioxidant supplements are synthetic and may not be as effective in the body as those taken naturally in foods, as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states.
References
- Iranian Journal of Dermatology: Interplay among Antioxidants and Oxidants in Psoriasis
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Psoriasis
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Antioxidants
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Content of Antioxidants in Foods Consumed in the United States
- J of European Academy of Dermatology: The Role of Oxidants and Antioxidants in Psoriasis
