Psoriasis Diet Tips-2
The following are some practical & common-sense diet tips for those suffering from the effects of psoriasis
1. Eat essential fatty acids
Within the psoriasis community, awareness about the benefits of using supplements of essential fatty acids (EFA’s), continues to emerge.
Recent research has shown that skin conditions in humans, such as psoriasis and eczema, have improved dramatically when fish oil, flaxseed and flax oil was added to the diet.
Red, itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis often respond to the EFAs anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties
Essential fatty acid foods especially foods that contain eicosapentaenoic acid, a major polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oil, interfere with the body’s production of inflammatory chemicals, more specifically arachidonic acid, the chemical which causes psoriasis lesions to swell and turn red. Arachidonic acid is turned into another pro-inflammatory chemical, leukotriene B4, which is known to accumulate in the lesions of psoriasis sufferers.
Research done on the Eskimo population of Greenland proved, that people who consume lots of omega-3 oils have much lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and various other degenerative diseases. Significant was the finding that these people have much lower rates of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and psoriasis. These findings have led researchers to conclude that omega-3 oils have certain very potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Omega-3 oils benefit psoriasis by nourishing the cells of the body with the proper essential oils that are so sorely lacking in our typical American diet. It is no secret that Americans consume lots of meats and starches but pitifully not enough of green vegetables and fish, which are rich sources of omega-3 oils.
In conclusion, you have to start eating more foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Sources of omega-3 fatty acids
1. Fish oils
Taking fish oil supplements can bring about an immediate improvement in psoriasis.
Many recent double-blind studies have shown that supplementation of the diet with 10 – 12 grams of fish oils daily results in significant improvement in psoriasis.
Man sufferers of psoriasis have reported reductions in itch, redness and flaky appearance of the skin after taking fish oil supplements.
Fish oil capsules are more palatable for those with less enthusiastic appetites for fish.
While a helpful form of Omega-3 can be found in flaxseed, walnuts, and a few other foods, the most beneficial form of Omega-3 – containing two fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are essential to fighting and preventing both physical and mental disease can only be found in fish.
A highly recommended fish oil product for psoriasis is cod liver oil.
A highly recommended brand of cod liver oil is Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil.
From the deep unpolluted waters near Norway, Carlson brings you the finest cod liver oil which is naturally rich in vitamin A, Vitamin D3, EPA and DHA. Only cod fish caught during the winter and early spring are used, as the liver oil content is highest at this time of year. The oil is separated from the liver tissues without the use of chemicals.
Carlson Fish Oils are regularly tested (using AOAC International protocols) for potency and purity, by an Independent, FDA registered laboratory, and found to be free of detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCB’s, dioxin, and 28 other contaminants.
For most people, a safe dosage of cod liver oil is approximately two teaspoons per day.
2. Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil may reduce the itching, swelling, and redness associated with certain skin disorders such as psoriasis.
Many psoriasis sufferers have reported a noticeable decrease in psoriasis symptoms after using flaxseed oil supplements. Flaxseed contains amino acids which help to heal inflamed skin such as results from psoriasis or eczema.
Flaxseed oil is found in flaxseed or flaxseed meal. Flaxseed oil is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, containing approximately 55 to 65 percent of the essential fatty acid ALA. It also contains the natural antioxidants beta-carotene (vitamin A) and carotenoids.
Flax Oil and flax seeds are nature’s richest source of the omega-3 fatty acid Alpha Linolenic Acid. ALA is an essential fatty acid that is essential for proper health.
Flax seeds are also rich in the B vitamins, protein, and zinc.
Flax contains ingredients that interfere with the production of arachidonic acid, (a natural substance found in red meat and dairy products), which promotes the inflammatory response, and makes the lesions of psoriasis turn red and swell.
Flax seeds are beneficial only when ground up or pressed into oil. Whole flax seeds will just pass through the intestinal tract whole without being assimilated into the body.
Be aware, that ground up flax seeds and flax oil are extremely perishable. Therefore, only purchase ground flax seeds from firms that vacuum pack their product. Better yet, buy a flax seed grinder and make your own fresh flax seed powder.
When purchasing flax oil make sure that the oil is packaged in opaque containers that keep out light, as flax oil is extremely light sensitive. Flax oil will only last only about three weeks after opening the bottle before going rancid even when kept refrigerated.
Because of all these concerns it would seem that the best way to receive your intake of flax oil is through flax oil capsules as there is no concern about rancidity due to the fact that the sealed capsules keep the oil fresh.
Flax oil can be used liberally without reservation. Drizzle it on fresh salads, or mix some with your favorite fruit drink. Use it as a topping on popcorn, potatoes, or other foods you might otherwise flavor with butter.
In conclusion, if you have psoriasis, you should ingest at the very least one tablespoon a day of flax oil, as studies have shown that the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil, have very potent anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties.
Click here to learn more on the healing powers of flax oil.
I have found that a company called Omega Nutrition, produces the best quality flax seeds, flax oil, and many other very beneficial health products. Check out their great selection at: http://www.omegahealthstore.com/.
A standard supplemental dosage of flaxseed oil is 1-2 tablespoons (or capsules) daily.
2. Avoid fruit juices
Consumption of commercially produced orange, tomato, and pineapple juice should be kept to a minimum. Due to the fact that the natural enzymes of these juices have been destroyed during processing, all that remains is the acid part of the juice, thus making them very irritating to an overly sensitive digestive system. This is most likely the case if you have psoriasis. I know this to be true from my own personal experience. Commercial apple juice is fine, even though it is devoid of any nutrients; being that it is not acidic it will not irritate the digestive tract.
Fresh fruit juices are extremely beneficial in treating psoriasis due to their high concentration of natural enzymes, and their ability to flush out toxins from the bloodstream. Refer to the chapter on juices to learn more.
3. Drink plenty of pure water
The fact that our bodies are made up primarily of water makes it one of the most important elements that are essential to our well being. It is a biological fact that water constitutes over three quarters of the body’s weight.
Pure filtered water plays a vital role in healing psoriasis, by helping to remove toxic residue from all the various body organs. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Doing this will help keep moisture in the skin and will reduce the chances of further flare ups.Therefore, if you have psoriasis keep in mind that you’re primary fluid intake should come from pure chlorine free water.
4. Drink green and oolong teas
Green Tea has been used for thousands of years for calming many ailments, and is until this very day standard fare in many Asian countries. Many studies have proven the ability of Green Tea to lower high blood cholesterol levels. Green Tea is also very beneficial in promoting the proper digestion of non-fibrous foods such as proteins and fats, which is extremely vital for the psoriatic.
Green tea possesses many therapeutic properties, due to the high levels of polyphenols that it contains. Polyphenols are naturally occurring substances that neutralise the damaging effects of the free radicals in the body. Free radicals disrupt normal cellular function causing damage to many cells in the body. The polyphenols, which are abundant in green tea, help to prevent this cellular damage.
Green tea polyphenols have demonstrated significant antioxidant, ant carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, probiotic, and anti-microbial properties in numerous human, animal, and in vitro studies.
The secret of Green Tea lies in its potent antioxidant properties.
Green Tea:
- Boosts your immune system.
- Is bioflavonoid-rich.
- Is proven useful for fighting free radical damage in the human body.
- Has a high content of polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavonoids.
- Is not fermented, thus keeping in the powerful antioxidants normally lost in the fermenting process.
Click here to read a comprehensive medical review on the supreme health benefits of Green Tea
Drinking green tea on a regular basis is believed to be beneficial in controlling the symptoms of psoriasis. It is believed to reduce inflammation and itching and to calm the overactive immune response. It is only effective whilst being taken regularly and is by no means considered a cure for the condition. Studies indicate that the eczema symptoms will reappear if the green tea is not taken regularly.
A study published in the Archives of Dermatolog proved, that oolong tea might be a powerful remedy for stubborn eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. Oolong tea is made from the same leaves as green teas. They differ in the fermentation process: Oolong is partially fermented,and green tea is unfermented. The partial fermentation process produces a high concentration of polyphenols that researchers credit for soothing and healing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Conclusion:
It is highly recommend that you make a habit of drinking two or more cups of Green, or Oolong tea daily.
5. Drink herbal teas
Herbal teas are great whole body cleansers, and therefore can have a very positive effect on psoriasis.
Some beneficial herbal teas are:
Chamomile, Peppermint, Ginseng, Echinacea, American Saffron, and Everyday Detox Tea.
Words of caution: as with any other medicine or herbal product, do not use during pregnancy or lactation, without the prior consent of your physician.
Green and herbal tea tips:
Tip #1. Only purchase teas from companies that are known for their dedication to purity and quality. This is important due to the fact that that many tea companies use chlorine to bleach their tea bags.
In addition, recent studies have shown that the antioxidant levels of many common teas including green teas can vary widely.
Among the recommended brands are Eden Foods and Traditional Medicinals.
Tip # 2. Green or oolong tea should be steeped in very hot, but not boiling water. Boiling water will scorch the delicate flavor, rendering it bitter.
Make sure to follow the recommended seeping times stated on the package when preparing your herbal teas.
Be aware, that, most of the standard teas available in store outlets are black teas, which are much more processed, and contain much higher levels of caffeine than natural herb teas, and should therefore be avoided.
Tip # 3. Avoid decaffeinated teas, as the process used to remove the caffeine is a chemical process, which severely alters the natural chemical makeup of the tea, thus compromising its nutritional benefits.
Click on www.GenerationTea.com, to learn more about the benefits of consuming natural teas, and to browse your way through a fabulous selection of all natural certified Organic herbal teas.
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Nice Site layout for your blog. I am looking forward to reading more from you.
Tom Humes
I didn’t understand the concluding part of your article, could you please explain it more?