Beyond Skin Deep – Managing your psoriasis triggers
Psoriasis is a condition which appears on the outside but can be driven by triggers from the inside. Psoriasis triggers have been linked to gut health, oxidative stress, our microbiome and the very food we eat, showing just how important it is to take care of our overall health and wellbeing.
So, if this is the case, one might wonder why most psoriasis treatments focus on the outside?
Whilst topical treatments and creams can make a significant difference to psoriasis by targeting the direct site of inflammation, they don’t have enough absorptive capacity to address the internal drivers. What does that mean for treatment outcomes? Well, essentially the cause of that inflammation is allowed to continue and therefore by treating externally alone – you are simply trying to mop up the puddle while the tap is still running!
What is the best way to take care of your insides when treating your psoriasis?
You might already be aware that we are big believers in eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fresh fish and low in processed and packaged foods, sugar and saturated fats (see our latest diet blog here – https://www.soratinex.com/western-diet-linked-to-increased-psoriasis-not-just-obesity/). This is a great place to start, but in some cases, may not be enough alone. For some, even a healthy diet may not supply adequate nutrition, either due to increased needs, or insufficient amounts found in the foods consumed. For others, stress can be a significant trigger which can sometimes undo all the great work you are doing with your diet, leading to imbalanced stress hormones, gut microbiome and compromised immunity. Whilst leading a balanced, relaxing, healthy lifestyle is one of the better ways to manage psoriasis – sometimes…well, a little extra help from a herbal or nutritional supplement can go a long way.
What are the best supplements for psoriasis?
When looking for the best supplements for psoriasis, consider the following:
- Vitamin D – Deficiency in this vitamin is more common amongst psoriasis patients. If you are unable to get adequate sun exposure daily, it may be worth getting a test for Vitamin D through your health practitioner. If you are low, Vitamin D supplementation may be of benefit.
- Prebiotics – Research has shown gut bacteria is altered in psoriasis patients and fragments of gut bacteria have been found in psoriasis lesions. Therefore taking care of your gut health with a prebiotic supplement, such as triphala, can help to encourage the growth of friendly gut bacteria.
- Herbal Support – Psoriasis has been linked to triggers such as mental stress, oxidative stress and metabolic imbalances such as high blood sugar and obesity. Herbs that provide antioxidant benefits such as Gingko biloba can help the body defend itself from free radicals that can flare psoriasis. Other herbs can help to control inflammation, such as Boswellia and Scutellaria baicalensis or balance the stress response, such as Ginseng.
Taking a holistic approach to your psoriasis treatment by combining herbal and nutritional support with a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle and an effective topical routine, is a great way to address both the symptoms and triggers of your psoriasis.