If you suffer with psoriasis or any skin conditions that seem to appear in the winter, you will most likely be familiar with the popular misconceptions that surround what can be an extremely debilitating and distressing skin condition.
As a condition which takes several different forms and which an estimated 100 million people of all ages worldwide struggle with (according to the World Health Organisation), it is timely this winter to look at some ways that those affected can take steps to bring healing into their own hands.
For those not familiar, Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition which is caused by certain cells in the immune system effectively going into overdrive; causing a rapid acceleration in skin growth beyond the ‘normal’ 21-28 days it usually takes for skin to shed and replace itself. This in turn leads to a build-up of ‘plaques’ on the skin, which can appear anywhere on the body and vary widely in terms of the scale of its visibility, and the levels of itching and discomfort caused.
Psoriasis is no laughing matter, nor is it a disease that is “catching” as per societal fallacies of old. Whilst it is not a curable condition, this article will outline a variety of empowering suggestions that can be utilised in an attempt to manage flare-ups and the associated physical, mental and social distress those flare-ups can cause.
Help is at hand, as whilst it is an incurable disease, there are holistic ways of managing psoriasis outside the limited scope of topical treatments developed by the pharmaceutical industry. As it will quickly become apparent from the suggestions, self-management is about considering the individual’s wellbeing as a whole.
There are some initial steps any sufferer of the skin complaint can take, especially as Winter is a season when flare-ups are most likely to happen – not least because the weather conditions are harsh, and our central heating is on full pelt.
Alkaline Diet: Research has shown that eating an alkaline diet can be beneficial to psoriasis sufferers, so vegetables such as leafy greens, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower can have a positive effect along with introducing fruits like strawberries and cherries, for instance. As always with fruit and veg, it is ideal to look at what’s in season along the lines of the above and to try and purchase organic or local where possible. Crucially, dietary changes to ease inflammation – which sorry folks we know it’s Christmas needs to encompass a reduction in red meats, dairy, gluten, sugary snacks, nightshades and drinks such as alcohol, fruit juice and soft drinks.
The aim here is to ‘alkalise’ the system so that the gut is not aggravated by the more dense and/or acidic foods and drinks listed above. Recommendations also include incorporating omega-3 rich cooking oils, along with plenty of fresh and canned fatty fish.
Drink more Water: Another tried and tested tip which falls under the dietary category is to consume an abundance of alkaline water, which is room-temperature mineral water with a pH of 7.3% or higher. It is advised to consume the water an hour or so before or after eating, and not during mealtimes.
Love your Gut: Combining foods is another method by which one can promote skin-soothing gut health. This is an in-depth topic which may involve doing your own careful nutritional research but essentially, some foods should not be combined together (for example, starches and protein) as the combination can result in digestive issues: another common cause of psoriasis flare-up. Conversely, some food combinations can be positive so it is not all doom and gloom! Eating vegetables with any other food is a good thing, so at particularly gluttonous times such as the upcoming festive season it would be an ideal time to ease up on the pigs in blankets and fill your plate with extra sprouts, carrots and cauliflower.
Stress Reduction: Reducing stress, getting enough sleep and taking care of the mind are absolutely vital factors in the self-management of psoriasis. Start simply by giving some thought to what makes you feel happier and more relaxed: it could be a regular massage from your partner or a therapist, exercise, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, reading a good book, going to bed an hour earlier than usual or sticking post-it notes of positive affirmations around your home. The key point is that your stress levels are reduced as a result of the action you take, as there is a proven link between stress and the inflammation caused by psoriasis.
A Content Colon: It may not appeal to all, but colonic irrigation three times per month during a flare-up and once a month as routine maintenance can make a real difference to symptoms and their duration. This is because the practice detoxifies the colon, as the liquid is pushed into it and out of the rectum: therefore accumulated waste in the body gets washed away and healthy bacteria has space to thrive, resulting in a happier gut and immune system overall.
Additional help: Certain nutritional supplements (such as those combined in Psolace supplements) and selenium, B-12, Vitamin D and fish oils can bolster the dietary changes suggested above.
As always, it is imperative that you consult a medical professional before making significant changes to your dietary habits.
These are just some of the tried and tested ways, that Solace Nutrition recommends along with their treatment plan to help relieve others who suffer with skin complaints such as Psoriasis.
ABOUT: It was Loryn from Solace Nutrition whose own battle with Psoriasis, encouraged her and husband Miguel to share what they had found with other sufferers.
Looking for an alternative way to manage her own skin flare ups, she made changes to her diet and formulated a daily skin care plan that kept her symptoms under control with no flare ups for two years now Solace Nutrition are launching the Psolace detox food supplements and topical cream as a 30-day treatment plan in January 2020. The treatment plan is designed for those looking for an alternative, gentle, nontoxic and a healthier alternative to the harsh steroid creams and medications often prescribed by medical professionals. Coupled with a 30-day nutritional plan and member support community, you need never suffer in silence again.
