Doc's Nutrition Depot August Health News Letter

http://docsnutritiondepot.com/

Doc's Nutrition Depot August 2008

August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, genetic disease developing in the skin and/or the joints. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. In plaque psoriasis, the most common type, causes patches of skin called "lesions" to become inflamed and are covered by silvery white scale, These can be limited to a few lesions or can involve moderate to large areas of skin. The severity of psoriasis can vary from person to person; however for most people, psoriasis tends to be mild.

People with psoriasis pose no threat to the health or safety of others. It is not contagious. No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures and falls off the body's surface in a month. But a psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface. Instead of falling off (shedding), the cells pile up and form lesions.

Psoriasis occurs nearly equally in men and women across all social groups. It is also present in all racial groups, but in varying rates. Psoriasis often appears between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can develop at any age. There are various forms, Plaque psoriasis is the most common. Other Forms Include

1) Guttate - characterized by small dot-like lesions
2) Pustular - characterized by weeping lesions and intense scaling
3) Inverse - characterized by intense inflammation
4) Erythrodermic - characterized by intense shedding and redness of the skin.

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the Scalp, knees, elbows and torso. But psoriasis can develop anywhere, including the nails, palms, soles, genitals and face (rare). Often the lesions appear in the same place on the right and left sides of the body.

So what can you take to help treat Psoriasis ?

1) Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM –

http://docsnutritiondepot.com/arthritisandjointsupport.aspx
Both glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the body. Glucosamine is believed to promote the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin is believed to promote water retention and elasticity in cartilage and inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage. MSM is also said to relieve pain and have anti-inflammatory properties.

2) Detoxing Supplements - http://docsnutritiondepot.com/detoxsupport.aspx

These are sold either as single compounds or formulated together to help make a more potent combination, Overall helping your body get rid of unwanted toxins.

3) Immune Boosters - http://docsnutritiondepot.com/immuneboosters.aspx
Skin is your largest and most visible organ, therefore is a good indicator of health in general. Vitamin shortages are often indicated by skin problems. Classic clinical deficiencies of riboflavin (B-2), niacin (B-3), vitamin A and vitamin C all result in skin disease. At the very least, psoriasis patients should be urged to take a good multivitamin daily. Additional vitamin A is best taken as non-toxic carotene. B-complex supplements provide a balance of all B-vitamins, ensuring safety. Vitamin C is also non-toxic, even in very large doses. Green and Red Powders (Fruit and Vegetables) Is also another great alternative In our overfed but undernourished culture, vegetable juice fasting and dietary supplements make sense to try.

4) Fish Oils - http://docsnutritiondepot.com/essentialfattyacids.aspx
Psoriasis may be partly due to a difficulty in the way the body process’s oils, or to a lack of oils in the diet itself. Studies have shown that consuming a fatty acid found in fish called EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) may provide symptom relief.

References – National Psoriasis Foundation

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to treat, prevent, mitigate or cure disease. User results may vary. You should check with you doctor before starting any supplement to see if it is right for you.