Psoriasis Help
Inflamed, scaling, dry, itchy skin. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on your body, but some of the most common places include the scalp, lower back, knees, elbows, nails, face, hands, and feet. Whether it is just a small area affected or most of the body, psoriasis indicates a deeper issue than just a simple skin condition.
The itching, flaking, scaly, red skin of psoriasis seems like more than enough to have to deal with. However, the social, mental, and emotional toll of psoriasis can be an even greater challenge. Many people suffering with psoriasis feel ostracized and scrutinized by others who see the rash. This causes emotional stress, shame, and avoidance of social situations.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease and indicates an overactive immune system. From a naturopathic viewpoint, the answer isn’t to suppress the immune system but rather to help it become less overloaded and confused. A frequent root cause for psoriasis is parasites. Another factor that needs to be considered is gut health. Your gut is not only considered by some to be a second brain, but it also is a large part of the health of your immune system. With psoriasis, leaky gut is usually a factor.
One of the best ways to address leaky gut is to follow a GAPS diet. This can be difficult for many, so a simplified method is listed below. Ideally, this will be followed for at least 3 months and up to a year or two.
- Remove all grains, dairy, nightshades (potatoes, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes)
- Bone broth daily (1.5 to 3 cups daily)
- Eliminate plastic containers
- Eliminate or minimize microwave use
Common Symptoms of Psoriasis
- Red patches of skin
- Thick, silver scales
- Itching
- Burning
- Soreness
- Dry skin, may crack and bleed
- Thick, ridged, or pitted nails
- Stiff or swollen joints
- Arthritis
- Asthma
Natural Ideas
Foods
- Cabbage
- Carrot juice
- Black Currant oil
- Mulberries
- Turmeric
- Yogurt
- Coconut
- 2+ tbsp Healthy Fats daily (avocados, organic butter, coconut oil, olive oil, etc) probiotics, adequate pure water (1/2 your body weight in ounces a day (100lbs = 50oz))
- AVOIDS: sugar, wheat, dairy, alcohol, allergenic foods, baker’s and brewer’s yeast, caffeine, herring, meat tenderizers, soy sauce, yeast extracts, MSG, non-organic foods, gluten, tobacco, hydrogenated oils, food additives, fake sugars (especially aspartame), chocolate, coffee, fried foods, refined foods, table salt, processed/canned/frozen foods.
Nutrients
- Silica
- Sulphur
- Zinc
- Beta Carotene
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B complex
Natural Therapies
- Emotional Release
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Reflexology
- Energy Work
- Light Healing Touch
- Reiki
- Magnets & Polarity Therapy
- Sound and Color Therapy
- Lymphatic Drain
Other Help
- Get out in the sun! Vitamin D is produced in the skin from sunlight. Vitamin D is a hormone and is very important for your health. The skin needs to be unprotected with 50-75% of the skin exposed. Aim for between 10am and 2pm and only when the UV index is above 3. Only stay out for half the time it would take for your skin to turn pink.
- Lifestyle additions: address parasites, add fermented foods and probiotics, check for heavy metals, dry skin brushing, consider emotions of criticism and abandonment (the emotions of the skin).
- Essential oils: Cajeput, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile
- Cell salts: Kali Sulph, Calc Sulph, Silica
Psoriasis can seem hopeless at times, but with some work and dietary changes, healing yourself is possible.
Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you need further assistance.
Also, let me know if you have any requests for natural suggestions for other conditions!
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Note: Everything here is for information only. This is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Seek a qualified medical professional.