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.
Note
from Shirley - I am all too familiar with the debilitating pains of
skin disease because I suffered from life long severe eczema. It wasn't
until 1998 that I achieved a complete cure with
natural means. The reason that a skin disease like eczema and psoriasis
can cripple a person's physical and mental aptitude as described above
is not understood by most people. Holistic doctors view eczema and psoriasis
as symptoms of a "blood disease" which occurs when eliminative organs (liver,
kidneys, intestines, etc.) malfunction, causing toxins to accumulate in
the blood which can affect mental clarity and aptitude. The body attempts
to compensate for faulty eliminative organs by excreting these toxins through
the skin which is the largest eliminative organ next to the liver. (In
his book, Healing Psoriasis, Dr. Pagano explains
how build up of toxicity leads psoriatics to expel toxins through secondary
systems, namely the skin.) More on Blood Purifiers
Elimination
of the symptom is NOT the same as elimination of the disease. (detail).
I was on cortisone (steroids) for 9 years in an attempt to suppress my
eczema. Its side effects nearly killed me in the process.
The fastest way to restore
wellness is to stop putting into the body the things that have caused the
physical problem to develop in the first place, and then give the body
the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild itself. The holistic approach
treats the whole person, ignites the body's internal healing force and
stimulates the body's natural abilities to heal itself.
The two major steps I had
to take to ignite my internal healing forces:
-
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
strengthen
its immune system. Such nutrients include tonic herbal
formulas, flaxseed oil and other important oils,
marine
phytoplankton, wheatgrass and green juices,
seaweed,
fulvic
acid, therapeutic clay, live
foods, etc. (detail of my journey into healing
my eczema)
Alteratives
/ Blood Purifiers
Alteratives 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.
Persimmon leaf is anti-allergic
and anti-pruritic in composition; in other words, an allergy or itching
preventive food. Furthermore, research has proven the therapeutic effect
of persimmon leaf extract on those suffering from dermatitis. The preventive
effect of persimmon leaf extract on the 
dermatitis
was dose-dependent and a continuous intake of persimmon leaf extract significantly
decreased its onset and development. As well, studies have shown that supplementation
of persimmon leaf improves lipid profiles and suppresses body weight gain
in animals that were fed high-fat diets. It is also used topically in some
beauty products to help to clarify the skin and eliminate dull and dark
areas.
Persimmon has been cultivated
in Japan for at least 1,000 years, where it is considered the national
fruit. So it only seems natural that Japanese researchers discovered that
the main flavonoid in persimmon—astragalin—inhibits the release of histamine
in mice suffering from atopic dermatitis. When the mice were given persimmon
extract, they exhibited fewer behavioral symptoms, such as scratching and
biting their skin. There was also a reduction of serum IgE, the antibodies
produced in response to an allergen. Additionally, tissue samples showed
there was less inflammation and thickening of the skin.
Persimmon
Leaves are part of Dr. Miller's Holy Tea's Ingredients
Formulated by Dr. Bill Miller, Ph.D. in Nutritional Science,
the 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! learn
more
In contemporary herbalism, Blessed Thistle
is used to treat liver and skin and mucous congestion, and remove parasites
such as worms and flukes from the colon. Dr.
Miller's Holy Tea's primary ingredient is blessed thistle.
Cat's
Claw 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.
Illumination
help
energize, cleanse, detoxify, strengthen, and revitalize, feeding virtually
every organ and system of the body, promoting peak performance in our everyday
lives.
Gravizon
circulatory and lymphatic support formula (assist in cleansing the blood)
Fiberzonsupports
a healthy colon - Fiberon is a synergistic blend of fibers and botanicals
recognized for centuries for their cleansing properties. As an internal
cleansing program.
Other Alteratives
/ Blood Purifiers
Do you have a question or need guidance? Patricia volunteers her time to guide visitors of ShirleysWellnessCafe.com
to relevant information. She can be reached at 206-222-1619
or 281-581-2424 (USA) or
.
Psoriasis
and Your Immune System
"I am a registered nurse, 64 years
old and respect what medications can do. However, prescriptions were
not helping my severe allergies or my psoriasis. Allergic
episodes usually resulted in a mega-infection of bronchitis or a sinus
infection. My psoriasis did not respond to either of many medications.
Both of these health problems are in the auto-immune category. I
included 4 capsules of Choice
50 and 3 Transfer Factor
in my daily supplements. Both the allergies and psoriasis
have totally disappeared. Choice 50 and Transfer
Factor are a dynamic combination that have truly improved the quality
of life." Doreen Lassiter
"Recent research indicates that psoriasis is likely a disorder of the
immune system. 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.
No one knows what triggers your immune system to cause 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." Learn how to modulate the
immune system naturally
Kenneth Bock, MD -
"Because
transfer
factors can function as immune system modulators, they can help to
restore immune system balance in many types of clinical situations."Kenneth
Bock, MD, best selling author on immune system modulation.
Richard Bennett, PhD - "The immunity provided by transfer
factors is long lived and can help all ages who are suffering from
a variety of ailments or those who want to stay well. The unfolding events
surrounding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, (SARS) is yet another painful
reminder that we live in a crowded world where continents are only a plane
ride away. The SARS epidemic is only one of an ongoing series of new emerging
diseases. Our best global and personal strategy is to do all in our power
to ensure and support our unique abilities of disease resistance and immunity”
Dr.
Bennett is an Infectious Disease Microbiologist and Immunologist, who is
enjoying retirement from a 21-year career with the University of California
where he specialized in food and water quality and safety. He received
his Doctorate in Comparative Pathology from the University of California,
Davis. He has an extensive background in milk quality and disease control,
water resource policy, food safety, public policy of natural resources,
etc. He has also served as an advisor for the FDA and USDA.
Recent
Advances in Psoriasis: The Role of the Immune System by Barbara S Baker
(Imperial College School of Medicine, St. Mary's, London)
This book presents the evidence for the belief that psoriasis is a disease
of abnormal keratinocyte proliferation induced by T cells. The latest approaches
to investigating the immunopathogenesis of this disease, and a review of
previous findings, are presented to give an overall picture of the current
knowledge in this field. Each topic is discussed in detail, clearly illustrated
and well referenced. The book should prove invaluable to clinical dermatologists,
and researchers in the fields of immunology and dermatology who have an
interest in skin diseases.
The skin frequently gives the first sign that an autoimmune
diseases is present. In many of the diseases mentioned, the skin is
only peripherally involved, but in others, the skin is the primary site
of the disease. One of the foremost is psoriasis.
Autoimmune
Diseases - The word "auto" is the Greek word for self. The immune
system is a complicated network of cells and cell components (called molecules)
that normally work to defend the body and eliminate infections caused by
bacteria, viruses, and other invading microbes. If a person has an autoimmune
disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks self, targeting the cells,
tissues, and organs of a person's own body. A collection of immune system
cells and molecules at a target site is broadly referred to as inflammation.
There are many different autoimmune diseases, and they can each affect
the body in different ways. For example, the autoimmune reaction is directed
against the brain in multiple sclerosis and the gut in Crohn's disease.
In other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus),
affected tissues and organs may vary among individuals with the same disease.
One person with lupus may have affected skin and joints whereas
another may have affected skin, kidney, and lungs. Ultimately, damage to
certain tissues by the immune system may be permanent, as with destruction
of insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Autoimmunity (excessive or self-destruction) - when the immune
system fails to recognize 'self' as friendly and mounts an attack on itself"
Explaining
Autoimmune Disease by David Isenberg, PhD and John Morrow, PhD.
TESTIMONIALS
Healing Eczema: A Drug Free Approach
- Alternative Medicine
A personal account of successfully healing a most severe case of eczema/psoriasis
with omega-3 oils, homeopathy and nutritional supplements and detoxification
program.
Dr. Douglas Willen - "It took a colleague of mine over 9 months
to convince me to use glyconutrient (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." view
before and after pictures
" 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."
Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D.
says that marine
phytoplankton contains almost everything one needs to sustain life
and to restore health by providing the raw materials to make new cells
that function normally. Marine phytoplankton has been called "the most
nutritionally dense foods on the planet". Containing a wide range of trace
elements, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes and cellular
materials, marine phytoplankton promotes and maintains optimum health by
boosting and supporting all systems within the body. Its antioxidants and
unique polysaccharides can halt the genetic mutations that can lead to
cancer. Both high levels of saccharides and adaptogens increase energy
and stamina by improving our ability to consume and use oxygen. Adaptogens
also improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and circulation.
Profound
Life-Giving Properties of Marine Phytoplankton
Where
to buy marina phytoplankton
My
Triumph Over Psoriasis: Curing Disease Without Medication by Serano
Robinson
This book tells a fascinating story of a man who, after 30 years
of failed medical therapy, cured himself of a disease without medication,
without skin treatments, and without spending a penny on an expensive cure.
"I got the book, I tried it, and it WORKS - I had psoriasis all over
my body, and now after 2 months I only have a few spots on my feet!! The
author's ideas about psoriasis are the clearest of any "expert". When I
overate all the time and ate crappy foods, my body got rid of alot of this
excess waste through my skin, so it's no wonder that my psoriasis never
had a chance to heal. And because my body spent all of its energy digesting
food, it didn't have a chance to fix any of my psoriasis scales. By stopping
the overeating, pacing my meals and eating the right foods, my psoriasis
started getting better right away, and kept getting better. The author
isn't saying that you have to starve to death to get rid of your psoriasis,
just to start changing the way that you eat." an amazon.com
reviewer
Josh also triumphed over his psoriasis
When first I met Josh in November 2000, his legs and other parts
of his body were covered with a nasty case of psoriasis with intense swelling
and flaking. I was all too familiar with the pain and
sorrow
of skin disease because I had suffered from severe eczema
for 50 years and finally achieved a complete cure with natural means. Josh
took a similar approach to treat his psoriasis. I have witnessed
first-hand the incredible transformation that he has achieved to cure his
skin condition. Several months after having met Josh, I was amazed
when he showed me his skin—this time almost 100% psoriasis-free! Upon my
request, Josh agreed to write a testimonial of his journey into health.
Shirley
Josh's leg several
months later
Josh's leg before the treatment
Here is Josh's Testimonial: healing psoriasis naturally
I was about six or seven when I first noticed a small amount of flaky
patches on my scalp. It was summertime and my hair had been cut quite short,
but at this point the psoriasis was still very unnoticeable. Several years
later my mom began PUVA treatments (UVA radiation and cyclosporine) for
her own recently diagnosed psoriasis and thus began my first ‘clinical’
contact with the disease. I would be well into high school before my own
condition would move beyond the annoying ‘dandruff’, to small patches on
my knees and elbows that would soon require a host of different topical
steroids. Even still, this was really nothing more than an inconvenience
and didn’t bother me particularly. However, by my second year of college,
things really took a turn for the worst.
Like any normal college kid I was beginning to encounter greater amounts
of stress, supplemented by generous helpings of alcohol and junk foods.
My psoriasis was spreading along my legs and torso and was often inflamed,
itchy and causing me to shed skin throughout the dormitory. It was both
embarrassing and unsightly. Nevertheless, I tried to remain a good sport
about it and hoped that the doctors could offer me some sort of solution.
It was at this time that I first began receiving UVB radiation exposure.
It wasn’t that difficult, but did require a significant commitment; visits
to the dermatologist 3 times a week and twice a day applications of different
steroid and salicylic acid ointments. The good news: it worked. The bad
news: it never worked well enough to completely clear me, and if I stopped
the psoriasis would rebound even worse in only a matter of weeks.
At this point I began to question if there wasn’t perhaps a nutritional
answer or holistic approach that might be missing. The answer from physicians
was categorically ‘No. There is no significant medical evidence that nutrition
is implicated.’ I wasn’t satisfied with this answer, however, would embark
for the next several years on an exploration of numerous ‘alternative approaches’
to trying to tackle the disease, while periodically resuming ‘conventional’
treatments with my dermatologist. In those few years, I tried everything
from Chinese herbs and acupuncture to Ayurvedic medicine and special mineral
baths. What I learned in those few years never led to a really significant
clearing, but it did lay the foundation for understanding my own body better,
as well as noticing what sorts of things made my skin worse.
In September of 2001, I was back in the dermatologists’ office, receiving
yet another regimen UVB when I had a very discouraging conversation. I
had been getting the light treatments for a while and the doctor felt that
I wasn’t seeing the kind of benefit worth risking the potential skin damage
that might result if I were to continue for much longer. It was his suggestion
that I consider using Soriatane, an oral medication, similar to Acutane.
I was concerned and frustrated. I could see that the topical steroids were
beginning to take their toll and I certainly didn’t want to get skin cancer
trying to fix my psoriasis. Still, I was suspicious of the drug because
I had heard it had side effects and that I would be required to have blood
tests to ensure that I wasn’t damaging my liver. Still, I trusted and liked
this doctor a great deal and decided to consider it for a few days. I went
home and began researching more about the drug. Some of the of the side-effects
included both hair loss and badly chapped lips. What’s more, many of the
people on it seemed less than satisfied with the results they were getting.
This was a real crossroads for me. On one hand I wanted desperately to
fix my skin. On the other, the potential drawbacks of taking this drug
were more than I wanted to cope with. What’s more, the doctor, as nice
as he was, really refused to acknowledge what I knew, which was that when
I would eat a certain way or avoid certain foods, I would get somewhat
better. With this in mind, I called the doctor the next day, thanked him
for all his help, and told him I would not be returning. What followed
was the worst ‘rebound’ of psoriasis I ever had. It was also the best thing
I could have done . . .
Over the next several months I would spend nearly $1,500 on different
holistic ‘cures’ for psoriasis. I would log countless hours on the internet
exploring for any information possible information that might lead me to
some undiscovered answer. While a great deal of this was fruitless, ultimately
I was able to find a handful of different adjuncts that contributed to
clearing my psoriasis to near zero levels by February of 2002. I write
to you a year and half after that initial clearing and I’m happy to report
that, despite several very small and fluctuating patches, I am still nearly
psoriasis-free!
-
Adjuncts and Approaches
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.
In some people, certain allergenic
foods can trigger eczema or make it worse. The mostly likely culprits are
cows'
milk, eggs,
soy,
wheat
(glutten), nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant,
peppers and tobacco) and shellfish. It is now apparent
that there are groups of people who cannot
tolerate nightshades in their diets, wish to avoid them anyway or find
that eliminating them helps alleviate a variety of mental, emotional and
physical problems. The following groups of people avoid nightshades. Facts
on the harmful effects of potatoes and other nightshade plants.
There are a couple of specific dietary regimens such as the Pagano diet
and The Zone diet which are also worth investigating.
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."(read
the reviews at amazon.com - further down that page)
Psoriasis,
Healing from the Inside Out by Heather J. Ferris
"Psoriasis covered up to eighty percent of my body for almost thirty
years. I gave up fighting the disease and became intimately aware of what
was triggering it. This is the story of my awakening to health and to life."
Heather
J. Ferris
Essential Fats / TheraflaX
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. (more
on essential fats and Theraflax)
There’s one EFA supplement in particular, TheraflaX, that I whole-heartedly
recommend! It’s also the only brand name which I will endorse here our
discussion. The reason for this is three-fold. Firstly, using this product
marked a real turning point for me personally. Secondly, it’s the only
EFA product that I know of that’s been patented and studied purposely for
use with psoriasis. And lastly, the creator of the TheraflaX, a scientist
from South Africa, researched and developed the formula for members of
his own family who were psoriasis sufferers.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria such as acidophilus, bifidus, and
lactobacillus and are essential for a healthy digestive system. When there
is an abundance of these fundamental intestinal flora, the body will most
effectively absorb all the beneficial nutrients from the healthy foods
we are consuming. It’s been said that ‘the skin is a direct reflection
of the state of the colon.’ Taking probiotics is one critical part of restoring
the health of the entire gastro-intestinal system. Probiotics supplements
can be found in capsules and powders and should generally include a high
number, 1 billion or more, c.f.u. (colony forming units) per dose. Probiotics
can also be consumed from various cultured foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut
and fermented vegetables. (more
on probiotics)
Green Foods / Juices
These include things like barely 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. (more
on the amazing healing power of green juice)
Topicals
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.
Bentonite clay has been used historically and
cross-culturally for both internal and external healing. The clay makes
an excellent poultice. Even better, one full cup of powdered bentonite
in a warm bath can do wonders for relieving some of the heat, itching and
inflammation from psoriasis. Bentonite 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 bentonite
in bath water, it’s essential that it be very finely milled, so that it
can’t clog the plumbing!
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.
III. 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.
(more
on the healing power of raw food)
-
EFA
Regimen / TheraflaX
.
As mentioned above, daily consumption of a good essential fatty acid
supplement can assist in balancing the hormonal conditions that give rise
to psoriasis. These supplements are available in most health food stores
and should be combined with a vitamin profile rich B3, B6, C, E, Zinc ,
and Magnesium. Once again, if it’s available to you, I recommend TheraflaX
as an ideal EFA supplement for people with psoriasis. Theraflax
is currently out of stock and unavailable. Josh will try to import
more from South Africa)
-
Probiotics
Daily
.
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. .
.
Shirley, I want to thank you for being such an excellent resource to
myself and so many others looking for answers to our health questions.
Your commitment to providing independent and thorough information about
all sorts of wellness issues has been a real source of inspiration for
me in my quest to understand and clear my psoriasis. I hope my testimonial
can be of help any of your readers who might be contending with the same
difficulties as I did.
Be Well,
Josh .Wheeler - gojdub@yahoo.com -
Los
Angeles, California = July 1, 2003
Learn how Jesse cured his lifelong psoriasis,
naturally
Do you have a question or need guidance? Patricia Wilson volunteers her time to provide guidance and support in your quest to find relevant information. She
can be reached at 206-222-1619 or 281-581-2424 (USA) or
.
Testimonial of healing psoriasis
with castor oil
Email Pegi metashankara@gmail.com
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.
Oil Packs (for external use)
The
Oil That Heals by 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.
Castor
oil (cold pressed)
Leaky Gut
Syndromes: Breaking the Vicious Cycle
Leo Galland M.D
Leaky Gut Syndromes are clinical disorders associated with increased
intestinal permeability. They include inflammatory and infectious bowel
diseases, chronic inflammatory arthritides. cryptogenic skin conditions
like acne, psoriasis and dermatitis herpetiformis, many diseases triggered
by food allergy or specific food intolerance, including eczema, urticaria,
and irritable bowel syndrome, AIDS. chronic fatigue syndromes [Rigden,
Cheney, Lapp, Galland, unpublished results], chronic hepatitis, chronic
pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and pancreatic carcinoma. Hyperpermeability
may play a primary etiologic role in the evolution of each disease, or
may be a secondary consequence of it which causes immune activation, hepatic
dysfunction, and pancreatic insufficiency, creating a vicious cycle. Unless
specifically investigated, the role of altered intestinal permeability
in patients with Leaky Gut Syndromes often goes unrecognized. more
The Effects of Cat's Claw Herbs on Intestinal Permeability
(Leaky Gut Syndrome)
After using cat's claw in working with approximately 150 patients between
1988 and 1992, Dr. Brent Davis reports that "Uncaria tomentosa has the
ability to break through severe intestinal derangements that no other available
products can touch." He refers to the herb as "the opener of the way" because
of its remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help
patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including
leaky bowel syndrome. irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis,
hemorrhoids. fistulas. gastritis, ulcers, parasites and intestinal flora
imbalance.
By cleansing the intestinal walls, cat's claw enables the body to better
absorb nutrients, thus helping to correct nutritional imbalances created
by digestive blockages. Many doctors today believe that cat's claw may
have a "profound ability to get rid of deep-seated infection lodged in
the bowel and perhaps even the mesentery, which can derange the uterus
and associated anatomic parts: the prostate, liver, spleen, kidneys, thymus
and thyroid, for starters." Davis calls cat's claw "a world class herb
which has the power to arrest and reverse deep-seated pathology allowing
a more rapid return to health...''
(References: Steinberg, Phillip N., C.N.C., "Uncaria Tomentosa
(Cat's Claw) a Wondrous Herb from the Peruvian Rain Forest," Townsend Letter
for Doctors, May, 1994.and Sanchez, Don, D.C., "Cat's Claw," New Editions
Health World, Dec., 1995, p.40-45. )
Cat's
Claw Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw) is known as a cleanser.
It supports the digestive system, intestinal tract and helps with bowel
functions
Other important herbal formual
to assist in healing:
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.
EnvirozonAssists
the body's natural ability to cleanse and restore balance after exposure
to environmental impurities.
Gravizon
circulatory and lymphatic support formula (assist in cleansing the blood)
Fiberzonsupports
a healthy colon - Fiberon is a synergistic blend of fibers and botanicals
recognized for centuries for their cleansing properties. As an internal
cleansing program.
I
Was Poisoned By My Body: The Odyssey of a Doctor Who Reversed Fibromyalgia,
Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - Naturally!
by Gloria, Ph.D.
This book is the first of its kind to directly connect the causes of
autoimmune disorders, allergies, inflammatory diseases, and multiple chemical
sensitivities with colon and digestive disorders. It offers safe, alternative,
natural choices to drug therapy.
"Shame on the medical profession for ommitting this most valuable diagnostic
and treatment information from the training of doctors. Again, it comes
down to the fact that no pharmaceutical company or patent holder stands
to become rich from such simple health care. Instead, millions of people
grope desperately as their lives disolve around them, all because no one
has understood the effective diagnosis and treatment as outlined in this
book.I spent 25 years trying to find these answers - and when I did - reading
this book gave me the personal and medical ammunition to turn my health
around immediately. Although it will be several months before I completely
recover - (what's a couple of months after 25 years!) - I feel better after
less than a few weeks." Amazon.com reviewer
"As a sufferer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity for 11 years, I found
this book to be extremely enlightening on the subject of healing from this
condition based on correcting the colon disorder that is underlying it.
This book does not just help the reader learn how to treat symptoms, but
instead shows how to correct the REAL problem so that true healing can
then take place - I believe if we give our bodies half a chance, they will
recover, as shown by this book. The book is very easy to understand, which
is great for people like me with chemically-induced "brain fog"! I highly
recommend this book to anyone suffering from MCS, CFS, fibromyalgia, irritable
bowel syndrome, or any of the autoimmune disorders!" Amazon.com reviewer
Psoriasis
and Homeopathy Cure from deep within
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 homoeopathy.
Learn
more about homeopathy
See
before and after pictures
Detoxifying from
Amalgam Poison
Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing
toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin.
Naturopaths
who hold that illness can be healed by the natural processes of the body
are the most vigorous supporters of detoxification, since they believe
that the primary cause of disease is the accumulation of uneliminated wastes.
When the body's natural cleansing systems are no longer up to the task,
proponents of detoxification say everyone should detoxify at some point.
Detoxification Methods - Learn
about the various types of detoxification methods used: fasting, urine
therapy, homeopathy, wheatgrass juice, rawfood, therapeutic clays, and
other natural methods. more
Fish
Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory
by Joseph Maroon, Ph.D.
Did you know that the root cause of serious chronic diseases such as
heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and asthma has been
identified as chronic inflammation? Although numerous studies have confirmed
these findings, few physcians are aware of or consider the fact that the
battle against inflammation is at the forefront of the fight for health
and well-being of the global population. Authors Joseph Maroon and Jeffrey
Bost have set out to reverse that trend with "Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory." Ultra-Refined
Fish Oil
Pharmaceujtical companies
have spent billions of dollars in an attempt to understand the bio-chemistry
of inflammation. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical anit-inflammatories such
as Celebrex, Vioxx, and Bextra have been shown to greatly increase the
risk of heart attack, stroke, and uncontrollable gastric hemorrhage, with
potentially fatal consequences. Is there a safer alternative? Absolutiely!
The answer lies in the power of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil,
undeniably the most under-recognized and also the most petent natural anti-inflammatory
available. With compelling arguments and the results of thousands of clinical
studies to support them. the uathors explain in plain and simple terms;
How the inflammation process works and how it can evolve into a chroninc
condition that is the cause of many diseases; How fatty acids work in the
body; Why supplementtion with omega-3 fatty acids can restore the body's
balance and mitigate the effects of inflmmatory factors; and why fish oil
is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, and how to identify good-quality
fish oil supplements.
Joseph
C Maroon. M.D.,is a professor and vice chairman of the Department of Neurological
Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also
a Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience as well as the team neurosurgeon to the
world-champion Pittsburgh Steelers. His publications numbr more than 250,
and he is a reviewer on five medical journals and an editorial board member
of "Neurological Research." Jeffrey Bost is a neurosurgical physician assistant
and clinical instructor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University
of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He has coauthored many presentations, articles,
and grants exploring the use of omega-3 fatty acids.
Dr.
Stoll's book The Omega-3 Connection. He is a Harvard psychiatrist who
has done a great job compiling evidence supporting the use of fish oils.
Fish
oil - A team of researchers from Austria, the Czech Republic, the
Slovak Republic, Germany, and Poland now report that intravenous infusions
of a fish oil emulsion is quite effective in ameliorating the symptoms
of chronic plaque-type
psoriasis.
more
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA. Fish oil supplements containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic
acid) have an anti-inflammatory effect and may benefit people suffering
from rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This beneficial effect
is significantly reduced when the diet is high in linoleic acid. A seven
week controlled experiment involving 30 male volunteers was recently completed
in Australia. The participants were given 1.6 gram EPA and 0.32 gram DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) daily. Half the volunteers were kept on a diet high
in linoleic acid by using margarine as a spread and polyunsaturated oils
for cooking. The other half used butter and olive oil which are low in
linoleic acid. The experiment clearly showed that the incorporation of
fish oil is enhanced by a diet containing butter and fish oil. Margarine
and polyunsaturated oils had an inhibiting effect and should therefore
be excluded from the diet in order to obtain maximum benefit from fish
oil. Cleland, Leslie G., et al. Linoleate inhibits
EPA incorporation from dietary fish-oil supplements in human subjects.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 55, February 1992, pp. 395-99
Flaxseed Oil and Other Life Giving Oils
- Despite all the concern about fat in our diet, the body does require
fat to function. The problem is that most people are getting the wrong
kinds of fats in their diet and are lacking the good fats in their diets.
The human body cannot function properly without two polyunsaturated fats
- linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. These fatty acids, which are found
in Flaxseed Oil are truly to normal cell structure and body function. Flaxseed
may prove useful in the nutritional management of patients with autoimmune
diseases. Some Conditions Improved by Omega-3 Oils: High Cholesterol Levels
- Prevention of Strokes and Heart Attacks - Angina - High Blood Pressure
- Arthritis - Multiple Sclerosis - Psoriasis and Eczema - Cancer
Prevention and Treatment - Allergies - Asthma - Calmness Under Stress -
Vitality"
Where
to purchase flax oil and other healthy oils
Liquid
Gold Flax oil with Lignan Certified Organic 24 fl oz Organic with Lignans.
Fish
oil - A team of researchers from Austria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak
Republic, Germany, and Poland now report that intravenous infusions of
a fish oil emulsion is quite effective in ameliorating the symptoms of
chronic plaque-type psoriasis. more
Healing
psoriasis: a drugless approach - Alternative Medicine -
Healing
Eczema Naturally
Read
other inspiring testimonials I received in my email from people who wanted
to share their success of healing themselves and their animals without
drugs, surgery or radiation. I received permission from each person to
publish their testimonial and to include their email address to facilitate
personal contact for support.
