Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterised by raised patches of red and scaly skin.
The scales are often itchy, but it is more unsightly and annoying as large, dry, white flakes of skin are continuously visible. This is from an over-production of skin layers. The most common areas affected are around the hairline, behind the ears, and in the joints such as the elbow, wrists, ankles and knees.
Psoriasis is by no means limited to just these areas; hands, arms, feet, and abdomen may also be affected. It is a fairly common condition affecting approximately 4 per cent of the population. Psoriasis frequently appears out of the blue and for no apparent reason. It can flare up at any age and often does so in adulthood. Once psoriasis appears it has a tendency to reoccur periodically, especially at times of sudden stress or emotional shock.
However, as with any illness there is usually more than one underlying cause. For psoriasis sufferers digestive problems such as low stomach acid resulting in a problem breaking down proteins and/or fats is a common cause. This would then mean that the body would be deficient in these nutrients. Essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 ) are very important for skin health, as well as vitamins A and E, and the minerals zinc and selenium. All of these nutrients are found in nuts and seeds and their oils as well as carrots and other vegetables.
The other major factor for psoriasis sufferers is poor liver function, which can be due to bad diet, or other liver stressors like being on long-term medications, especially aspirin, methotrexate, and long-term antibiotics.
The best way to put your body and liver under stress is to eat foods high in hydrogenated and saturated fats like pork and fried foods. Sugar, alcohol, food containing artificial additives like E numbers, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, refined white flour products, cakes, sweets, and microwave meals are some of the more problematic ‘foods’.
Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, and non-acidic fruits especially carrots, almonds, brazils, avocado, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Supplementing with a good quality seed oil such as Viridian’s Black Seed Oil can be beneficial, as apart from its nutritional Omega 6, it is also anti-fungal and beneficial for a range of skin complaints. It can be applied topically also and contains vitamins A and E. If digestion is a problem, combine with artichoke or black radish juice or a digestive enzyme.
Externally, neem oil or a balm such as Oregan Grape Root balm is not only skin-nourishing but anti-fungal. It would be best to avoid coming into contact with chemicals including those in shampoos and body washes. Use natural washes which don’t contain sodium laureth/lauryl sulphate and propylene glycol. Neem shampoo would be ideal. Finally magnesium flakes are greatly soothing as a bath soak and will reduce itching.
For further information contact Susan in Au Naturel, Payne’s Lane, Irishtown, Athlone on (090 ) 6487993.
