Diet Tips To Fight Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious and chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin and joints. A person diagnosed with psoriasis commonly suffers evident skin malformations - red and scaly skin, inflammation, thick skin, and the formation of psoriatic plaques. Psoriatic plaques are regions where skin rapidly accumulates. These plaques can be located near the elbow and knee regions.
Although it is still unclear on what causes this skin disorder, health experts suggests that it is brought about by an overactive immune system. The immune system of the afflicted cannot distinguish between foreign and normal tissues, thus attacking both killing not only the foreign materials but normal tissues as well. Geneticists also suggest that factors including stress, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and diet could trigger the condition. To date there is still no miracle cure for psoriasis yet there are a number of ongoing researches focused on developing new treatments for this skin disease.
There have been many developments involving possible treatment of psoriasis utilizing both natural and traditional medicine. Traditional medicine involves the use of steroid creams. Natural medicine suggests bathing in Epsom salts and application of aloe vera extracts and apple cider vinegar. Natural medicine aims to keep the skin hydrated and lubricated. Some treatment suggests particular diet to hasten the cure.
Around the world there are research centers dedicated in developing treatments for psoriasis. Some centers provide dietary recommendations for psoriasis patients. It is true that certain diet contributes to the development of the skin disorder but traditional medicine specialists acknowledge the fact that thru the appropriate diet, the progression of the skin disorder can be limited.
Part of the special diet suggested includes increasing consumption of whole grains, fruits, lean fish, fruits and fresh vegetables. On the other hand psoriasis patients should stay away from unhealthy sugars, food additives, processed or unprocessed fat, and preservative rich food.
Eating foods and vegetables rich in vitamins D and E can also help prevent the development of psoriasis. There are limited food sources of vitamin D. A good source of vitamin D would be tuna fish, mackerel, salmon, non-fat milk, beef liver and egg yolk. Exposing under the sun is also a good source of vitamin D. UV rays from the sun triggers the production of vitamin D in the skin.
On the other hand, just like a vitamin D laden diet, foods rich in vitamin E also slows down the spread of the skin disorder. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that helps protect the cells and tissues against free radicals. Vitamin E can be obtained from raisins, bran, sunflower seeds, vegetable oil, almonds, carrots, spinach, and broccoli.
Online forums tackling psoriasis are abundant over the internet. Some suggests that wheat is a possible cause that triggers the development of the skin disorder. These forums suggest that a wheat-free diet lowers the chance of developing psoriasis. It may also provide relief from the discomfort brought about by the disorder and hinders the development of psoriasis.