Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by thick, scaly plaques and itchiness. Its cause is not yet known, but the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, states that it is probably due to a combination of an abnormal immune system response and a defect in the skin cells themselves. According to CSNN, nutritional therapy and natural herbal remedies may help to both treat and to prevent the reoccurrence of psoriasis.
Helpful Herbal Supplements
Kelp is a deep green sea vegetable that is high in many nutrients and CSNN notes that it has cooling and detoxifying properties when taken internally. Phyllis Balch says in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that a kelp supplement can supply essential minerals that may encourage psoriasis healing. For therapeutic purposes, Balch recommends taking 1,000 to 1,500 mg of kelp daily.
Quercetin is found naturally in certain fruits and vegetables, and a quercetin extract supplement can help to reduce an inflammatory substance called histamine in the body and thereby decrease the itching and inflammation that is commonly associated with psoriasis, explains CSNN. The school recommends taking 500 mg of quercetin, 15 minutes before a meal, three times daily.
Topical Herbal Remedies
Topical herbal treatments may also be beneficial. Balch recommends adding 2 tsp. of ground-up ginger to a bath and soaking in it. Lavender is a soothing essential oil, and Balch says that you can add a few drops of it to a bath as well and it will fight off inflammation and help to both soothe and heal irritated skin. In order to reduce redness and swelling, Balch says to brush off scales with a loofah and apply an alcohol-free goldenseal extract to the skin. CSNN adds that aloe vera gel is another topical remedy that may help to decrease redness and scaling.
Foods to Avoid
A nutritious diet is needed to support the immune system and may help to heal psoriasis. CSNN recommends minimizing all animal products because they contain a substance called arachidonic acid, which promotes further inflammation. Other foods and substances that may worsen psoriasis symptoms include caffeine, citrus fruit, spicy foods, processed and refined foods, alcohol, soft drinks, tobacco, saturated and trans fats, and aspirin.
Additional Dietary Advice
CSNN notes that the following foods will help to support your immune system and reduce inflammation and recommends basing your diet around them: fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, seafood and fresh fish. Fiber is especially important because it helps to absorb and remove toxins from the body and CSNN suggests aiming for a total intake of between 30 and 50 g of fiber a day, and taking a fiber supplement if needed to meet that requirement. Finally, CSNN explains that hidden food allergies may cause or exacerbate psoriasis, and if the above recommendations fail to heal your psoriasis, the school recommends working with a health care practitioner to identify and eliminate possible food allergens.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
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