Psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases in the U.S., affecting an estimated 3% of the population, and affecting more Caucasians than other races.¹

Common symptoms of psoriasis include itchy raised, red patch(es) which may be covered by a dry silvery-white coating. Patches can be found anywhere on the skin, but most common areas include the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Many with psoriasis will experience pitting or crumbling of the finger nails. In some persons, rashes may appear as red, swollen, pus-filled bumps found primarily on the hands and feet. Others with psoriasis may develop arthritis (psoriatic arthritis).

People with psoriasis have been shown to have a higher risk of developing depression, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and obesity.

Scientists are still trying to find the cause of psoriasis, but it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Investigators believe some of the environmental factors include diet, toxin exposures, and intestinal bacteria imbalance.

Diet

• Hundreds of my patients over the last 25 years, have made dramatic recoveries from autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, connective tissue disease and psoriasis via a Nutritarian diet.  Many have achieved complete recoveries and no longer require any medications.  A vegan and gluten-free diet has shown to be quite helpful for many with autoimmune disease.^1,2 Psoriasis and celiac disease seem to be linked, and therefore a gluten-free diet may be helpful.³  
• Vitamins, minerals carotenoids, flavonoids, fiber, and other phytochemical have anti-inflammatory effects that could help to normalize the immune response and reduce symptoms.3-5 Maximize the intake of immune-system-regulating, anti-inflammatory foods such as green vegetables, mushrooms, onions, squashes, parsnips, turnips and rutabaga, which have low allergic or reaction potential.  Eat both raw and cooked cruciferous vegetables every day. 
• Anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, cloves, garlic, and cinnamon should be used in seasoning dishes.^6-9  
• Avoid alcoholic beverages: Alcohol may act as a trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms.³ 
• Research suggests that excess sodium may drive autoimmune inflammation.^10-12 Minimize added salt. 
• Identify food triggers to symptoms to reduce or remove (which is individual). Many with autoimmune disease will find they are sensitive to gluten, processed foods, sweets, and animal products. Other foods are less common triggers, such as certain nuts, soy, nightshades, beans, or corn. 
• Fruit intake may need to be reduced to low or moderate amounts.
• Talk to your doctor before and after making changes to your diet and supplement regimen if you have a chronic disease or if you are taking any medication, as medication and/or unique dietary modifications may be necessary.  Medication reduction should be monitored by a physician.
• Meal plan: Autoimmune Reversal

Supplements

• Dr. Fuhrman’s general supplement protocol for adults (see Vitamin Advisor for details) includes:

  • Multivitamin (without beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, copper), such as Women’s Daily Formula +D3, Men’s Daily Formula +D3, or Gentle Care Formula.

  • Omega-3 DHA and EPA, such as DHA+EPA Purity.

  • Optional: Consider adding a mixed mushroom immune supplement, such as Immune Biotect, because of the potential immune system benefits throughout life from assorted mushroom phytochemicals not normally consumed in the diet. Consult your physician if you are on medication. 

• Additional Supplements:

  • Omega-3 DHA and EPA: Omega-3 fatty acids provide healthy fats for the skin and have anti-inflammatory effects that may be helpful in psoriasis. Studies in patients with psoriasis have found that omega-3 supplementation led to reduced severity of symptoms.¹³ High doses may be necessary for the anti-inflammatory effect. If considering high doses of omega-3s, discuss this with your doctor first as it is not appropriate for everyone. 

  • Probiotics: Research has suggested that healthy bacteria in our intestines may be protective and help to keep a normal functioning immune system. Psoriasis has been associated with alterations in the gut microbiome.¹⁴  Eating a fiber-rich diet helps to build up healthy gut bacteria over time, and supplemental probiotics may be helpful, although more research is necessary.^{15, 16}  Discuss with your doctor whether taking probiotics is right for you.

  • Immune Biotect provides assorted immune-supporting mushroom phytochemicals that are not normally consumed in the diet, plus astragalus, elderberry and other berry extracts. Consult your physician if you are on medication. 

  • Anti-inflammatory botanicals: Turmeric, green tea, and grape seed. Curcumin (from turmeric) has potent anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies, and in human trials, curcumin supplementation decreased inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress.^17-21 In addition to curcumin, turmeric contains several other anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.⁹ Grape seed phytochemicals called proanthocyanidins also have anti-inflammatory effects. In human trials, grape seed extract has been reported to reduce inflammatory markers.^22-25 Green tea phytochemicals have inhibitory effects on the T cells that mediate some autoimmune diseases, which may help protect against autoimmunity.^{26, 27} In human supplementation studies, green tea extracts reduced the inflammatory marker TNF-alpha.²⁸

  • Ultra Cell Biotect provides absorption-enhanced curcumin and green tea extract plus turmeric, grape seed extract, and black turmeric extract to help neutralize free radicals and promote cellular health. Consult your physician if you are on medication. 

    For supplement recommendations personalized to you, your health condition and goals, visit the Personalized Vitamin Advisor and answer a few questions. 

Read

• Eat For Life
• Super Immunity
• Fasting and Eating for Health
• Position Paper: Autoimmune Disease

Learn

Sign up for the online Combat Autoimmune Disease and Cancer Masterclass

Other Considerations

Supervised, periodic water fasting can be used as an adjunct treatment for autoimmune conditions. I have documented remission of autoimmune diseases following supervised fasting in a published series of case reports.²⁹ Additional studies have found that fasting (followed by a vegetarian diet) reduces pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.^{30, 31} Continuing to follow a Nutritarian diet after completing the fast is essential for sustaining the benefits of the fast. Fasting puts the body into a repair mode, facilitating the elimination of damaged molecules, reducing inflammation, and resetting the immune system.^{32, 33} I generally recommend that patients adopt the dietary protocol for a few months prior to considering adding fasting to their protocol.  Fasting is not compatible with most medications.