Psoriasis Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments OVERVIEW Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by the rapid production of the skin cells, resulting in pink, raised patches of skin with white scales. Areas of the body commonly affected include the elbows, knees, and scalp, but psoriasis can appear on almost any part of the body. The cause is unknown, but genetics seems to play a role. Other factors contributing to psoriasis include emotional stress, infection, smoking, and an immune response to a disease. Light-skinned people are more at risk. Also, the joints can be affected, causing psoriatic arthritis. SUPPLEMENTS FOR PSORIASIS There are several natural supplements that can help with psoriasis. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you. Vitamins & Minerals There are no vitamins or minerals that stand out as being helpful for psoriasis, but it is still important to take a balanced, high potency multivitamin formula, preferably one that also contains essential fatty acids. Less Helpful: vitamin A, vitamin D (oral and topical). Other Supplements Fish Oil – Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) have shown some promise in reducing psoriatic lesions. Some research had patients take 20 grams orally, while other research used a topical preparation containing fish oil, and another study used an intravenous form of omega-3 fatty acids. Herbs Aloe Vera (topical) – Aloe is a fleshy-leaved plant native to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The medicinal part is the juice found in the leaves. Topical applications of the gel from this plant can be quite effective in decreasing psoriatic plaques by reducing desquamation, erythema, and infiltration. Cayenne (topical) – Cayenne pepper is native to Central and South America, and the plant belongs to the nightshade family. Also called chili pepper, its pepper relatives include habanero, jalapeno, bell, and paprika. Active ingredients include capsaicinoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, steroid saponins, and volatile oils. Research with creams containing standardized amounts of capsaicin showed a reduction in both the itching and skin lesions. Gotu Kola (topical) – Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is native to Africa, Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, southern U.S., South America, and the South Pacific. It is a member of the parsley (Umbelliferae) family. Topical preparations can help with psoriasis. Some of the active ingredients in gotu kola help with wound healing by increasing collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Other ingredients help to reduce inflammation. What ever the mechanism(s) involved, gotu kola improves conditions of psoriasis. Milk Thistle – Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is native to Europe. It contains three powerful liver-protective agents. They are silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, and are usually collectively referred to as silymarin. Also present are flavonoids, including apigenin, naringenin, and quercetin. Taking milk thistle orally can help with psoriasis. It is theorized that this improvement may be attributed to increased removal of lipopolysaccharides, inhibiting lipoxygenase (reduces production of leukotrienes), and/or lowering cyclic GMP and raising cyclic AMP. Less Helpful: chamomile (topical), licorice (topical). COMMENTS Conventional treatments include hydrocortisone ointments (corticosteroids), oral medications, and sunlight therapy. Bovine (cow) and shark cartilage may be helpful. Use natural moisturizers, especially ones containing significant amounts of aloe vera, plus chamomile and vitamins A and D. Try various stress reduction techniques. References Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007. Pillepich, JA. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005. FOR PSORIASIS, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS: ● Age-Less Paks, Osteo Paks, or Wellness Paks ● Omega-3 (fish oil) ● Silymarin (milk thistle) The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern. * * * * * * Total Health Nutrients is a multi-faceted company, with operations in New York and New Jersey. We provide both services and products, such as: Nutritional Supplements: We carry the highest quality supplements to speed up your healing process. They were developed to contain the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, without danger of toxic build-up and without dangerous side effects. Each ingredient is selected in consideration of its absorbability, competitive relationship with other nutrients, allergenic potential, and long-term safety. Also, our supplements are manufactured in a cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) facility, ensuring you always get a pure product that meets label potency. 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