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Battling Psoriasis with an Improved Diet

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

carrots and potatoes

Medicinal products (drugs) are not the only way to reduce psoriasis symptoms. A balanced diet, high in vitamins, minerals and healthy lifestyle, not only improves overall health but it has been proven to help manage the disease.

One of the first things many doctors recommend for people seeking a cure for their psoriasis is to to quit smoking, control their weight and limit alcohol intake.

There are some foods that interact with medications for an adverse affect, so it is wise for patients to discuss any diet changes with their doctor. A healthy diet in any case, regardless of whether a persons suffers from psoriasis, includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Fat and cholesterol should be kept at a minimum and sugar and salt used in moderation. Small meals and healthy snacks eaten throughout the day are recommended over one large meal.

For psoriasis sufferers, there are some nutrients that can help improve the overall appearance of the skin and reduce inflammation and flare-ups. A diet designed to battle psoriasis should include foods that are high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, folate and zinc.

Antioxidants remove chemicals from the body that damage cells. Though many foods contain them, there are some that are higher than most. They include berries of all types, from cranberries and blackberries, to raspberries and strawberries. Apples, potatoes, artichokes, carrots and black beans also contain high levels of antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are found salmon, mackerel, trout, and tuna.

Many patients who consume higher levels Omega-3 fatty acids have been able to reduce steroidal cream usage. Beta-carotene is a nutrient found carrots, mangoes and apricots. The body converts to beta-carotene to vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin. They are also high in vitamin C. A diet that includes these nutrients may help prevent psoriasis from occurring. As with many healthy foods, they are also low in fat, high in vitamins and minerals. Red meat and dairy products should be eaten in moderation. They contain a naturally occurring inflammatory acid that may increase the severity of symptoms.

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Psoriasis is an immune disorder that effects skin cell production. Though there is no official cure, though there are several treatments available to help control the symptoms including creams, lotions, gels, shampoos and ointments.  These topical treatments tend to contain zinc, coal tar and a variety of vitamins and minerals and are available either over the counter or by prescription.  Stronger psoriasis medicines are reserved for more severe types of psoriasis.

A variety of discounted psoriasis products are available online.

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What do Antioxidants Have to Do With Psoriasis?

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

An antioxidant helps to prevent the oxidation of other molecules.  Oxidation is reaction by which one molecule takes electrons from another molecule.  This process is facilitated by the presence of oxygen.  Oxidation leaves the latter molecule unstable, as a free radical.  These free radicals spin off, wreaking havoc on other cells in chain reactions that can cause widespread cellular damage.

Antioxidants step in to cut off this process before it begins by allowing themselves to become oxidized instead of any other surrounding cells.   Antioxidants are more prone to loose their electrons than the other cells around them, which they do without causing additional, collateral damage.

Common antioxidants include: Vitamins A, E and C as well as Selenium and other herbal supplements.  The body also creates its own antioxidant enzymes.

Connection to psoriasis: Free-radicals, mentioned above, have been attributed to the development of the scaly skin that is a common side effect of psoriasis.

The relationship between oxidants / antioxidants and psoriasis is still being explored.  A connection has been drawn mainly from an imbalance of these molecules in skin affected by psoriasis, including an abundance of oxidants and a dearth of antioxidants.

The goal with antioxidants, as with most aspects of health, is balance.  If you’re healthy all around then your body will have a healthy level of antioxidants.  Taking too many antioxidant supplements with the intention of super-charging your system will most likely cause more damage than good.

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