Can you tell me what natural options you recommend for psoriasis?

Eye, Ears, Mouth, Hair, Nails & Skin

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Q. Dear Terry, “I was diagnosed with psoriasis about ten years ago. The psoriasis seems to worsen in the winter and makes my skin itchier and drier. Can you tell me what natural options you recommend for psoriasis?”– Corinne M., Schaumburg, IL

A. Dear Corrine, I think diet can make a huge impact on our overall health, especially when it comes to chronic conditions, like psoriasis. I believe it’s important to restrict all sugar and foods made with sugar, refined flour, and carbohydrates. That means soft drinks, sweetened and diet, crackers, candy, cookies, bread, pasta, cakes, and ice cream. While I understand this takes a huge effort, it can make a real difference. Click on my healthy diet plan for more information. Some additional diet resources include: www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com, www.drperlmutter.com, and www.dietdoctor.com. You should also read the books, Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter and Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis.

I believe people with psoriasis would benefit greatly by adding a clinically studied curcumin to their daily routine. Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, has been shown in numerous studies to be helpful for chronic inflammatory skin conditions, like psoriasis. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory that works via multiple pathways. Psoriasis can also have joint involvement, called psoriatic arthritis, and curcumin is a safe and effective option for many types of arthritic conditions as well. I would take 750 mg per day of curcumin enhanced with turmeric essential oil.

For additional support, you may want to consider a clinically studied and standardized boswellia extract. Boswellia works on other inflammatory pathways that curcumin has little impact on. When combined, curcumin and boswellia can significantly reduce inflammation. I would take 500 mg of boswellia with at least 10% AKBA and virtually free of beta-boswellic acids, once or twice daily.

Lastly, you may want to consider taking sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil. Sea buckthorn oil has been shown in clinical research to improve the hydration capabilities of the skin and mucous membranes, alleviate dryness and facilitate skin healing. I prefer a sea buckthorn that features both the seed oil and pulp. I would take 500 mg of sea buckthorn that provides 150 mg of omega-7, twice daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally