Psoriasis

LifeSource Vitamins

Psoriasis, a common skin disorder, occurs when skin cells replicate too quickly. The skin produces new cells at about ten times its normal rate, but also it continues to slough off old ones at its usual, slower pace. With nowhere else to go, the new cells pile up under the surface, creating patches of red, swollen skin covered with silvery or whitish scales. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most often surfaces on the scalp, the knees, the elbows, the buttocks, and the backs of the wrists. The rash usually doesn't itch, but if you scratch, it may bleed. Psoriasis comes and goes in cycles and leaves no scars, although the area may be thick and dry even in times of remission. The nails may also be affected and may develop stipples and pitted areas.

Occasionally, in a condition known as pustular psoriasis, blisters will rise on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Psoriasis has also been linked to inflammatory arthritis of the fingers and the toes.

Psoriasis can cause a type of arthritis that resembles rheumatoid arthritis in some individuals. The nails are affected in 30 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis, resembling in a pitting, a discoloration, and a thickening of the nails' plates.

The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, but the prevailing theory connects the high rate of cell replication to a genetic flaw. This theory is backed up by the large number of cases that run in families. As with most genetic disorders, however, it's also likely that people simply inherit a predisposition to psoriasis. Lifestyle choices play an important part in determining the severity and the frequency of the condition or whether you'll even experience it at all. A poor diet, for example, often worsens this condition. The identification and the treatment of food allergies is the key for some individuals. The digestive tract is a focal point for many people with psoriasis. Poor digestion, especially incomplete protein digestion, leads to the creation of toxins known as polyamines, which contribute to excessive skin proliferation. Also, the overgrowth of Candida albicans and various bacteria by-products is thought to worsen this condition. Along with the overgrowth of these microbes is often an imbalance or a deficiency of friendly flora, the good bacteria that help detoxify the body. Liver function is of crucial importance, as it is the body's main filtering system. Optimizing liver function with sound nutrition and nutritional supplements can be helpful.

We have also found a connection between psoriasis and a low intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Finally, stress, fluctuating hormones, sunburn, and other environmental factors can also contribute to flare-ups.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

The top 7 vitamins and supplements shown to help Psoriasis:

The Prescription for Natural Cures by James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.M.D.

Symptoms

• Red, inflamed patches of skin, covered with silvery or white scales
• Thick, dry skin in times of remission
• Dull, distorted nails
• Blisters on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet (in cases of pustular psoriasis)

Root Causes

• Genetics
• A poor diet, especially one that's low in fiber and EFAs
• Difficulty digesting protein
• Overgrowth of Candida albicans and other microbes
• Poor liver function
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Sunburn
• Illness or infection
• Certain medications

TREATMENT

Diet

As with all skin disorders, psoriasis is best treated by encouraging the body to eliminate toxins through the bowels and the urinary tract, rather than through the skin.

Recommended Food

Get your protein from fish and vegetarian sources like tofu and beans. These foods are much easier to digest than animal proteins are.

Increase your intake of fiber. Eat fresh, whole foods and include whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables, or beans at every meal.

Essential fatty acids reduce inflammation and have been shown to greatly improve psoriasis. Cold-water fish like mackerel and salmon are excellent sources of EFAs, and so are both flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. (Flaxseeds are also a concentrated source of the fiber you need. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, along with 10 ounces of water.)

Many psoriasis sufferers are deficient in zinc and vitamin A. Eat pumpkin seeds for zinc; for vitamin A, eat orange, yellow, or green vegetables.

Drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours to improve digestion, flush away toxins, and reduce inflammation.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid red meat, poultry, and milk. People with psoriasis often have difficulty digesting protein, and these foods are the hardest on your intestines. In addition, both red meat and milk contain arachidonic acid, which aggravates inflammation.

Do not eat other foods that are difficult to digest. Fatty, fried, and junk foods all fall into this category, as do products that are high in refined sugar.

Alcohol causes inflammation and triggers psoriasis in many people. Drink only in moderation and monitor your intake; if alcohol leads to a flare-up, you should stop drinking altogether.

In some people, psoriasis is brought on by allergic reactions to food. If a certain food triggers an episode of psoriasis or makes an existing one worse, remove if from your diet. Gluten, cow's milk, sugar, and citrus fruits are common offenders.

Make sure to avoid caffeine.

Detoxification

A detoxification program will reduce toxic waste and return your digestive system to a more efficient working order. You may discover that detoxification, especially fasting, brings on an episode of psoriasis or makes an existing flare-up worse, but that's because you're shedding toxins at an increased rate. Once your body system is clean again, you may find a dramatic improvement in your skin.

Fast on juices for two to three days. Green drinks and detoxifying herbal teas are good choices for extra cleansing power.

General Recommendations

• Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation of the skin. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily.
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) extract improves liver detoxification. Take 800 mg twice daily.
• A probiotics supplement provides friendly bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus, which are important for detoxification and skin health. Take a product containing at least 4 billion active organisms daily.
• Gentian root (Gentiana lutea) improves overall digestive function. Take 300 mg or 10 to 20 drops five to fifteen minutes before meals.
• A high-potency multivitamin provides a base of nutrients for skin health. Take as directed on the container.
• Drink a quarter cup of aloe vera juice for its cooling, anti-inflammatory effect, or apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area.

Proudly Made in the USA!

Every LifeSource Vitamins product exceeds all regulatory standards and requirements set forth in the FDA's Code of Federal Regulation. ( 21 CFR, part 111 ) as well as all Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA. CGMP's provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. ( CGMP ).

LifeSource Vitamins: Driven by Faith ~ Powered by God

Have Questions on this or any other product or health issue for you or a loved one? It can be overwhelming we know. Call us, we will walk you through what supplements will help you and which ones you really don’t need. It’s what we do! Toll-Free: 800-567-8122

LifeSource Vitamins – Founded in 1992

100% of our profits are donated to Christian Organizations like these and many others worldwide:

Campus Crusade for Christ - CRU

The Jesus Film Project

World Vision

The Tim Tebow Foundation

Compassion International

Samaritan’s Purse

The Herman and Sharron Show on CTN (Christian Television Network) and many more…

www.LifesourceVitamins.com

E-mail Us: [email protected]

or Call Us: 800.567.8122

We Are Built on Compassion - Driven by Faith & Powered by God!

*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements based on the information on this site.

LifeSource Vitamins: from the nutrients we choose, to the way we run our business, we answer to God in all we do!