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 Addressing
Psoriasis - Steps to Healing This Common DisorderBy Janet Rowe of Health & Natural Lifestyles Psoriasis is a skin condition that typically manifests as areas of thickened, flaky, silvery white and reddened skin that may hurt, itch and bleed. Elbows and knees are frequent sites of these lesions, but they may appear anywhere. Circulating toxins from a toxic bowel and free radicals have been revealed as causes of psoriasis. It may also have an auto-immune component, such as psoriatic arthritis - a form of arthritis sometimes accompanying psoriasis that is believed to be an auto-immune disease. Typically the immune system is off balance due to dysbiosis - an abnormal bacterial and/or fungal growth in the intestine. Psoriasis is characterized by defects in the normal cycle of skin development that lead to altered maturation of skin cells, vascular changes and inflammation. It is believed to be genetically linked but can also be triggered by mechanical, ultraviolet and chemical injury; various infections and prescription drug use. The development of psoriasis may also be the result of protein maldigestion, liver dysfunction, stressful life events leading to adrenal insufficiency, excess alcohol and animal fat consumption, constipation, essential fatty acid deficiencies and dysbiois. Intestinal dysbiosis can be linked to a variety of diseases and is often the result of insufficient digestion of proteins and carbohydrates. One study found Candida Albicans to be a trigger in the aggravation and persistence of psoriasis. The bottom line is you need to fix the dysbiosis. Recent studies also look at the mind/body connection in psoriasis. Data from a pilot study indicated an enhanced stress-induced autonomic response and diminished pituitary-adrenal activity in psoriasis patients. The stress hormones cortisol/epinephrine are thought to trigger phases of immune deficiency and have been linked to eruptions of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a highly complex illness with a variety of causes and exacerbating factors. The disease can be controlled effectively by addressing the factors that contribute to psoriatic symptoms such as digestive insufficiency, intestinal dysbiosis, organ/blood toxins and miasmatic tendencies. Detoxification Program - Cleansing the colon, kidneys and liver is essential, as is cleansing the blood of all fungus, parasites, worms, flukes, viruses and bacteria. This allows the immune system to create some balance so that you can stop the mast cells from forming. Keeping the body in an alkaline pH balance between 7.0 and 7.4 as measured through the urine is the fastest way of stopping the inflammation, itch and soreness. Bathing in sea water can also help, as can the application of essential oils. Nutritional Supplements - Any skin disease requires the following, but remember supplements can aggravate the skin if the body is still toxic. The first recommended supplement is vitamin A emulsion (up to 60000 IU’s per day depending on body size). I recommend this product over Beta Carotene because psoriasis a good indication that the liver is toxic and malfunctioning so it doesn’t have the capability of breaking down large quantities of Beta Carotene, whereas the vitamin A emulsion is already broken down and easier to absorb. Vitamins B, E and other nutrients such as Glutathione, selenium, quercitin and bioflavinoids are necessary for repairing and maintaining. Secondly, an absolute essential is Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s), such as hemp oil, flax oil, borage oil, etc., and at least 240 mg of gamma linolenic acid per day. EFA’s inhabit production and storage of arachidonic acid, a natural substance that promotes inflammatory response and makes the lesions of psoriasis turn red and swell. Minerals are also required to ensure absorption. Normalizing of the pancreatic and liver enzymes is necessary for protein digestion and assimilation. And don’t forget to keep the large intestine cleansed and repopulated with good bacteria. In regards to “good bacteria”, I prefer to use human microflora. I have seen fantastic changes in the bowel by using human microflora as it reaches the small and large intestines, and is not defeated by the stomach acid. By using the human microflora you get the exact components of humans, not bovine. Remember cattle have more stomachs and chew their food multiple times to digest it, therefore it doesn’t make sense to use cow probiotics. Herbs are ideal for cleaning the blood, liver, kidneys, parasites, fungus, yeast and even the bowel depending on what is discover in the blood. Homeopathy is also extremely useful in detoxifying, rebuilding and even maintaining, and can be cheaper and as effective. Recommendations - Eat a diet that is composed of 50% raw foods and includes plenty of fruits (not citrus), organic grains (not wheat) and vegetables. Include wild fish in the diet as well. Get plenty of dietary fiber -- non-soluble fiber is critical for maintaining a healthy colon. Avoid meats and dairy products including milk and cheese. Do not consume citrus fruits, fried foods, processed foods, saturated fats, sugar or white flour. Follow a yeast free food list for a minimum of 3 months. Have your blood read to determine the levels of dysbiosis and seek guidance to cleansing, rebuilding and maintaining this disorder. Remember success depends on knowledge, desire, discipline and proper guidance for lasting results. Janet Rowe, owner of Health & Natural Lifestyles Inc., offers Live & Dried Blood Analysis & a variety of therapies & therapeutic supplements. 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