Psoriasis is a painful skin disease that occurs when dead cells rapidly accumulate on the surface of the skin. Symptoms may include red and silvery scales, lesions, patches or bumps that itch, burn or ooze pus and blood. In some cases, psoriasis can cause arthritis symptoms such as stiff and achy joints. Psoriasis can develop on the scalp, groin, elbows, knees or lower back. Treatment generally consists of creams, ointments, prescription medications, ultraviolet light therapy and a healthy diet. A variety of vitamin supplements can ease psoriasis symptoms and restore your skin to optimal health.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that can improve immune system function and protect your skin from damaging free radicals, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Blake explains that vitamin A can also aid in collagen production, repair damaged skin, heal wounds and improve psoriasis-related arthritis symptoms. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin A is 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, milk, cheddar cheese, egg substitute, pumpkin, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, kale, broccoli, and cantaloupe, apricots and tomatoes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy unsaturated fats that can decrease skin inflammation, improve skin lesions, prevent scaling, eliminate skin redness, soothe itchy skin and reduce your body's immune response to T-cells, the blood cells responsible for excess skin production and psoriasis-related scaly skin patches, notes Evelyn Tribole, author of the book "Ultimate Omega-3 Diet." The recommended daily dosage for omega-3 fatty acids is 400 mg for adults. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil and walnuts.
Vitamin B-9
Vitamin B-9, also known as folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that can improve psoriasis symptoms, aid in the healing process, relieve irritated and itchy skin, repair damaged tissues and regulate cell production, according to Jorge Kastner, author of the book "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine";. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B-9 is 400 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin B-9 include asparagus, white rice, green peas, broccoli, fortified cereals, spinach, beef liver, Romaine lettuce, wheat germ, tomato juice, orange juice, egg noodles, eggs, white bread, bananas and papayas.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can reduce skin lesions, ease itchy skin, heal wounds, minimize scarring, decrease inflammation, repair damaged tissues, promote healthy skin and regulate skin cell production, reports Michael Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin D is 15 mcg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin D include salmon, tuna, milk, eggs, Swiss cheese, yogurt and ready-to-eat cereals.
References
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Textbook of Psoriasis"' Peter Kerkhof; 2008
- "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine"; Jorg Kastner; 2004
- "Ultimate Omega-3 Diet"; Evelyn Tribole; 2007
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