Psoriasis Treatment
Natural Remedies

Effective Natural Remedies for Psoriasis Relief

Cold Showers

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Katrina (Sterling, VA) on 08/28/2006
★★★★★

After the death of two very close friends and a lot of stress, I ended up with stress induced psoriasis all over my head, neck and shoulder. I tried EVERYTHING OTC and nothing worked so finally, I gave up, and started saving money to go to the doctor. I came across the cold water therapy on this site and although I did not intend to use it to treat this issue, it sure cured it. I started taking cold water showers in the hottest months here in Virginia. Immediately I noticed the increase in energy and my hair is SUPER SOFT even after months of harsh psoriasis shampoos that had my hair turning to straw. Call me crazy, but it seems my shower doesn't get as grimy as it did before when I was using hot water. My complexion has improved, and there is an obvious difference in my pores. Basically, I have nothing bad to say about cold showers. After 2 months of them, I can't even STAND a hot shower now.

Replied by Pam E.
(SW California)
02/08/2024
145 posts

"Call me crazy, but it seems my shower doesn't get as grimy as it did before when I was using hot water. My complexion has improved, and there is an obvious difference in my pores."

This is all probably due to the heat dissolving & removing the natural oils from OP's skin, which would get splashed onto the cooler shower walls & not get rinsed away thoroughly by the hot water, perhaps even becoming firmer in that cooler environment.... HOT showers cause DRY skin & other problems!

So, the cold water doesn't remove near as much skin oil -if any- which had a noticeably beneficial effect on OP's skin. Win Win!!! Warm & cold showers are therefore much more healthy to take!


Cortisol

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by France (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 11/11/2014
★★★★★

I found out the cause of my Psoriasis was from elevated cortisol levels. This probably would only help people who developed psoriasis later in life. I stumbled on a cure, yes complete cure, when I started taking a natural support supplement for insomnia. The one I use is called Interplexus Seriphos, but there are many other cortisol lowering treatments available. Get your cortisol levels tested to see if they are high. I was so shocked when all my psoriasis completely went away. Not saying this will work on people who suffered from psoriasis all their life, but I always assumed my psoriasis came from hormone levels being out of sync. I started suffering from Psoriasis after menopause. I very much so wish this helps someone else out there who suffers from this disease.


Curel Fragrance Free Lotion

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by John (South Carolina) on 04/10/2022
★★★★★

Hi,

My name is John.

Psoriasis appeared on my elbows, knees, wrists, ankles and on my face after a very serious automobile accident in 1979. I was very embarrassed by the patches of either very dry or red skin.

I started using a prescription from a dermatologist but I stopped because the patches appeared to be a much deeper red.

After many years of experimenting with over the counter products and some also from dermatologists, I saw a commercial on tv for Curel fragrance free lotion.

The commercial didn't speak about psoriasis. It was only focused on dry skin.

I remember a few years before reading a magazine article about psoriasis. It said it's always best to use products that are simple and more natural.

Once again I am thinking "What have I got to lose"?

I started using Curel Fragrance Free Lotion during the Winter of 2009

I would apply this lotion to all areas that have psoriasis patches before I left my home each morning and before I went to bed each night .

Please understand! I had either deep red patches of crusty patches of skin.

It did take me a week or two to control everything but I did.

I haven't thought about looking for anything more to control my psoriasis because I believe my skin looks good and there has never been any side effects since I started using Curel Fragrance Free Lotion twice each day.

You might want to test multiple fragrance free lotions to see which one works the very best for you!

I sincerely hope this will help many people!

God bless you all!

John


Diatomaceous Earth

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Anonymous (Campbell, Ca ) on 05/06/2013
★★★★★

I am a 68 year old woman and have had psoriasis on one elbow for at least 6 years. The skin area affected was about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. I read on the internet that diatomaceous earth would resolve this problem. I purchased a 25 pound package of human grade diatomaceous earth (DE) for about $25.00 on the internet. The suggested daily amount to take is 1 heaping Tablespoon in a glass of water. I took this amount for 4 weeks and the psoriasis totally went away. Several web sites also suggested that you make a paste of the earth and put it on the affected area. I did this several times but then just put the earth in water on a daily basis and drank it. This would possibly work faster if you did both the paste and drank the DE in water. I stopped using the paste because it was getting on my clothes. I had tried aloe vera and other skin lotions and that didn't work. Diatamaceous earth is silica and it seems likely that this is a deficiency of silica in the diet. You can purchase smaller amounts of DE for a lesser price if this is all you want to use it for. My guess is that it would take longer to clear up psoriasis that covers a larger area. I was really surprised that this worked in such a short amount of time. The reason I tried this was I read testimonials on at least 6 web sites that said this was effective in getting rid of psoriasis. I will continue to use DE. If this is a deficiency in the diet, my guess is that it would be good to take DE at least several times a week on an on-going basis. In addition to working on psoriasis, it is very inexpensive. If used only for psoriasis, a 25 pound bag should last for many years - likely the reason this is not promoted by the established medical industry.

I purchased the larger amount of DE as I wanted to use it for garden pest control. DE has more than 100 health, pet, garden, and household uses, is not a chemical, and has no dangerous side effects to people or pets.

Replied by Carrie
(Florida, US)
03/24/2015

Just be sure it's FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth. The diatomaceous earth used for swimming pools is dangerous to inhale or ingest.


Dietary and Herbal Suggestions

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Amrita (Delhi, India) on 01/26/2009
★★★★★

i had psoriasis for last 10 years. after being treated with all types of therapies, i started holistic treatment. dr started my detoxification like colonics, acidity cleans and also by some herbs. to my surprise i saw improvement within a week. i was also put on diffrent types of fruits and vegetable juices. i was also performing regular stretching exercises and breathing exercises and at the end i took some herbs to correct my immune system. for last 3 yeays i have not noticed any symptom of the disease. i am eating well and livig joyfully. PSORIASIS has become a history. in my openion HOLISTIC THERAPY is the only solution for this disease. i know some other people also who are free from this disease after a long sufferings. thanx


Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Yigal (North Israel) on 09/21/2008
★★★★★

Psoriasis: avoiding sugar really helped my friend. Evening primrose oil drops is also very good. Neem cream externally. Cleaning the blood and liver is V important as well.


Dietary Changes

5 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  80%
4 star (1) 
  20%

Posted by Scott Miller (Delray Beach, FL) on 07/11/2023
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

PSORIASIS GONE

I remember the woman cutting my hair at age 14 telling me I had some redness on my scalp. That was the awful beginning. Turned out it was this condition called 'psoriasis'. I write this in quote marks because I don't believe anything (zero) BigPharma or these universities 'research' and write about this condition, especially that it's an 'autoimmune disease'. It is not.

Slowly but surely my condition worsened, but mostly on my head/scalp until my late 20s, possibly 30s. Then it started to spread. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to the Dead Sea for 3 weeks to a month for therapy. Nothing beats the Dead Sea....IF you do it right. I would experience a good, solid 9 months to a year of remission afterwards. I always visited during the hottest months, aka 'off-season', prices were much less. But this is not why I'm posting today.

While staying at the Dead Sea, I made sure to get out to the solarium at daybreak, stay there until the sun set over the mountains, then return to grab something to eat and pass out in my room. The sun and heat make you very tired.

During these visits, I observed everything....specifically the behavior of the others that came to heal, especially the Europeans. For me, it was work and diligence. For them, it was just another holiday off work (paid for by their insurance) where they could party AND drink (alcohol) until the AM. In the solarium, you are naked. No clothing so the sun can heal you everywhere on your body. So you see who heals and who does not. Those partiers and heavy drinkers never healed. The slackers (late to the beach and early to dinner) never healed.

Fast forward to 2005. I am in FL and my condition has worsened. I weighed in the 260s and have scaly patches on my knees, elbows, forearms (bottom), all around my belly button, and still on my scalp, behind my ears, just terrible. No relief in sight. I used to think and say to family and friends, "How much would I pay to rid myself of this condition? Everything I have, then I'd start over."

I met a woman that said she could help me. By then I was so over having people give me their b.s. remedies that never worked, but I was still open-minded enough to try almost anything. She gave me a very, very specific diet and told me that she wanted me to follow it obsessively. No going off course. ONLY this diet. I read it. It was not easy. More important than what I could eat was what I could not eat. This is an exclusionary diet. Upon further reading, it made logical sense to me. After 90 days, I was P-free. Not a dot, not a single lesion anywhere. I joined a site called NPF, the National Psoriasis Foundation. Utter bullsh*t. I wrote something like 'Cured after 30 years!! ' They threw me off in a week because I was against ALL drugs and supplements. I had no chance.

Here are my findings, which are opposite of much of what's posted here and other places by P-sufferers:

No more sugar. Never again, not in any form. That includes 95% of all fruits. No more wheat or wheat family. Zero. No alcohol. No corn in any form, no dairy, no peanuts, walnuts, cashews. Nothing that can breed mold. No yeast or related.

Body Care. Is the itching driving you to rip your skin off? I use P73 oregano oil, rub it in, itch gone. If it's too strong and burns a bit, dilute with a bit of olive oil. Use it on your finger and toe nails. My hair/scalp? I seldom shampoo, but when I do, I just use a little bit of that Greek olive-oil bar soap that I shower with. Been using it since '05 and never looked back. Supplements? NOT a believer, so sorry. The more of these we put in our bodies, the more our liver has to work to process them and remove toxins. There is something called caprylic acid I took to help ward off yeast in my body. SWEAT as much as possible and only drink water. Squeeze lemon into your water, it's great. The more you sweat, the faster you will heal your body. Take before and after photos. I did not, I forgot, so guess what I have instead? I have these amazing 'scars' (not really scars) of dark pigmentation where all of my lesions were. Lesions gone, but these scars are outlined on my arms, belly, and legs. It's amazing. I always felt bad that I didn't have photos of BEFORE, but this is even better. I show them off to everybody. 90 DAYS and gone.

I am going to tell everyone reading this now that I have this diet so extremely down to a science, that I can actually bring on the lesions/scales whenever I want and then get rid of them at will. Bringing them out takes about 3-5 days after eating papaya, watermelon (both forbidden on this protocol) or a couple of pita (wheat is hands down worst), but it takes weeks to get rid of them. Here is something cool to know about the healing process. Whereas you would think that the lesions will start to get smaller from outside inward, it actually happens in reverse. Every lesion that healed on my body had a tiny dot start somewhere in the middle and move outward. MORE SWEAT, more healing. Soften your skin with coconut oil and throw away every other cream or 'moisturizer' (with nothing but harmful chemicals) out in your trash. They are poison.

I wish you luck and success. You must be diligent and not waver. This protocol had me clear in 75 to 90 days and it's OUT of my life now. This exclusionary diet will be easily memorized by you and will become second nature. You won't even think about it after a year or two.

Let me know how it goes. G-d bless everybody trying to get better.

Replied by Sheyla
(Meridian, ID)
07/13/2023

Thank you for your well-written and informative post, Scott. Congrats on being P-free! What do you eat for meals and snacks? Would love to hear a sample of what your day looks like in terms of food.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Cholasman (Mumbai, India) on 05/18/2015

I'm new here and reading this forum makes me feel better about myself. I developed scalp psoriasis on my scalp my senior year in college back in 2003. When I first had an outbreak, large portions of my scalp were VERY red. This redness was on the scalp only and didn't go anywhere else on my head. After years of having flaky/red & itchy scalp, I began to realize that food was contributing to it. Dairy & gluten are the biggest problem foods. I have also noticed tomato sauce, peppers, peanuts, and fatty red meat somewhat contribute to flakiness. I honestly can't tell if eggs cause a problem or not as I noticed that when I eat eggs, they somewhat moisturize my scalp, it becomes slightly oily. Does anyone know why this happens? Am I allergic to eggs or is this a result of its nutritional profile? Anyway, right now I only have a problem on my scalp. I have 2 red patches that are coming down on my forehead so I cannot hide that and it's embarrassing.

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
05/19/2015

Namaste, Cholasman, (Mumbai) India)

It seems you need to resort to a strict vegetarian diet. Have you tried neem oil topically and coconut oil internally and topically? also, you have to try and rule out parasitc infection by misting with colloidal silver.

This takes time and internal cleansing regimen by a vaidya with a view to strengthen the immune system would be indicated. Use morning sun only to help healing.

Namaste, Om

Replied by Gratitude
(Northeast, Usa)
05/20/2015

Hello Cholasman,

My mother has severe scalp psoriasis also. You're correct that diet has a major impact on it as does stress. She used Rx steroid cream for years and it does Nothing! Finally stopped and tried Black Seed Oil which completely stopped all the layers upon layers of scaling/flaking. It also toned down the bright hot red to a pink (after a couple of weeks). Sometimes it is nearly gone but she has trouble sticking to a good clean diet and has much stress.

This may help the redness you're still experiencing or at least reduce it greatly.


Replied by Brad
(Rhode Island)
04/19/2015

Yes, I agree it is a large amount to take, but I did the test and I still don't taste the acid after all the heck. And yes I have 600 mgs in mine. Close to your amount also with pepsin and other digestive enzymes.

Replied by Stonefieldsian
(Auckland, New Zealand.)
04/20/2015

Thanks for response......so is 10 capsules of HCl your daily dosage?


Dietary Changes
Posted by Bradshad (Rhode Island, US) on 04/17/2015
★★★★★

After struggling with psoriasis for 35 years and also psoriatic arthritis for 10 years, I started out 4 years ago with the natural route. I went to 5 or 6 natural doctors. First was give up wheat and dairy. Did nothing to fix it. Next was acid/alkaline diet. Helped but not much. I did an allergy test and only ate acceptable foods I was not allergic to. Helped but not enough. I chased down Candida, leaky gut etc..etc.. I did the blood type diet. That helped a lot but I lost so much weight I was really limited on what I could eat.

So recently I went to a new naturopath. She said that Candida was just a symptom just like my other afflictions of a root problem. Made sense. Then I stumbled across Low stomach acid or hypochorydia. I went back to the best diet I believe which is proper food combining. I eat fruits for breakfast, carbs and veggies for lunch and the same for dinner or sometimes flesh and veggies. When I eat carbs or protein I take upwards of 8 to 10 hcl capsules to break the food down. I believe genetics had a play in this for I am a blood type a+ which they are born with low stomach acid.

It has been 2 to 3 weeks and my skin is drastically better. 90% of americans have low stomach acid. It causes just about every condition on this website. Follow the proper food combining, take hcl, vitamin u which is cabbage juice pills and stop chasing symptoms down. When food does not break down, it sits there and rots, causing all these problems. The liver and kidneys become taxed causing autointoxification, I believe is the term, which is like drinking booze all day. No good. I hope I helped someone today. It took me four long terrible years to get where I am at. I hope and pray and continue to eat right and get healthier day by day. Brad

Replied by Debra
(South Carolina)
04/17/2015

I am 55 years old woman and am suffering with psoriasis all over my body, but I don't understand what hcl tablets are and I don't know what blood type I am? Can you tell me more about this? please help me!

thank you, Debra

Replied by Stonefieldsian
(Auckland)
04/18/2015

Hi Brad, isn't "upwards of 8 to 10 hcl capsules" seems to be quite a large amount to take in one go? Do you take this amount all at a time or span over several meals? Also, what is the potency (mg of HCl) per capsule? I have in hand a product that contains 650 mg Betaine HCl and 165 mg Pepsin 1:3000 per capsule......wonder if this is the right stuff. Thanks.

Replied by Art
(California, US)
04/20/2015
2294 posts

Brad, I'm glad you found a remedy for your psoriasis that works for you, but I tried the HCI as a possible remedy for psoriasis and my psoriasis got worse so I do not think it is a remedy for everyone's psoriasis.

I used a steadily increasing dose until I got "the burn" which required taking baking soda to neutralize the burn and then I reduced my HCI by one capsule and remained at that dose until " the burn" returned over a period of time and then reduced my dose again. While using the HCI I could smell it when going to the bathroom.

I also tried Now Super Enzymes which also contains HCI as one of its ingredients and they did not help either, but they did work quite well to help eliminate indigestion on the rare occasion when I might over eat.

Art

Replied by Bradshad
(Rhode Island)
04/22/2015

Art then if that did not work, you should proper food combine. I am not just supplementing, I follow that eating protocol which heals all. Research it.

Replied by Cora
(Texarkana, Tx)
12/10/2017

Gluten, Dairy, Enzymes, Probiotics, and HCl. All have a major role to play in the battle for your health. Most of us have problems digesting our food because we are supposed to be eating raw foods which have enzymes that naturally starts breaking down food in our stomachs before our stomach acid (HCl) starts in on the food an hour after we eat. We are also supposed to chew each bite about 20 times to mix with our own enzymes in our saliva. The enzymes begin breaking down the food and "turn off" when our stomach acid comes in and works on the food some more. Then the food moves to our intestines where we are supposed to have an alkaline environment to turn these enzymes back on to continue helping break down food into the nutrients we need. Because of our lifestyle today, none off these things happen as they are meant to. So if you are not eating raw foods like a salad (that is organic! ) then you need to be taking an enzyme supplement when you take the first bite; Then take a HCl supplement an hour after you eat. And of course eating foods that promote an alkaline environment in your gut will also help greatly. However, that last part it is not so easy to do consistently. Particularly if you are already on another diet or have an allergen or intolerance.

My brother has psoriasis and is autistic and intolerant to gluten and dairy. We are also trying eliminate nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, paprika, etc). So far we have found that eating less nightshade vegetables and using topically or eating more coconut oil is helping us heal some of his psoriasis.

Replied by Becky
(Ca)
12/10/2017
31 posts

This topic can get mighty frustrating in knowing what to do. As someone who has a very serious systemic candida issue, I can't afford to get it wrong.

Bill's Killing Candida book says to take hcl with meals and baking soda an hour later. Not sure what to do any more?

Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
12/12/2017

Hello Becky,

I don't know about the Candida problem specifically, but I DO know from personal experience, that I made great progress with my digestive issues once I commenced taking HCL tablets under the instruction of my local Naturopath.

Older people loose some of their stomach acid unfortunately. They tend to lose some important other stuff also but you get the message!

I decided later on that I would change to taking ACV during my main evening meal only and this seemed to work just as well ( and was much less expensive! ).

I drink it through a straw and rinse carefully afterwards and clean teeth a half hour later.

You could mix it with Bicarbonate of Soda if you are worried about your enamel OR take the tablets.

I got rid of the intestinal gas that was bothering me and I think that I am digesting my food better (and getting the nutrients out of it) especially mince, chicken and some carbohydrates! Older people need some protein in their diets.

I got rapid relief by doing the above and only take the recommended dosage as outlined on this Site. In fact, I usually only take a couple of tea-spoons of it at a time in a big glass of water either during a meal OR within thirty minutes of finishing the meal (important).

I don't care to take it on an empty stomach.

I hope this helps you some.

Cheers,

Michael


Dietary Changes
Posted by Diana (Grayson, Ky) on 03/05/2015
★★★★☆

I have psoriasis on my right hand. I have found rubbing A&D ointment on it helps and staying away from sugar.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Brad Shad (North Providence, Rhode Island) on 04/05/2012

Hi, I read your post. I went natural 16 months ago and am still trying to get to the bottom of it. I am currently 8 days into proper food combining. This is the key to it all. I eat fruits for breakfast and veggies and carbs or veggies and protein. Look up for more info. I was BLOATED after eating a regular meal and now after proper food combining I am not after 2 days. Hopefully in a month I will know if it is working. If not I'm going strictly vegan mostly veg til it clears. I was told that if you eat a plant based diet that you can cure cancer. Eating properly will boost the immune system to fight off anything. You have to clear out the garbage and yes your liver is probably struggling. How old did you get psoriasis? Good luck.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Kay Ramos (Louisville, KY) on 04/10/2009
★★★★★

I had Psoriasis for YEARS. The long and short of it was that I discovered that it is indeed (1) your body's inability to metabolize ANIMAL fat; and (2) processed/refined foods "gunking" up your system. If you are serious about getting rid of your Psoriasis, you can do what I did:

Stay away from red meats. I tested this. After eliminating red meats, dark meat (chicken/turkey legs and thighs) and processed and refined foods from my diet, it took about 2 months but my Psoriasis totally cleared up... totally. Anytime I would eat a nice big steak, I would have a flare up on either my legs or my arms. It wasn't a large flare up, but enough for me to realize that the red meat was not reacting well with my body. Now, having said this, we also have a better understanding now that what our cows and chickens are eating affects the constitution of their meat. Cows that are "grain fed", their meat contains certain compounds that makes their fat very unhealthy. That's why today we are seeing labels that say "grass fed". Somehow the grass affects the quality of the fat and the way that we are able to metabolize it. I have NOT tested this theory yet to see if the meat from cows that are ONLY GRASS FED will give my skin the same reaction. The same would go for chickens and turkeys. The way these animals are jam packed together like sardines and all the antibiotics they are fed and their horrible diets, I really think this also changes the composition of the fat in their meat. Just food for thought. However, to be safe, avoid red meat and dark meat or meats that are high in fat.

Stay away from pork! Pigs are the garbage collectors of the animal kingdom. Pigs will eat ANYTHING and EVERYTHING -- and do. They clean up the dead things. You truly ARE what you eat in this sense. Most people are not aware that pigs do not excrete toxins which means whatever they eat gets stored in their fat and then gets consumed by you. You will never look at bacon quite the same way again when you realize what is REALLY in that fat you're eating.

Next is to eliminate ALL dairy from your diet. This was very hard for me as I was raised on a farm and love dairy! However, what a change I noticed when I did. No butter, ice cream, milk, etc. I noticed STRONGLY that eggs are one of the WORST offenders. Almost as soon as I eat eggs I get a breakout.

Next eliminate processed, refined and "pre-fab" foods from your diet. No "white" anything. No white flour, sugar, rice. These foods are "empty" and do nothing but gunk up your system and cause things like yeast overgrowths and just all kinds of trouble, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc.

No fried foods, no refined oils. This will also make your psoriasis go crazy. Any oil that you buy off your store shelves that does not say "cold pressed" has been processed and refined and is full of partially hydrogenated oils. Notice the labeling... they all say "0 grams of trans fat PER SERVING" and then notice what the serving size is. That means that the amount of trans fat is "negligible" to where they can list "0 grams of trans fats" so long as you don't exceed their serving size. States all around the country have banned and are in the process of banning partially hydrogenated oils from being served in restaurants, etc. There is a reason for this... they are toxic and poisonous... and will make you fat. The last thing I will say on this topic is this... they say '0 grams of trans fat per serving' and claim that they are following labeling laws and they are very misleading because the regular consumer is not aware of how they are being less than forthright. My question to the manufacturers is this... I have this batch of brownies that I have baked. I have ONLY added a little bit of dog crap in the mix... just enough that, if I use the guidelines of our labeling laws, I can put on my label "no dog crap" but then on the backside of my label, I will say "no dog crap PER SERVING". I would like to ask the manufacturers if they would like to eat my brownies?! Ha! I doubt they would.

I have said the above to make a point... if you do not look out for yourself, the FDA and the food manufacturers are NOT going to do it for you. Right now, as I am typing this, there are literally dozens of names for monosodium glutamate (MSG) another one of those nasty little ingredients that will make your psoriasis go off like the 4th of July and it can be found in nearly ALL pre-fab (pre-made) food, which is why you need to either avoid all pre-fab foods or educate yourself about what you're eating and become an avid label reader. :) There are websites that if you put in "names for MSG" they will tell you all the different names and what to look out for.

Also orange juice and tomatoes. Any overly acidic foods should be avoided. There are places on the web that list out which foods are acidic and you can avoid those.

I had Psoriasis for nearly 20 years and when I got really serious about finding out what was going on with my body, I was able to TOTALLY eradicate this "incurable disease". :)

Good Luck!

Replied by Kay
(Louisville, KY)
04/11/2009

SORRY! I also forgot to mention to avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, cigarettes (and of course second hand smoke), artificial sweeteners (aspartame/nutri-sweet, etc.), and ANY medication that warns about LIVER problems. Many psoriasis sufferers have compromised immune systems which can translate into a weak or stressed/compromised liver. For instance, acetaminophen, sold under many brand names, including Tylenol, is an ingredient in nearly 200 medications, both overthe-counter (such as Excedrin, Midol, NyQuil, and Sudafed) and prescriptions (such as Vicodin). The facts are in and the manufacturers MUST WARN YOU that it can cause serious liver damage - and even acute liver failure - if it is taken in high enough doses. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of liver failure in the United States, and accounts for an estimated 450 deaths per year. Also, you should avoid eating anything that has "garbage can tendencies" (such as the pig mentioned earlier). Unfortunately, as much as I LOVE crab, they are scavengers. They are the pigs of the sea, eating whatever dead things end up on the bottom of the ocean. Yummy...

There are probably other things I am forgetting; however, the best thing I can tell you is this: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If you eat something and your skin reacts to it, figure out what the culprit was. Just a for instance: many, many luncheon meats contain what is called "nitrates" and "nitrites". These are NOT good for you if you have psoriasis and you should avoid them.

What is so sad about this is that you will quickly realize that the reason you have Psoriasis is because your system has been being poisoned by a food industry who cares nothing for you and everything about their bottom dollar. Everyone's system is different. Not everyone ends up with psoriasis. Some people can eat crappy food and it won't affect them until much later in life. You'll have someone perfectly "healthy" who drops dead of a heart attack or comes down with some form of aggressive cancer or some other disease. We have diseases cropping up that no one has ever heard of before. The connection between what you put in your mouth and your health cannot be ignored. :)

Replied by Edie
(Lafayette, AL)
06/24/2009

To Kay Ramos: I read your post and was wondering with everything I would need to cut out of my diet, what foods are left? Could you send me a list of everthing that I would need and some recipes that I can use with those foods? I've tried every cream, potion and lotion on the market and I figure maybe the cure comes from the inside not the outside. I have pscoratic rheumatoid arthritis and hep-c. Maybe if I tried this program it would help both problems. My hep-c is controlable and it has'nt gotten any worse for a long time but I'm still concerned that it might. I'm aware that both of these problems stem from an autoammune disorder and if it could help build that up then it would be worth trying. Thanks again for your post and I hope to hear from you.

Replied by Chantel
(Orlando, Florida)
10/20/2009

i was wondering the same thing as Edie!

Replied by Anna
(Chicago, Illinois)
10/21/2009

Such a huge change in diet is also a lifestyle change which is very hard work. So I would suggest taking baby steps. The positive results will drive you forward, rather than leave you hungry or developing a complex about food.

For example, after reading other testimonials and due to personal experience, I would recommend first cutting beef and pork out of your diet. To make sure you are still getting your protein and iron, get a vegetarian cookbook (browse Amazon before buying or better yet, go to your local library) or look online for recipes with lentils, garbanzo beans, navy beans and kidney beans. You can make soup, dips, and even amazing veggie burgers from scratch (if you are addicted to burgers for example) with beans. Not all beans treat people the same, so play around until you find beans that most agree with your digestive system - sometimes too it's just a question of soaking and cooking them correctly. Listen to your body - if you start to feel strangely tired, it could be that you are low on protein or iron. Lentils are a good source of both, and almonds. Then of course you have white meat (chicken livers - paté or fried in salad!) and fish as well as nuts (walnuts and almonds are excellent), but everything in moderation.

Then try to cut down on your dairy intake but make sure you are still getting your calcium (through supplements, or kale, kidney beans, almonds, sesame seeds).

Also, simply swap your white rice for brown, honey for sugar, or try brown rice syrup. Consider using barley too, or oats, in place of rice. It may seem overwhelming, but once you get the hang of things, it really doesn't take much time or effort to whip up nourishing dishes in a matter of minutes. It still surprises me at the end of those days when I'm grumpy and tired and hungry how quickly I will be sitting down to eat.

Instead of junk food snacks, nibble nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit, or even things like rye crackers. You can even make your own granola bars; there are some excellent recipes out there.

I was diagnosed with low iron last year and started eating more red meat than ever [and citrus (acidic) to help with the absorption of my iron supplements] and my psoriasis kicked in for the first time in years. At first I thought maybe it was the winter and lack of sun (although winter comes every year, but not the psoriasis), then I started to feel more and more down and thought it was SAD and a side effect of that. But then I thought maybe I was down because of the psoriasis. After awhile it's a vicious circle. The other frustrating thing is that everyone has a different metabolism and so what works for one person doesn't work for another person. So keep track of things: keep a food diary and a skin/body diary. For example, I noticed that when I cut out dairy completely (and I don't eat much of it to begin with), my fingernails turned to rubber, which is bad news for women with osteoporosis risks. Also keep track of any supplements you are taking.

I hope this is helpful! This site has really helped me connect the dots. Thanks to everyone for sharing!

Lou
(Tyler, TX)
10/22/2021

Beware of this advice if you have a nickel allergy. Look up foods containing nickel. Beans and nuts are high in nickel.

Replied by Heather
(New York, Ny)
01/07/2010

To Kay and Anna: Thank you for such a detailed post. After years of suffering with moderate psoriasis, I finally became serious about a more disciplined diet and lifestyle. Almost all of the research that I have done on my own supports exactly what you have stated. I just wanted to add a few things:

Pork - I gave this up a year ago not ONLY because of the toxins, but because of worms and parasites that live in the flesh of the swine.

Raw Fish - same deal as above. While some obscure diets advocate raw fish/raw meats this seems antithetical to healing for someone with a compromised immune system.

Wheat Gluten - Not sure exactly what the connection is, but I believe it is a contributor to irritable bowel, and perhaps encourages candida growth as well.

Nightshade Vegetables - Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and peppers should be avoided. I have also read some articles recommending avoidance of corn.

Nuts - I was advised by a homeopath who treats me regularly that all nuts are acceptable EXCEPT for peanuts and cashews, because of the natural mold that develops inside their shells.

To Edie: STAY ENCOURAGED! You will find that when you are eating more simply and cleanly, you will feel healthier (I've actually gained a bit of healthy weight), look radiant and have a ton more energy. This is because your body is digesting more efficiently, and absorbing and utilizing nutrients more effectively than before. Therefore, do not worry about what you are not eating. Rather, concentrate on establishing good habits that are easy for you to follow. You will soon start to crave healthier foods.

My typical daily diet consists of:

BREAKFAST
Fresh Fruit: 3 whole bananas OR 3 organic apples OR 1 whole mango (skin-on), cubed.

Non-wheat cereal: Quinoa, oats, amaranth, tapioca with poached fruit and a little honey and cinammon.

LUNCH
Vegetable/Legume Soup: Lentil, Carrot, Split Pea (meatless) Pumpkin. Veggies for vitamins/antioxidants, legumes for protein. Alternate!

OR

Vegetable Omelette: I like Spinach and Goat Cheese. I have not yet noticed a reaction with me for eggs... may have to try an elimination and see whether it helps

DINNER

HUGE Salad: Mixed greens with Grilled Chicken or Salmon, some goat cheese (soft), carmelized onion and avocado.

OR

Organic Baby Arugula with grated goat cheese (hard), hemp seeds or slivered almonds, and vinagrette. I love a bottled miso vinagrette, but may eventually try a homemade one with apple cider vinegar.

OR

Any combination of protein/vegetable or starch/vegetable from the following (try not to combine protein and starch as this causes poor digestion). Grill, steam, bake or saute: lean chicken, fish, legumes (peas, beans), veggies (bright colored, e.g. carrots, beets; and green leafy ones e.g., broccoli, spinach, kale, collards are best), starches (brown rice, sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin) prepared veggie burgers, prepared veggie sushi (macro/organic only).

SNACKS (2-3 per day):
Brown rice cakes, nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit (sulfite-free only), granola bars, wheat-free crackers, nut butters, organic fruit butters.

DRINK (between meals):
Spring water (2 litres per day), fresh fruit/vegetable juices, herbal teas, health tonics.

There is such a variety to be had. Look for ways to substitute acceptable ingredients for unacceptable ones in recipes that you encounter. Focus on creativity, and think positively about your healing!I've been on a strict elimination diet for 2 months now, and I honestly do not crave any of the bad stuff I was eating before. I think you will adjust quite easily!

Replied by Kellady
(Upstate, Sc)
05/17/2010

To Edie from Lafayette, AL: You have been sadly misinformed regarding your health conditions. I am responding, because I am worried for you, and feel compelled to educate you and possibly save your life. My daughter has severe psoriatic arthritis (which is NOT the same thing as rheumatoid arthritis, but is very similar). The difference is that you cannot have psoriatic arthritis without psoriasis, and there is a blood test to determine if one has the rheumatoid factor. If it is negative, it is not RA. Secondly, although psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune conditions, Hepatitis C is NOT. I don't know where you got your information, but Hep C is a bloodborne pathogenic virus. It is an infectious disease that will cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and/or liver failure. It IS curable, unlike autoimmune illnesses. I am living proof of this, as I have beat Hep C. You really need to find an Infectious Disease Specialist or Gastroenterologist to manage your hepatitis, and get you treatment before it is too late. Your psoriatic arthritis may be manageable with biologics, such as Humira or Enbrel, with the help of a Rheumatologist. Those meds have helped several people that I know, but unfortunately stopped working for my daughter after only 9 months...hence why I am here. Hope this helps, and that you get the help that you need to eradicate that wicked virus. Don't try to tackle that one homeopathically...trust me.The PsA won't kill you, but the Hep can. Good luck!

Replied by Susan
(Gastonia, Nc)
02/13/2011

@Kellady,
I have PsA as well, and I am from southern NC. I am now on Remicade, prednisone, skelaxin, tramadol, folic acid, Vit B12 injections, vit D, and that's not all of it. I've tried diet modifications with zero results. How old is your daughter? I would like to get more information from you.

Replied by Mikek
(Cleveland, Ohio)
12/21/2011
★★★★★

Yes I agree with complete dietary changes. I read the book psoriasis free in 30 days and it didn't take that long, but I didn't eat any meat either and that could have sped up the process even more. I hade relief in days and clear skin 95% in two weeks. Also many ailments that I had for 20 years disapeared also and my energy level was through the roof!


Dietary Changes, Supplements

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Teresa (Richmond, Illinois, Usa) on 03/03/2012
★★★★★

Thank you Earth Clinic for all the information you provide and all people who contribute any remedies that may have helped in their condition. I have been suffering with Psoriasis now since June of 2011, I know that is relatively small amount of time compared to so many. I just wanted to contribute my experience. In researching online I discovered that Psoriasis is a reaction to your bodies immune system being run down and so I could not perceive why the doctors would prescribe medicines and creams that would further run down your immune. I knew I wanted to address the inner problem which hopefully would solve the symptom, psoriasis.

I started seeing a doctor who's approach was nutrionally based. I have eliminated bread, milk and sugar from my diet, yes it was hard, and taken increased supplement including Omega 3's, Primrose Oil, Vit A, Folic Acid and DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. Also I have used primrose oil on my body along with a skin cream for sensitive skin. I have to admit it has taken a while I am now on my 10th week but my skin is finally clearing up. I would say it is 75% clear and added benefit I have lost over 20 lbs. I have abused my body all my life with junk food and have been obese for most of my adult life so this was quite a challenge but I can now say that I intend to maintain this dietary lifestyle as I can see what I was doing to my overall health and perhaps I could thank the psoriasis for the wake up call that caused me to ultimately change my ways. So I would urge any one who can relate to my post to please seek help from a more natural or dietary minded physician and I hope you can also experience the relief I have begun to have. Good Luck and God Bless!


Dietary Changes, UVB Light Therapy

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
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Posted by KC (United States) on 02/23/2019
★★★★★

I have psoriasis. I tried many suggestions here on Earth Clinic, and I had success with the anti-inflammatory diet and the UVB light bulb sold for lizard aquariums.


Dish Soap for Scalp Psoriasis

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Anon (Not Canada) on 10/25/2020
★★★★★

Scalp Psoriasis

Dish soap eliminates itching right away, too. It's a natural brand common at grocery stores. The unscented is what I use most but the lavender works, too. It relieves itching and heals the sores when used every other day. I have very long hair and the soap has not damaged it.

Another big name dish soap does not work nearly as well.

I started taking selenium and flush-type niacin and getting more protein and my scalp is feeling better. To accentuate the flush (which feels so good as it creeps up the back of your neck and across the top of your head! ) chew the niacin and swallow it with some water and then chew on a 1 inch piece of fresh ginger. Do it on an empty stomach. I get up early in the morning and do it and then go back to bed and let it do its thing. I also take 3 drops Lugol's 5% and magnesium with it. There is a store brand that is marketed as a chelated magnesium that helps with sleep and bone health. It knocks me out and has a pleasant relaxing effect for a few hours after I finally get up.

If you wear hats, headbands, or ponytails that trap heat and moisture they may be causing the condition. Just washing them after each use may resolve the condition.

Virgin coconut oil scalp massage feels amazing, too. ☕



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