In the management and control of psoriasis, the significance of an effective diet has been questioned for as long as the disease has been researched.
This controversial issue of diet has caused much confusion and bewilderment. Since authorities constantly contradict one another, people are often left in a dietary dilemma. In most cases, they would be eager to follow a nutritional program if one were available to them. Should a physician mention diet, it is usually only in a cursory manner, or merely to dismiss it as having little or no effect in alleviating this disease. The scientific community needs to become more cognizant of the intrinsic value of diet. My research and treatment have proven to me, beyond question, that diet not only plays a distinct role but is, indeed, the most important factor in healing psoriasis. Besides being the very foundation of the recommended therapy, it is also the key factor in preventing its recurrence.
This psoriasis treatment regimen’s diet is very important to be followed to at least a reasonable degree. Other recommended measures are valuable and certainly assist in hastening positive results in healing this skin disorder. Without the underlying common denominator of proper diet, however, the effort is fruitless. If this statement sounds like an exaggerated claim, I can assure you it is not. A psoriatic must fully accept and understand that the consumption or avoidance of certain foods is vital to his recovery from this dermatological problem. If a patient is unwilling to accept this fact, it may be necessary to revert back to the more orthodox forms of therapy rather than the alternative route presented here.
However, those who did not receive beneficial results were people who refused to alter their dietary habits, or if they did follow the prescribed diet, did not do so for a long enough period of time.
People likely to be successful are those who at least are willing to give this more natural approach time and an opportunity to work
Those who say that they will try to go on the diet for a few weeks are rarely successful. Most seem to forget that it took considerable time to pollute every cell of their body’s tissue before the poisons bulged through their skin in the form of psoriasis. Yet, Once the cleansing process takes effect, it is amazing how often the body responds quickly, in a matter of months, sometimes weeks. The most devastating lesions simply seem to dry up and disappear once the body is given the proper tools with which to work.
Granted, there ate some who developed psoriatic lesions and experienced a complete remission of the disease for unknown reasons. There are also those who simply rubbed salves or ointments on their skin and achieved similar results. Needless to say, these cases do not have to be concerned with extensive therapies or diets. It would be well for them to remember, however, that they ate prone to the disease, if only to a minot degree, and should therefore cultivate and develop an awareness of which foods are beneficial to them, as well as those that are detrimental.
The absolute cure for psoriasis is found in diet. Period.
There is a cure. It requires patience, persistence, and right thinking.
The idea of an illness such as psoriasis responding favorably to changes in diet no longer seems remote or bizarre. Has it not been said for ages rhat we are what we eat? This holds true, particularly in the case ofpsoriatics. Fortunately, as human beings, to a large extent we have the power to control both what we think and what we eat.
At this point I wish to interject what I feel is an important awareness for patients as well as the general public: whenever possible, always choose certified organic foods, whether they are meats, fruits, vegetable, or dairy products. They are foods that are grown or raised without the use of pesticides, preservatives, hormones, or other artificial substances: that are consequently absorbed by the consumer.
The Acid-Alkaline Balance
What is it about diet that is so vital to the psoriatic? It is the importance of maintaining the proper acid-alkaline (base) balance of the body’s chemistry. Although this subject was briefly touched on in an earlier chapter, it is of such value that it warrants discussing in more detail.For the preservation of good health, nature demands that the body remain more on the alkaline side than the acid side, The body becomes more resistant to all types of disease and physical ailments when engulfed in an internal chemical atmosphere that is alkaline. Arthritic joints are greatly relieved, colds and congestion are counteracted, skin problems diminish, and internal organs become less burdened.
The 80/20 Percent Food Ratio
A person’s blood should always be slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.3 to 7.5 in chemical reaction, to maintain the optimum in general health and immunity. This is primarily maintained by the body’s natural lines of defense and is influenced by the foods ingested as well as one’s emotional makeup. In later chapters we will explore the effects generated by destructive thoughts and negative emotions. Food intake and the tremendous influence this has on the psoriatic are what shall concern us in this section.
The psoriatic, psoriatic arthritic, and or eczematous patient should keep before his or her mind’s eye the ratio of 80120 percent at all times. This means that the daily diet should consist of 80 percent alkaline-forming foods and 20 percent acid-forming foods, at, to state it more simply, many more alkaline- than acid-forming foods should be consumed.
For most of us, our eating habits are just the opposite. We fill ourselves with acid-forming foods, which produce a hyperacidic condition, and then wonder why our joints are stiff in the morning, we are more susceptible to colds, and we develop skin blemishes, especially as we get: older. This is because the acids become overabundant in the body and the cells cry out for relief. It is amazing to see how quickly a patient responds, in a positive way, when the shift from acidity to alkalinity takes place. Joints become more flexible and less painful, colds and congestion as well as some allergies often clear up, and the skin takes on a healthier glow, with many blemishes disappearing. Results are lasting if a patient does not revert back to his or her previous eating habits after being relieved of these conditions. It is obviously mandatory to learn which foods are alkaline and which are acid, as well as which should be avoided altogether; such as the nightshades and most saturated fats and sweets.
Additionally, specific habits and physical activities have an influence on acid-alkaline reactions in the body. Recognizing whether those habits are beneficial or harmful is of the utmost importance. This subject will be covered in more detail as we proceed.
Alkaline Formers versus Acid Formers
Modern nutritionists agree that, in general, fruits are the primary cleansers of the body, while vegetables are considered to be the buildees. All foods are either alkaline forming, acid forming, or neutral. The alkaline formers are the lighter, watery-type foods that are more easily digested, such as fruits and vegetables. The acid formers are the heavier, protein foods, such as meats and grains, which require greater breakdown for proper digestion and absorption. The neutrals are the dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and kefir. If anything, this group tends toward the alkaline side of the scale.
Alkaline Formers
Alkaline-forming foods (80 percent of the daily diet) are, as mentioned, the more “watery” types of fruits and vegetables and their juices. Because these foods are broken down more easily by the body, they are more readily digested. Most fruits are alkaline-forming (reacting) within the body, with the exception of five (cranberries” currants, large prunes, plums, and blueberries) that are acid forming. The benefits and nutrition derived from fresh fruits in general far outweigh the minor acidic content of these few exceptions. I therefore usually advise my patients to eat fresh fruits often, without being overly concerned about their acid-alkaline content, as long as it is not overdone or they do not cause an adverse reaction. Consuming too much fruit or fruit juice can induce elevated triglycerides, because excess fruit sugars can be retained in the body tissues as stored fat. Patients affected with eczema should particularly take this seriously.
In nutritional terms, fruits are divided into three categories: acid, subacid, and sweet. The reader, however, should not be confused by these terms and regard such fruits as acid forming, for, in fact, most so-called acid fruits are actually alkaline reacting in the body.
Fruits That Should Be Accorded Special Attention
• Strawberries, citrus fruits and citrus juices should be avoided in cases of psoriatic arthritis and eczema, or if there is a hypersensitive reaction.
• Avocados should be avoided if a patient has gout.
• Raw apples, melons, and bananas should not be combined with other foods; for example, in fruit salads or on cereals or as part of a regular meal, such as an appetizer or a dessert. These fruits, however, may be eaten separately as a snack or between meals .. In other words, eat them alone or leave them alone.
• Citrus fruits—oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, kumquats, tangerines, and mandarins, and their juices–should not be combined with whole grains, dairy products (milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, and so forth), eggs, or white-flour products (such as cereals, breads, muffins, and pancakes). The only exception to this is for particularly active children and for other individuals whose daily activities require them to expend a great deal of energy. These people may combine citrus fruits and juices with wholegrain products (no white-flour products), provided there are no adverse reactions. If the skin becomes hypersensitive or irritated from eating too many citrus fruits. Eliminating them or consuming less of them in favor of non-citrus fruits is recommended.
Most vegetables are also alkaline forming (reacting) within the body, except for the following, which are acid forming: mature corn (large kernels), dried corn, rhubarb, winter squash (hubbard, acorn, butternut), and Brussels sprouts. (Legumes such as dried beans and peas; kidney, pinto, black, and navy beans; black-eyed, split, and chickpeas; and lentils are also acid forming.) Although these vegetables are acid reacting, they may still be consumed but in smaller quantities. It is advisable to eat three vegetables that grow above the ground-lettuce, celery, spinach, broccoli, and so forth-to one that grows below the ground-carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, onions, and so forth.
It should be noted that consuming an overabundance of anyone vegetable, Emit, or juice that is high in vitamins that are stored naturally in the body (vitamins A, D, E, and K) may trigger an adverse reaction. Therefore, moderation should be exercised. More vitamins and minerals are assimilated by drinking freshly made vegetable juice to which one packet of unflavored gelatin has been added. To obtain the maximum benefit, this juice should be consumed within ten minutes after being prepared.
Beware the nightshades! It is crucial that all psoriatic and eczematous patients familiarize themselves with the term nightshade. This represents a family of plants that they should totally avoid regardless of their add-alkaline reaction. The nightshades are as follows: tomatoes, tobacco, eggplant, white potatoes, peppers and paprika.
The following tips also help to increase alkalinity in the body and should, therefore, be incorporated into one’s diet and lifestyle:
Alkaline Formers
• Granular lecithin, an alkaline food supplement, added to foods and beverages. (lecithin will be covered in more detail later in this chapter.)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cup of hot or cold water. (Many patients have found this to be a good substitute for hot tea or coffee. Not only does it help maintain the alkalinity, it aids the internal cleansing process.)
• Nutritious fruit juices such as g.rape, pear, papaya, apricot, guava, mango, and pineapple.
• Grapefruit OJ’ orange juice (4 parts) combined with fresh lemon or lime juice (1 part).
• Fresh or stewed fruits.
• Vegetable juices extracted from raw carrots, celery, beets, parsley, romaine lettuce, and spinach (raw onions are particularly cleansing) ..
• Exercising and physical activities, especially outdoors ..
• A bowel movement at least once a day.
• Positive emotions such as self-confidence, kindness, humor, laughter, forgiveness, and so forth.
• Three to five drops of Glyco-Thymoline in a glass of pure water, before bed time, five days per week. (This alkaline cleansing solution will be covered further in this chapter.)
• Cereals. Amaranth, millet, and quinoa are the only alkaline cereals; all others are acidic
Acid Formers
Acid-forming foods (20 percent of the daily diet) are the heavier, more solid foods (proteins, starches, sugars, fats, and oils). Combinations of these foods, especially when consumed in large quantities, build up the acid content of the blood and consequently aggravate a psoriatic condition. Meats, grains, cheese, sugars, potatoes, dried peas, beans, oils, butter, cream, and processed meats (frankfurters, salami, bologna, and so forth) are the most common acid formers. These foods require the digestive organs to produce more acids to break them down for absorption.
Depending on the type of food consumed, the body is left with either an .acid ash or an alkaline ash. The ideal chemical reaction is one that tends toward an alkaline ash, thus the reasoning behind the 80 percent alkaline/20 percent acid food intake. When acid-forming foods are digested, what remains is called an acid ash. Acid-forming foods, although a relatively small percentage of the recommended daily diet, are nevertheless vital to the body’s growth, repair, and development.
The following foods and habits also tend to increase acidity in the body and should, therefore, be avoided as much as possible:
• Too many acid-forming foods at the same meal (for example, starches with sweets; proteins and meats, meats or fats with sugars, too many starchy foods;
• Cane sugar and any product made from cane sugar
• Most types of vinegar, especially wine vinegar and white (grain) vinegar. (The only types permitted is apple cider vinegar.)
• Foods that contain large amounts of preservatives, artificial flavorings, colorings, and additives
• Alcoholic beverages
• Smoking
• Drug abuse
• Constipation
• Inactivity-mental and or physical
• Negative emotions such as feelings of insecurity, fearfulness, worry, anxiety, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, inferiority, and destructive thoughts in general
The Good Foods for psoriasis The food pyramid lists a number of foods which are essential for your good health. Sometimes however you may find that you will need to avoid or alter this food pyramid to account for the nutrients your body needs in its fight against psoriasis. In the section above you were given a number of foods which were good to include in your diet. These foods were chosen because of their properties which could help your immune system become stronger. These are not the only foods you should take a look at including. To help you with understanding the different beneficial foods that you may include in your diet the following list should be of some help. Fish which is high in Omega 3 oils are best as they contain the
• fatty acid known as Eicosapentanoic Acid (EPA). You will find that sources of Omega 3 fish includes:
o Mackerel
o Salmon
o Sardines
o Trout
o Tuna
• Foods which contain high levels of beta carotene. The body converts the beta carotene into needed Vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for a healthy skin level. The foods included are:
o Apricots
o Mangoes
o Carrots
• In addition to fish you will find there are other good food sources which are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. These foods are various edible seeds such as Flax seeds. While eating these omega rich seeds is an excellent dietary requirement, psoriasis sufferers may find other uses for these foods. You can sprinkle the seeds in breakfast cereals for more taste and nutrition, add to natural yoghurts, mix in with other foods and lather the oils on your skin. To provide your body with more defenses against psoriasis you will find that combining these various seeds together may be a good method to do.
Here you will need to combine the seeds in an equal measure. Grind them into a small chunks and store in an airtight container which you will need to keep in the refrigerator. Take out as needed and use only require amount. The other seeds you can use in addition to Flax seeds are:
o Sunflower seeds
o Sesame seeds
• Foods which are rich in selenium may also be important for psoriasis sufferers. The action which is taken by selenium rich foods may prevent the psoriasis condition from becoming worse. The best source of foods you can use is listed below:
• There are certain vegetables which can supply your body with folate. Folate is the natural form of folic acid which is also a vitamin. By choosing to add a variety of fresh, organic vegetables which are high in folate you will be providing your body with yet another source of immunity against many diseases, auto-immune diseases and even allergies. Some of the best vegetables that you will find for this are:
o Cabbage
o Brussels sprouts
o Broccoli
o Other green leafy vegetables
• Another mineral that you might like to include in your diet is that of zinc. As many psoriasis sufferers lose zinc through the skin, replenishing this vital mineral can be achieved with the addition of selected foods. These foods include:
o Wholegrain foods
o Shellfish varieties – do not consume if you are allergic
In addition to these numerous foods you will find others like bitter gourd, pumpkin and curd to be ideal additions to your daily diet. As you see there are numerous foods that you can use in planning your meals. The inclusion of these foods may help your body recover any lost vitamins, minerals and other nutrients which are lost in the course of your day. You will also find that by adjusting your diet to include these foods you are building up you body’s immune system.
And The Bad Foods
While eating a varied diet is important you need to understand that some foods are not good for you. These foods may have been created to provide you with a delicious mouthful but for the most part they will contain ingredients which will further aggravate your psoriasis and impair your health. As there are many different foods you should understand that you can moderate some foods which are bad for you provided that you eat these foods in a moderate quantity and keep long periods of time between the times you eat or drink these foods. If you could avoid these and other foods altogether it would be best but for now you should try the best that you can. To help you know what types of foods are harmful to your health and have the potential to worsen your psoriasis here is a list of foods that you should try to reduce the consumption of or avoid if at all possible.
• Red meats especially beef and all dairy products should be eaten in a moderate amount.
• You may also try to avoid all prepared and preserved meats. These may include:
o Sausages
o Cold Cuts
o Pâtés
o Pre-spiced meats
o Bacon
o Luncheon meats
o Pepperoni and salami
• Bakery products should be avoided as they may contain sugar and other additives which are harmful to your skin. These will include:
o Spice cakes
o Nut based pastries
o Cream filled buns and cakes
o Pastries of all kinds
o Cookies
o Doughnuts
o Sugar covered buns
• All chocolate and products which contain chocolate
• Pickles, spiced pickles, peppers
• All forms of animal fats, processed canned foods and eggs need to be avoided. These types of foods may cause your psoriasis to flare up often as possible.
• All forms of alcohol should be avoided. This may include:
o Sparkling Wines
o Champagnes
o Sherry
o Cinzano
o Cointreau
o Cognac
o All red and white wines
o Brandy
o Vermouth
o Other type of alcohols
• Citrus foods should be avoided as they have the ability to trigger a psoriasis flare up. These citrus fruits may include:
o Orange marmalade
o Grapefruit
o Limes
o Lemons
o Pre-made juices
o Bitter lemons
o Fruit peels
o Lemonade
• All types of spices and condiments should not be included in your diet. These may include:
o Anise
o Cloves
o Cumin
o Cinnamon
o Mustard
o Nutmeg
o Paprika
o Pepper
o Pimento
o Mayonnaise
o Ketchup/Sauce
o Tabasco sauce
o Bouillon cubes and gravies
o Herb vinegar
o Vinegar
o Curry Powder
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Having seen the different foods which you should either avoid or try to eat in moderation will allow you to decide on the best way to modify your diet so that you are eating a balanced and yet psoriasis friendly diet. While you may regret not being able to eat any of these listed foods you need to try to understand that if you are looking to improve your condition a change in the types of foods / beverages you eat/drink is imperative.
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