PsoriaPsoriasis and Your Immune System
One of the most important discoveries about psoriasis is that it's more than just a skin disease; it's a
chronic inflammatory disorder of the immune system,
known as autoimmune condition. This system
includes a type of white blood cell, called a T cell, that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease.
Scientists now think that, in psoriasis, an abnormal immune system causes activity by T cells in the skin.
These T cells trigger the
inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction seen in people with psoriasis. It is believed that
you must have a genetic tendency to be susceptible to the condition. But
once your immune system is triggered, it sends a false alarm to your skin cells, telling them that they’ve been damaged. The skin
cells react by attempting to repair this “damage.” They begin reproducing at an accelerated rate (the process
that takes roughly 26 days in
normal skin now occurs in about 5), rising to the skin surface,
dying, and building up there. The skin surface thickens. As blood
vessels expand and more blood flows to the skin, it becomes red.
The result is the flaky, red patches you know as plaques. Because
psoriasis is a condition of the immune system, researchers have
turned their efforts toward medicines that target the immune system directly.
Psoriasis Causes Disability That Equals Other Major Medical Diseases
The comparison of psoriasis with other chronic, debilitating medical
and psychiatric conditions suggests that, though not life threatening,
psoriasis can severely threaten the quality of life. It ranked even
more detrimental to quality of life than even angina or hypertension.
From the results of this study, it appears that psoriasis can be
physically and emotionally debilitating and is not simply a cosmetic nuisance.
Psoriasis interferes with daily functions, generates psychological
distress, and disrupts social relationships. The findings of the
study confirmed what psoriasis sufferers have long known – psoriasis
can cause as much disability as other major medical diseases.
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an evaluation of the
influences of a patient’s current health status and on their ability
to achieve and maintain a level of overall functioning that allows
them to pursue valued life goals. The HRQL assesses eight domains
of health status: physical functioning, role functioning related
to physical status, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social
functioning, role functioning related to emotional status, and mental
health.
Patients with psoriasis reported reduction in physical functioning
and mental functioning comparable to that seen in cancer, arthritis,
hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and depression. Some aspects
closely associated with a negative impact on the physical dimension
of HRQL include burning sensations, joint pain, and how the bones/joints
look. "Scales falling off" was predictive of higher physical functioning,
indicating that patients who report better physical functioning
tend to be bothered more by scales falling off.
Drugless approach to Healing Psoriasis
Dr. Mercola - "We can solve well over 90% of the all chronic
diseases with simple, inexpensive natural therapies. Following the
eating plan and radically reducing grain and sugar intake while
optimizing omega 6:3 fat ratio
will likely reduce over 50% of the health problems Americans currently
experience. I know this is true because I have successfully treated
many thousands of patients from all over the country with these
techniques." Steroids (Cortisone) - Cortisone
creams, ointments, and lotions commonly prescribed for skin disease
may clear the skin temporarily and control the condition in many
patients. Side effects from steroids include thinning of the skin,
dilated blood vessels, bruising, and skin color changes. Stopping
these medications suddenly may result in a flare-up of the disease.
After many months of treatment, the psoriasis may become resistant
to the steroid preparations.
Healing Psoriasis is a comprehensive report which outlines
Dr. Pagano's psoriasis regimen and chronicles the results his patients
have attained by using his natural procedures which are drug-free,
without tar baths, injections, or ultraviolet treatments. The 300
recipes in the cookbook follow the principles of the regimen.
The Pagano diet, as detailed in the book Healing Psoriasis by chiropractor John Pagano, uses the
idea of restoring a healthy digestive track to solve the problem
of psoriasis. The implication is that the build up of toxicity
leads psoriatics to expel toxins through secondary systems, namely
the skin. Pagano suggests a regimen of herbal teas, apple-fasting,
spinal adjustments, colonics and a suggested dietary ratio of 80%
fruits and veggies to 20% starches and protein. While some have
found regimen to be a bit ‘extreme’ or ‘unworkable’, Pagano does
provide excellent information on many ‘flare foods’ and offers a
number of pictures and testimonials, suggesting that some of his
recommendations can be quite valuable.
"The book Healing Psoriasis perceives psoriasis, as well
as eczema, as having its origin in The Intestinal Tract. Viewed
from the inside-out, rather than from the outside-in, a whole new
approach to the disease evolves.This concept, first promulgated
by the late Edgar Cayce, identifies the problem as a build-up of
toxins (poisons) in the system making their way through the skin,
but not originating in the skin. He sites a primary cause as being
due to thin, porous, intestinal walls allowing these toxic elements
to "seep" through (now referred to as "The Leaky
Gut Syndrome"). He further emphasizes that a proper DIET and
adequate ELIMINATIONS are a major part of the solution. This book
proves the efficacy of this theory by documented case histories,
patient affidavits and striking before and after photographs.
- Eliminate from my diet and environment all offending elements
to which my body was susceptible to. Mainly, I had to eliminate
starchy foods from my diet (flour, rice, pasta, potatoes), as
well as dairy products and most cooked or processed foods).
(see my testimonial for detail)
- Provide my body with vitally important nutrients that it
required to begin the healing process and to support the immune system. Such nutrients include tonic herbal formulas
Alternative Herbs for Blood Purification
AlteraAlteratives are herbs which alter (purify) the blood. Most herbs
for blood purification promote the cleaning action of the spleen,
liver, kidneys and bowels. These herbs should be used over a long
period of time, allowing gradual detoxification of the entire blood
stream which in turn, will improve digestion, assimilation and glandular
secretions. Bad habits and poor diet must be corected to remove
the cause of the toxicity of the blood. Infections, cancer, arthritis
and skin disease are some of the diseases caused by impure blood.
- Cat's Clawng> - Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw) is known as a cleanser. It supports the digestive system, intestinal tract
and helps with bowel functions
- Sangre de Drago is used widely in the Rainforest
for its ability to assist in repairing/regenerating healthy
body tissue and skin. It is one of the strongest natural antioxidants known.
Persimmon Leaves are part of Dr. Miller's VelociTea Detox Tea Ingredients Formulated
by Dr. Bill Miller, Ph.D. in Nutritional Science, the
VelociTea Holy Tea is a unique herbal blend of safe, all-natural ingredients
designed to promote healing by gently cleansing the digestive tract,
detoxifying the body, improving skin condition. The "Holy Tea" name
is taken from the traditional name of one of the ingredients, a
widely-used medicinal herb known as Holy Thistle or Blessed Thistle,
and is not intended to imply any religious significance - although
grateful users who experienced remarkable health improvements after
drinking Holy Tea often thank God for this gift of healing!
Glyconutrients for Radiant and Healthy Skin
Dr. Douglas Willen - "It took a colleague of mine over 9 months to convince me to use
glyconutrients (saccharides) supplementation in my practice and I only tried it because I had
a case that was chronic and extremely difficult, a 7-year old girl
with horrible eczema over her entire body, and I was getting nowhere
using all my tried and true protocols. Not to mention the fact that
this little girl was my daughter's best friend! Well, the glyconutrients
proved to be the missing link in that case... Her rapid recovery
really got my attention! I began doing the research and the
reading on this subject and was incredibly impressed with the science
backing these products. Four out of the last eight Nobel Prize winners
won their prizes because of their research in this area called glycobiology,
and thousands of new research papers are published each year in
the field. Needless to say, I have continued to use this type of
nutrition in my practice since."
Glyconutritional Supplementation gets positive results with psoriasis
" I have been diagnosed with severe plaque psoriases over 40
years ago. During that time I have tried all kinds of treatments
that have been available. You name the cream, lotion, pill, injection,
nothing has worked. It was very damaging to my self
esteem and caused me great emotional damage going through my teen
years. Psoriasis was even beginning to show on my face and on my
hands. When I was getting medical treatment, the side effects outweighed
the benefits. It was very embarrassing to get a haircut, as my scalp
was covered and most of my body as well. I never wore shorts or
T-shirts in the summertime. Swimming in a public pool was out of
the question. I resented the rude questions and stares. All this
changed about four months ago, when I was introduced to glyconutrients.
I drank it for only two weeks, when the red patches stopped itching,
burning and flaking reduced. For the first time in 40 years my skin
improved. After one month, the patches began to shrink, my skin
felt more calm. I am still improving and happy to see the positive
changes in me. Now I am taking it faithfully every day and I never
looked this good. This summer I will buy myself my first pair of
shorts. I am so impressed with this wonderful product that I will
take it as long as I live." Liz, Ontario, Canada
"My daughter, Stef, used to have problem feet. She had severely
cracked heels and thick yellow toenails that were difficult and
painful for her to trim, as they always grew into the sides of her toes. Two weeks after she started drinking
glyconutrients,
she asked for me to trim her toenails, and lo and behold, they were
absolutely normal! They were easy to trim with no pain, good color;
her cracked skin has completely healed. This all in just a couple
of weeks."
"I have had Psoriasis of the scalp since I was about 13 years
old. I have had to use vinegar, Biotin and B-12 to keep it under
control. I haven't used anything in 2 months now since I've been
taking marine phytoplankton and the itching
is gone."
Testimonial of Healing Psoriasis with Castor Oil
Date: 10 Jan 2005
I had really bad psoriasis about a year ago (and since I was
a small child and I am 38 years old) and last April I began massaging
castor oil on my liver after each shower (daily)
and I have seen a 90% reduction in my psoriasis since that time.
I didn't have the patience to do the packs so I just do the daily
massage and have seen amazing results. I put about a dime size amount
in my hand and without having dried the area of my abdomen after
my shower so that it is still moist, I massage in the oil.
I don't massage it for any real length of time - no more than the time I spend massaging in other
lotions
into my skin. After a couple weeks of 30 degree temperatures
I have had a little psoriasis pop up, but the amount is so minimal
in comparison to what I have experienced in the past that I am unconcerned
and undaunted. I have also struggled with endometriosis and have
had physicians want to do surgery on me for the condition.
I do a full abdomen massage with the oil and my endometriosis symptoms
have greatly reduced as well. Castor Oil is also suppose to
help soften scar tissue. I have had 2 c sections and after
8 months of using the castor oil, once was once a nasty thick and
solid scar is now almost imperceptible.
The Oil That Heals
William A. McGarey, M.D.
A fascinating analysis of a medical doctor's research on and verification
of the healing properties of castor oil packs, first recommended
by the noted psychic Edgar Cayce as an adjunct for many ailments
that resist traditional medical treatment.
This natural oil has amazing healing properties. It has
been used in virtually every major civilization since antiquity
for the cure of normally fatal disabling conditions. In India, they
called it erand. In ancient Greece it was known as kiki. It is mentioned
in the Bible and in the most ancient Egyptian papyrus yet found.
In Europe, in the Middle Ages, it was used by some to cure the plague.
They called it the "palma christi" or the "hand of Christ." This
extract of the castor bean is a safe, gentle, easy to use remedy
for virtually any illness - when it is used externally.
Treating Psoriasis with Homeopathic Medication
External medication serves to provide only temporary relief from
the itching and the eruptions almost always re-appear as soon as
they are stopped. Homeopathic medicines are virtually safe completely
and there are hardly any chances of side effects even if the medication
is taken for a few years. Homeopathy can offer a lot by way of treatment
for psoriasis. Through prescribing a correct constitutional homeopathic
medication most of which is internal a lasting solution can be found.
The modern system of homeopathy treats Psoriasis without using
any local cream or lotions. The wisdom in the treatment of Psoriasis
lies in stimulating the healing process from within.This website
is devoted to the sufferers of psoriasis and brings them a new ray
of hope through homeopathy.
Combination of Allopathic Treatments Harms Psoriasis Patients
What happens when cyclosporine is given to patients with
psoriasis, whose prior treatments, such as PUVA, are known to
also cause cancer? Could it make a difficult situation even
worse by increasing even further the risk that the psoriasis
patients already face? The answer is yes. Psoriasis patients
using cyclosporine have a dramatic increase in the number of
squamous cell cancers of the skin. In a study reported in The
Lancet, (Vol. 358, No. 9287: 1042-1045), Isabelle Marcil, MD,
and Robert Stern, MD, from the department of dermatology at
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Mass., followed
1,380 patients who had received PUVA therapy from 1975 through
1976. A total of 844 patients were available to be part of the
present study. Of that group, 31 patients had received cyclosporine
treatment between 1975 and 1998. When the researchers compared
the psoriasis patients who received cyclosporine to those who
did not, they found that any use of cyclosporine increased the
risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer about three times.
If the drug was taken for more than three months the risk was increased four times.
Steroids (Cortisone)
Cortisone creams, ointments, and lotions may clear the skin temporarily
and control the condition in many patients. Side effects include
thinning of the skin, dilated blood vessels, bruising, and skin
color changes. Stopping these medications suddenly may result
in a flare-up of the disease. After many months of treatment,
the psoriasis may become resistant to the steroid preparations.
Adjuncts and Approaches to Healing
What follows is a description of some of the products and approaches
that may be useful for others to look into. Some of these may
be more useful than others depending on the specifics of how
different people respond. Psoriasis is a very individual condition.
I’ve distilled this down to a handful of things that I feel
can be truly helpful, rather than a list of all the numerous
and supposed ‘cures’ that I encountered.
Special Diets and ‘Flare Foods’
One of the more helpful things to begin looking at is the
response that one has to certain kinds of foods. I call these
‘flare’ or ‘trigger’ foods because they will often bring about
a worsening of the condition, sometimes immediately, sometimes
cumulatively. The predominant ones among psoriatics are sugar,
alcohol, citrus, and nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes,
eggplant, peppers and tobacco). As well, some of the more common
food allergens like wheat, milk, soy, and nuts may also cause
problems because generally psoriasis occurs when there is an
increase in allergic inflammation. Also excess consumption of
meat, dairy, refined flours and junk foods may lead to a worsening
of the condition.
.
Essential Fatty Acids help regulate hormones
Psoriasis is hormonal!? That’s right. Many people don’t realize
that our body produces all sorts of hormones in response to
what we eat and how we are living. The skin system in particular
relies on a number of different hormones; eicosanoids and prostaglandins,
to regulate inflammation, produce new cells and support healthy
cell membranes. I believe this is one of the most powerful bits
of knowledge for psoriatics, because it exhibits directly that
balancing these hormonal responses can bring about profound
changes in the production of new skin cells.
But how does one regulate these hormonal responses? Aside from following an overall
healthy diet, the answer is Fat. More specifically, essential
fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are a category of fats that are crucial
to the completion of all sorts of different cellular functions.
Unfortunately, many people do not receive the proper levels
of EFAs in their regular diet and so supplementation is often
necessary. Paying particular attention to ratio of Omega-3 to
Omega-6 EFAs, and providing adequate levels of the specific
nutrients (vitamins B3, B6, C, E, Magnesium and Zinc) involved
in converting EFAs into the desirable hormones, increases our
ability to produce healthy skin.
The chia seed
is one of the richest source of omega-3 oil and other
essential nutrients for a healthy skin. They were
the power food of the ancient Aztecs. According to Spanish manuscripts,
the Aztecs ate the Chia seeds to improve their endurance, they
called it their "running food" because messengers could purportedly
run all day on just a handful.
Green Foods and Juices
These include things like barley and wheat grass juices,
as well as powdered spirulina, Chlorella, and
blue-green algae. There is a quite a bit of debate about which
of these are better. My personal suggestion is to try a few
of them. Personally I’m partial to the fresh juices, as I feel
like they are more vital and provide a more immediate effect.
Green foods and juices are good because they can purify the
blood and stimulate the production of various enzymes, which
can be used to properly break down foods. Green foods also help
by increasing overall immunity.
Topical Treatments
I really don’t believe that consistent or long-lasting clearing
can occur from any topical approach, holistic or conventional.
However, having endured countless days and nights itching, chapping,
and flaking, I fully recognize the need to gain some relief
wherever possible. The following are a few of the more effective
and safe topicals that may be able to soothe the symptoms of
psoriasis.
Clay has been used historically, medically, and cross-culturally for both internal and external healing.
The clay makes an excellent poultice. Even better, one full cup of powdered clay in a warm bath can do wonders for relieving some of the heat,
itching and inflammation from psoriasis. This clay is available in small quantities from health and beauty stores and in larger quantities,
for use in baths, from ceramic clay suppliers. One important point: If you plan to use clay in bath water, it’s essential that it be very finely milled,
so that it can’t clog the plumbing! I recommend
TerraBathe
Topical Oils
There are a host of different oils that may be able to moisturize
inflamed skin and reduce the flaking. Two of the more popular
ones that are often suggested for psoriasis are emu oil and
neem oil.
Emu oil is derived from the large ostrich-like birds, you
may have encountered at the zoo. The oil is highly permeable
and absorbs into the skin very easily and quickly. One drawback
of Emu oil is it’s high price, often $7 to $10 per ounce. Also,
some people are uncomfortable with idea of applying animal fat
directly to their skin.
Neem oil on the other hand is derived from the seeds of the
neem plant. In India neem has been used extensively for thousands
of years and has a history in Ayurvedic medicine of being used
for skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. Unlike emu oil,
neem oil is fairly inexpensive about $2 to $4 per ounce. Unfortunately
neem has a very strong and distinctive smell and so some people
may find this prohibitive for everyday use.
Finally, a good moisturizing lotion is often required for
most psoriasis sufferers and some prove to be better than others.
In general a very basic moisturizer is probably best. After
all, no one wants to risk further inflaming their skin from
any potential reactions to strong perfumes or extracts. One
common suggestion is lotion with colloidal oatmeal in it, such
as Aveeno Lotion which can be found in supermarkets and drugstores.
Most colloidal oatmeal lotions are only slightly more expensive
than regular moisturizers and may be more beneficial than plain
lotions.
A Recipe for Clearer Skin
When it comes to psoriasis, one size doesn't fit
all. What works for one person, will not necessarily work for
everyone. Anyone who is really committed to solving this condition
needs first and foremost to pay attention to their own body
and how they respond to certain treatments. That being said,
the following is a short work sheet, in order of importance,
of my suggestions for proceeding with a natural psoriasis regimen.
Remember, holistic healing is often a slow process, and so it’s
important to commit to trying something for at least 1-2 months
before reevaluating whether to continue or not.
- Identify and Reduce ‘Flare Foods’
One of the best ways to do this is to rotate certain suspect
foods out of the diet for several weeks at a time. If you
notice improvements in absence of that food or an increase
in inflammation when the food is reintroduced, then you
have probably identified a trigger-food. The bad news is
that these tend be the foods that we are the most attached
to, the good news is that as you begin to have some success
in combating the psoriasis you may notice later an increased
tolerance for these foods. As a general rule, it’s best
to keep consumption of heavily refined foods to a minimum.
The more processes involved in getting it to your plate,
the worse it probably will be for you. However, it’s important
to maintain balance with this. ‘Sainthood’ is not required
but moderately health-conscious eating habits may prove
to be crucial in your search for healthy skin.
- Intestinal health is a vital part of overall well being.
Without proper absorption in the GI track, your body cannot
properly get the nutrition it needs to function properly
and support health skin production. Probiotics should be
taken in one form or another at least once, if not three
times per day. Those using food forms such as yogurt or
sauerkraut, should pay special attention to avoid pasteurized
products which will have killed off all of the beneficial
bacteria before it can be consumed.
- Try Some Green Foods
Whether it’s a daily shot of wheat grass or a teaspoon of
spirulina mixed juice, incorporating ‘green foods’ into
your diet is simple and can be quite effective. Not only
will you likely see an improvement in the texture and glow
of your skin, but most people report an increase of both
energy and overall health.It’s my hope that other people suffering with this incorrigible
condition can find some use for the information, I’ve offered
here. If nothing else, I present it as evidence that clearing
from psoriasis through natural means is possible! I encourage
everyone with psoriasis not to give up searching for answers.
Leave no stone unturned in your own quest to get clear. . .