The Pagano Diet, developed by chiropractor John Pagano, centers around an alternative theory for the cause of psoriasis and a potential cure based on dietary and lifestyle practices. Pagano believes that psoriasis stems from damage to the intestinal tract from eating the wrong foods, leading to irritation of the intestinal lining. Over time, the irritation causes the intestinal lining to become thin and unable to effectively screen out toxins and large food particles. As a result, toxins build up in the bloodstream, taxing the ability of the liver and kidneys to process them. As a result, they exit through the skin. In some people, according to Pagano, this combination of events causes the manifestation of psoriasis.
Water
Drinking water is an important first step in the Pagano Diet, according to Bill Gottlieb, author of the book "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies." Known as the universal solvent, water cleanses your body and removes toxins before they accumulate to levels at which they must leave through your skin. Psoriasis patients are particularly sensitive to anything that affects their skin, such as chemicals and other stressors. Water is possibly the most effective cleansing agent you can use. Dr. Pagano recommends six to eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
Foods
Foods to avoid on the Pagano Diet include processed foods and junk foods such as chips, soda, fried foods, alcohol, pickled and smoked foods and any foods that contain coconut or palm oil. These foods create an added burden on your body's cleansing and detoxification systems and set back your healing process. Dr. Pagano also advises avoiding shellfish, which can be highly allergenic, and nightshade plants, which he believes act like an allergen in the psoriasis patient. Norman Shealy, M.D. attributes the Pagano diet as being based on the teachings of Edgar Cayce, an American Psychic who wrote on subjects related to natural healing. Shealy, in his book "Medical Intuition: Awakening to Wholeness," describes using the Pagano diet to help a psoriatic rash that was resistant to other forms of therapy.
Bowel Cleansing
To assist bowel cleansing, Dr. Pagano recommends eating a serving or two of stewed fruit per day for its laxative effect. Figs, apples, apricots, pear, peaches and prunes are all healthy options. Also, use psyllium husk, a source of soluble and insoluble fiber, to cleanse the bowel. Tea made from slippery elm bark soothes the lining of the intestinal tract and promotes healing. Use one teaspoon of slippery elm bark powder in one cup of hot water.
Liver Cleansing
Your liver is an important organ of detoxification and, when functioning optimally, can prevent toxins from reaching the skin. Dr. Pagano recommends burdock root, sarsaparilla, yellow dock and beet juice. As a chiropractor, Dr. Pagano also provides his psoriasis patients with regular spinal adjustments. Dr. Pagano says that following his dietary and lifestyle protocol for three to six months should produce significant improvement.
References
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Vegetarian Times"; The Heartbreak of... Psoriasis is a Traumatic Disease, But not now There's Hope for Sufferers; Carole Nicksin; Apr 2000
- "Medical Intuition: Awakening to Wholeness"; Norman Shealy; 2011
