Psoriasis & Excema – Natural Treatment

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease which affects 2–4 % of the population worldwide. (4) Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease of scaling and inflammation. Although the disease occurs in all age groups, it primarily affects adults. It appears about equally in males and females.

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells quickly rise from their origin below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature. Usually, this movement (also called turnover) takes about a month but in psoriasis, it may occur in only a few days. (2)

In its typical form, psoriasis results in patches of thick, red (inflamed) skin covered with silvery scales. These patches, which are sometimes referred to as plaques, usually itch or feel sore. They most often occur on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet but they can occur on skin anywhere on the body.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disorder driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T cell. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to a rapid turnover of skin cells. (2)

There have been genetic links found, as with almost all health conditions, but the question really still is, why does it happen?

The Liver connection to Psoriasis

The hepato-biliary (Liver) system is one of the main target organs in the systemic psoriatic process. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic cholecystitis are predictors of psoriatic disease progression. (1) Some indicators predictors of psoriasis which have been identified include:

• triggers (stress and nutritional factor)
• increased total bilirubin
• aspartate aminotransferase
• alkaline phosphatase
• gamma-glutamyl transferase
• eosinophilia
• giardiasis
• carriers of hepatitis C virus
• ductal changes
• focal lesions in the liver
• thickening of the walls of the gallbladder (1)

These all point to liver function as a major contributing factor in the appearance and progression on psoriasis.

Pharmaceutical drugs are toxic to the liver. In one study among 393 patients, 24% and 0.8% developed liver enzyme abnormalities and cirrhosis, respectively. The most common factors associated with pathological liver enzymes were drugs (57%) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (22%). (11)

Obesity and Psoriasis

It is known that obesity can compromise the effectiveness of systemic treatments for psoriasis. Dermatologists are also expected to promote a healthy lifestyle and weight loss for obese patients because they could improve metabolic parameters and responsiveness to psoriasis therapies. (3)

Cardiovascular health and Psoriasis

Research has suggested that psoriasis patients may be at greater risk of cardiovascular problems, especially if the psoriasis is severe, as well as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. (2)

Gluten and Psoriasis

Psoriasis patients have been shown to have a higher prevalence of other autoimmune diseases including celiac disease, a condition marked by sensitivity to dietary gluten. A number of studies suggest that psoriasis and celiac disease share common genetic and inflammatory pathways. (5)

Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest there is an association between psoriasis, celiac disease, and celiac disease markers. There is early evidence to suggest that a gluten-free diet may benefit some psoriasis patients. (5)

Conventional treatment of Psoriasis

Doctors generally pursue three treatment options:

• medicines applied to the skin (topical treatment)
• light treatment (phototherapy)
• medicines by mouth or injection (systemic therapy)

These may be combined for an improved outcome but as yet no cure has been discovered.

Dietary advice for Psoriasis

It is known that diet can affect weight, liver function and cardiovascular health, being the potential causes mentioned above, therefore it could be stated that diet is an important factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Fasting

The prevalence and severity of psoriasis decrease during fasting. Low-calorie diets lead to relief of symptoms and might be important adjuvant factors in prevention and treatment of moderate non-pustular psoriasis. (6)

Vegetarian diet

Vegetarian diets may be beneficial to all patients with psoriasis since there is decreased intake of arachidonic acid and consequent reduction in inflammatory eicosanoid formation. High concentrations of arachidonic acid and its pro-inflammatory metabolites were observed in psoriatic lesions.

Go Gluten Free

Regarding a gluten-free diet, it is known that it may improve the skin lesions even in Celiac disease patients. (6)

Fish oil

Despite inconsistent results, intake of fish rich in omega-3 is recommended. In patients with acute psoriasis, parenteral infusions of omega-3 might be beneficial. (6)

Probiotics

Psoriatic arthritis can be associated with both psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, suggesting an etiologic overlap between the joint inflammation and both gut and skin pathology in which the microbiota may be the common mediator. (13) A good course of broad-spectrum probiotics will be helpful with Psoriasis.

Eat more of these foods

Beetroot, raw onions, garlic, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, rocket, wasabi, mustard, horseradish.

Herbal Teas

Chamomile, Peppermint, Green tea, Nettle, Oatstraw, Rosehips

Herbal medicine for Psoriasis

Herbal medicines are very effective in reducing Fatty Liver and related inflammation. These herbs include:

Aloe Vera

By the end of one study, the Aloe Vera extract cream had cured 25/30 patients (83.3%) compared to the placebo cure rate of 2/30 (6.6%) resulting in significant clearing of the psoriatic plaques. Therefore, Aloe Vera can be considered a safe and alternative treatment to cure patients suffering from psoriasis. (14)

Turkish Rhubarb

Findings from one study suggest that low-dose Turkish Rhubarb alleviates hepatosteatosis (Fatty Liver Disease), at least in part, by stimulating Liver enzyme activity. (7)

Different pharmacological experiments in a number of in vitro and in vivo models have convincingly demonstrated the abilities of rhein found in Turkish Rhubarb to exhibit hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, lending support to the rationale behind several of its potential medicinal uses. (8)

Golden Seal

The major active constituent in Goldenseal berberine inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation in a variety of tissues including liver, adipose tissue, kidney, and pancreas. (9)

Milk Thistle

Results of one study indicate that silymarin seems to be effective in reducing the biochemical and ultrasonographic changes induced by fatty liver disease. A pilot study performed in patients with fatty liver disease confirmed an improvement in liver enzymes and insulin resistance. (10)

Slippery Elm

One study of five psoriasis cases, ranging from mild to severe at the study onset, improved on all measured outcomes over a six-month period when measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Saffron tea and slippery elm bark water were consumed daily. (12)

Herbal Detox program

The Ultimate Herbal DETOX program and BodiClenz program use all of the herbs mentioned above, an effective liver detox plus fasting on a vegetarian, gluten-free diet along with a thorough colon cleansing program.

It has been shown to reduce and sometimes eliminate psoriasis, especially when used regularly over 2-3 years. I would suggest completing the program every 3-6 months until you have eliminated the psoriasis completely.

The Herbal Detox program or BodiClenz program will encourage incremental changes in diet while improving liver health and reducing inflammation. The diet is gluten-free, involves fasting on fruits and vegetables and uses high doses of the herbs in capsules.

You may see reductions within the first two weeks but persistence will be required.

I suggest completing a 14-day Herbal Detox or 14-day BodiClenz program followed by a 30-day detox or a 30 day BodiClenz for best results

If you have success then please share your story on this page below.

I hope this article has been helpful

Many Blessings

Brett Elliott ©