PSORIASIS (AVOID These 7 Things) 2024

Summary

Dr. Ken Berry, a family physician with over 20 years of experience, discusses natural ways to improve psoriasis symptoms. He explains that psoriasis is not a skin problem but an immune system issue causing inflammation and overproduction of skin cells. Dr. Berry highlights seven things to avoid: tobacco, sugar, grains, alcohol, seed oils, dairy, and nightshades. By removing these from your diet, you can significantly reduce psoriasis symptoms without relying on prescription medications. The advice is based on clinical experience, research, and ancestral health principles, providing a natural approach to managing the condition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Psoriasis is not just a skin problem; it’s an immune system issue where the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin.
• 😀 The root cause of psoriasis is a confused immune system, not an overactive one. This leads to inflammation and skin issues.
• 😀 Topical treatments like creams and lotions don’t address the underlying cause of psoriasis; they only treat surface-level symptoms.
• 😀 Psoriasis can often be improved without expensive and potentially harmful prescription medications by focusing on natural lifestyle changes.
• 😀 Genetics may predispose you to psoriasis, but environmental factors like diet and lifestyle choices play a significant role in triggering or worsening it.
• 😀 The immune system confusion in psoriasis is linked to chronic inflammation and hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin in the blood).
• 😀 The gut has significantly more surface area than the skin, meaning inflammation in the gut can affect the rest of the body, including the skin.
• 😀 Quitting tobacco products (smoking, chewing, etc.) is crucial as tobacco causes inflammation in both the gut and lungs, worsening psoriasis.
• 😀 Sugar, including natural sources like honey and fruit, triggers hyperinsulinemia and can flare up psoriasis symptoms.
• 😀 Avoiding all grains, including wheat, rice, oats, and corn, is important because they can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis.
• 😀 Dairy products, particularly those containing lactose and inflammatory proteins, should be eliminated to help reduce psoriasis symptoms.
• 😀 Nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) may exacerbate psoriasis and should be avoided based on anecdotal research and clinical experience.

Q & A

What is psoriasis, and what causes it?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks parts of the skin, causing excessive skin cell production, resulting in inflamed, red, and flaky plaques. It is not primarily a skin problem but an issue with immune system dysfunction.

Why is psoriasis considered an immune system issue rather than just a skin problem?

Psoriasis is caused by a confused immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin, leading to inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover. The problem lies in immune system dysfunction, not the skin itself.

How does smoking worsen psoriasis?

Smoking inflames both the lungs and the gut, and this systemic inflammation can trigger or worsen psoriasis, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

What role does sugar play in the development or worsening of psoriasis?

Sugar, in any form, increases insulin levels in the body, leading to hyperinsulinemia, which is one of the factors that can exacerbate psoriasis by triggering inflammation.

Why should individuals with psoriasis avoid grains?

Grains, including wheat, oats, rice, corn, and quinoa, can exacerbate psoriasis due to their potential to cause inflammation. Gluten, in particular, has been linked to worsening psoriasis symptoms.

How does alcohol contribute to psoriasis flare-ups?

Alcohol increases inflammation in the gut and liver, which can then spread throughout the body, worsening psoriasis symptoms, especially in genetically predisposed individuals.

What are seed oils, and why should they be avoided for psoriasis management?

Seed oils, like canola, soybean, and sunflower oil, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause systemic inflammation. These oils should be avoided in favor of healthier fats like butter, olive oil, or avocado oil.

Why is dairy considered harmful for people with psoriasis?

Dairy, especially low-fat or skim milk, can cause inflammation in the body due to lactose and certain dairy proteins. Some individuals may find that eliminating dairy significantly improves their psoriasis symptoms.

What are nightshades, and how do they affect psoriasis?

Nightshades are a group of plants, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers. These can trigger inflammation in the body and may worsen psoriasis in some individuals, particularly those with a genetic predisposition.

Why do the recommended changes to diet and lifestyle improve psoriasis?

The suggested dietary changes, such as avoiding tobacco, sugar, grains, alcohol, seed oils, and dairy, aim to reduce systemic inflammation, correct immune system confusion, and combat hyperinsulinemia—all of which contribute to psoriasis flare-ups.