Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease and scientists do not know the exact cause of it. Psoriasis is characterized by areas of inflamed red skin, called plaques, which are covered by silvery-white scales form on the skin. Changes to the face and hands can be a significant psychological burden and patients often feel ashamed of the condition. It is difficult to accept that the disease is chronic, inflammatory and will likely permanently be part of an individual's life. Factors influencing the deterioration of the condition are well known. The good news is that you can significantly reduce the symptoms with a change in lifestyle and eating habits.
Diet for alleviating psoriasis
Probiotics: A diet rich in probiotics can support the metabolism, reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Reach for organic raw milk cultures such as “kefir” (a slightly carbonated fermented milk beverage), yoghurt and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut or turnip.
Fibre-rich foods: Increase the intake of foods rich in fiber such as fruit, vegetables, and seeds to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Fish rich in omega-3 fats: Omega-3 fats can improve symptoms of psoriasis. We recommend wild fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon.
Foods containing zinc: Zinc is extremely important for maintaining healthy skin. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc.
Foods rich in vitamin A: Includes orange, yellow and green vegetables and increase vitamin A which is important for skin healing.
Food to avoid
Dairy products: People with psoriasis have difficulty metabolizing casein A1. Find fermented dairy products made from goat’s or cow's milk, which contain only casein A2.
Meat: Fish is a welcome source of animal proteins in psoriasis, but limit consumption of other types of meat.
Hydrogenated oils and fried foods: For those suffering from psoriasis, fatty foods are difficult to digest.
Allergens in food: Food allergies can worsen psoriasis. Gluten should certainly be avoided.
Caffeine: Dehydration and digestive problems may be caused or exasperated by caffeine.
5 most effective dietary supplements
Hydrochloric acid (during a meal): Hydrochloric acid helps in the metabolism of protein and reduces outbreaks of psoriasis plaques.
Omega-3 fish oil (1,000 to 20,000 mg per day): Fish oil is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin to heal.
Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU daily): Low levels of vitamin D are associated with psoriasis.
Milk thistle (250 mg 3 times per day): Milk thistle helps detoxify the liver and slows cell growth.
Probiotics (50 billion units per day): Probiotics improve digestion as they increase the good bacteria and crowd out the bad ones in the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal disorders are associated with psoriasis.
Other food supplements that can improve the symptoms of psoriasis are meat soup (from joints and bones), vitamin B12 and digestive enzymes.
Exposure to the sun
Even 20 daily minutes of exposure to sunlight can improve the symptoms of psoriasis. The exposure of skin to UV-rays has proven to be useful. An excessive sun is exposure is still harmful but make sure you are exposed to sunlight at least several times a week especially in the autumn and winter months.
Salt and oil baths
The symptoms of psoriasis can be alleviated with regular salt baths. Some of our buyers swear by oil baths with the addition of unrefined hemp seed oil. Add a few tablespoons of hemp oil to a warm bath and the skin will be smooth and soothed.
Regular moisturising with oil, reduces the dry feeling and prevents the occurrence of dry plaques. In the case of a less severe form of psoriasis it is usually enough to moisturise the skin with a rich oil immediately after showering or bathing. After showering hemp oil will intensely moisturise inflamed plaques and alleviate the itching and burning. It is an excellent source of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids which are important building blocks of cells and increase the skin’s elasticity. High levels of gamma linolenic acid improve the immune system and vitamin E promotes the recovery of the skin’s elasticity.
Take control of your psoriasis
Scientific research confirms the positive effect of cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis. CBD, contained in cannabis resin, is bringing new hope for psoriasis sufferers.
Cannabinoids from hemp have anti-inflammatory effects and inhibit the growth of keratinocytes: cells that renew the epidermis with the production of new cells. Cannabinoids slow down the production of keratinocytes in the epidermis of the skin which produces too fast in people with psoriasis.
Previous research has shown great potential for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis. There has been an extremely positive response from people with psoriasis who are using our skin care products containing cannabinoids such as CBD oil and Therapeutic CBD Skin Balm.
Therapeutic CBD Skin Balm is based on rich vegetable oils and butter. It extensively moisturises the skin and maintains its flexibility. This reduces the possibility of skin cracking which in the event of psoriasis can be extremely dry and brittle.
CBD oil will support your immune system which is extremely important in psoriasis. Add a drop of cannabis resin to the oil with which you nourish the skin after showering.
