Skin is the largest tissue of the body. It is not only the outermost covering making us human feel and appear presentable. In addition, it also acts as a protective barrier against almost every external factor such UV rays, sun light, wind, dust etc. But what happens when the skin itself becomes an enemy territory and develop a condition called psoriasis.
Turning a blind eye to certain mild skin conditions such as minor allergies etc. is easier. However, some serious skin conditions require thorough treatments.
This is the case with Psoriasis; where the immune system of the body decides that it no longer wants to support its own skin regeneration and growth.
“Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the appearance of red and white scales and patches on the skin.”
Normal life cycle of skin cells:
What causes the onset of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is primarily a disease triggered by the immune system of the body itself. This means that that natural immune response of the body becomes hyper active under false alarm. Therefore, a series of reactions are initiated esp. by the T-lymphocytes. Over production of skin cells is one of those reactions.
In this condition the skin cells began to regrow within a few days as compared to a few weeks as is under normal circumstances. In which, the old skin cells don’t get the chance to shed off. Therefore, a cluster of cells began to form at specific sites on the body.
What triggers a Psoriasis flareup?
For some people the onset of disease is extremely unpredictable. Consequently, they may never have the disease and then they might suddenly get a severe flare up.
Some of the common factors warranting an onset of disease are as follows:
- Genetic history
- Excessive alcohol and smoking
- Prolonged and chronic disease that can cause an over stimulated immune system
- Any skin reaction, allergy, wound, burn etc.
- Stress and anxiety
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Medications such as NSAIDs, antimalarial and strong antimycobacterial, anxiety and depression medication particularly lithium containing medications
Symptoms and Appearance of Psoriasis:
Usually, the characteristic appearance of any psoriasis patch depends on the type. There are many different kinds of psoriasis. However, common appearance involves patches of dry and flaky skin. The patches may be white, yellow and red in color. In some cases, pus and blood may also ooze out of patches. This makes the recovery all the more difficult and prolonged.
Food based treatment options for psoriasis:
Food triggers for psoriasis patients is a very common day to day hassle. Chronic patients are advised by their doctors to look out for certain food groups that worsen the symptoms almost every time. In Addition, there are certain food groups that help alleviate the symptoms. This is an intense and painful process warranting a lot of hit and trials.
Foods you must avoid with Psoriasis:
- Alcohol
- Processed and canned foods esp. those containing preservatives
- Processed meat
- Gluten rich foods
- Alcohol
- Sugar containing foods and drinks
- Fruits and vegetables from the family Solanaceae commonly called as nightshade plants. These include eggplant, tomato, potato, bell peppers, chili peppers etc.
Foods that can help treat Psoriasis:
Years of research have shown certain foods to that can soothe a flared-up psoriasis attack. Although every patient must conduct individual trials to assess their suitability to that particular food group. However, some of the frequently recommended foods are as follows:
Raspberry Tea
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup honey
- 5 Black tea bags
- 8¼ cups water
- 3½ cups raspberries
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil.
- Stir in honey until dissolved
- Remove from the heat
- Add tea bags
- Steep for 5-8 minutes.
- Discard tea bags.
- Add 4 cups water
- In another saucepan, bring raspberries and remaining water to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes.
- Strain and discard pulp.
- Add raspberry juice to the tea mixture.
- Serve in chilled glasses over ice.
Nutrition
Feast on Anti-inflammatory foods:
Hyperactive immune response is also a hyper stimulated inflammatory response of the body against triggers. Combating the response with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients is easier. These foods groups include antioxidant ingredients. Antioxidants fight off the free radicals and reduce the chance of inflammatory response upon triggers.
Example of these foods include:
- Berries such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry etc.
- Citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, tangerine etc.
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Beans such as chickpeas, lentils, black beans, red beans, pinto beans etc.
Vitamins are your ally:
Whenever the body is fighting a chronic health condition the vitamin burn out at a higher pace. This is because the body is utilizing its vitamin resources at a higher pace. To replenish that shortage following foods must be consumed:
| Vitamins | Foods containing these vitamins |
| Vitamin A | Cantaloupe, grape fruit, carrots, lettuce |
| Vitamin E | Avocado, kiwi fruit, turnip |
| Vitamin K | Lima beans, artichokes, parsley |
| Vitamin C | Berries, citrus fruits, guava, papaya |
Get your hands on the good Fats:
Essential fatty acids obtained from good fats are enriched with omegas. Time and time again Omegas have proved their worth in medicinal field as an excellent adjunctive therapy. This is esp. true for Omega 3 fatty acids. Research indicates that supplementing on omega 3 will substantially minimize formation of white patches and scale on the skin. Omega 3 also reduce the inflammatory process in the body by reducing unnecessary protein formation. Therefore, to obtain the best possible results of the therapy, the doctors advise the psoriatic patients to consume omega-based diet.
Omega 3 are found in following foods:
- Nuts such as walnuts, almonds
- Flaxseeds, chia seeds
- Cauliflower
- Winter squash
- Avocados
Turn to Turmeric magic:
Turmeric has been used abundantly for many disease conditions. It has a wide range of healing properties. Curcumin is the magic component of turmeric. It provides anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties to a flared-up attack. Combination of curcumin and anti-psoriasis medication has proved to decrease the production of interleukin-II (IL-II)
Some herbalists also stress on topical application of turmeric on the psoriatic patches to reduce inflammation and redness.
Teas to the rescue:
One of the more common types of psoriasis is the Psoriatic arthritis. The patient usually suffers from severe case of arthritis along with red and silvery patches on joints. The immune system is yet again to be blamed for this condition too.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) or radicals produced as an end result of metabolic pathways induce oxidative stress on the cells. To combat this stress, the body initiates inflammatory response which can manifest itself in the form of redness, swelling, itching and pus formation.
Plant containing polyphenols are extensively useful in this regard as they can minimize this reactive inflammatory reaction in the body. In addition, inhibits the enzymatic catalysis of ROS but even inhibit the formation of these ions in the first place.
Polyphenols can be easily obtained in the form of teas such as:
- Green tea
- Black tea
- Coffee
- Oolong tea
- Lemon tea
- Raspberry tea
Take away:
Psoriasis is one of those conditions that are extremely painful and also look extremely unappealing to eye too. Application of ointments and creams 24/7 is not a doable option for most of us. Doctors usually end up advising a change in the dietary habits and lifestyles. It is always better to treat the disease at its origin. Diet containing all the above-mentioned ingredients will strengthen your body from inside out. You don’t have to feel like you are alone in this. Because believe it or not; recovery and remission of psoriasis is only a few right steps away from you.
