Can I relieve my psoriasis symptoms by changing my diet? What types of foods will give me the results I’m looking for? Karey Thomas, guest blogger and nutritional therapist, weighs in with her advice.
Living with psoriasis can be very painful, both physically and emotionally. As with many autoimmune diseases, psoriasis is also linked to leaky gut. Leaky gut is described as having gut permeability. Tiny gaps in the cellular junctions of the small intestine allow bacteria, microbes, and pieces of undigested food to enter the bloodstream causing an allergic reaction. This reaction is the dry, red, itchy, flaky, and irritated skin we see on the surface.
How Do I Relieve My Psoriasis Symptoms?
The most popular option for treating psoriasis has been to apply topical creams, take steroids, and use of immunosuppressive drugs. These options may help temporarily relieve the symptoms but often present unwanted side effects and do not address the root cause: leaky gut. Seeking the care of a holistic practitioner may provide you with the proper support and nutritional advice needed to address your concerns and meet your health goals. In addition, you can support the body’s foundations through proper digestion by consuming of good fats, minerals, and water. Moreover, maintaining proper blood sugar and eating a whole-food diet are key to a healthy body. For people suffering from psoriasis, taking these steps is even more important. Your diet is not only part of your treatment but is preventative care to reduce future outbreaks. Consuming anti-inflammatory and healing foods regularly will show the most improvement in skin’s appearance.
Probiotics foods
Consuming probiotic-rich foods is a great way to support digestion, remove toxins, reduce inflammation, and increase immunity. Popular and widely available foods include organic, raw dairy such as Kefir or plain yogurt. Fermented vegetables like kimchi and raw sauerkraut provide the gut with a diverse array of healthy bacteria.
Foods high in antioxidants
Foods such as pecans, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, artichokes, goji berries, kale, spinach, red cabbage, and beets can help relieve psoriasis symptoms. These mineral-rich antioxidant foods promote the removal of toxins while providing nutrients to support healthy skin.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines are a great source of omega 3’s as well as vitamin D, which is a key nutrient in healing psoriasis. Healthy fats are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, reducing inflammation and fuel for our body.
Herbs and spices
Many herbs and spices such as curcumin contain antioxidants. The active ingredient in curcumin is turmeric. Turmeric has gained popularity for reducing inflammation throughout the body. This spice can be added easily to recipes to liven up soups, sauces, and entrees.
One of my favorite turmeric recipes is this super easy “Oven-Roasted Cauliflower,” which has become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh cauliflower
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450ºF
- Cut the lemon into thin slices
- Clean cauliflower and cut into small florets
- Place florets in a large baggie with turmeric, paprika, and olive oil
- Toss until well coated
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Top cauliflower with lemon slices
- Bake for 25 minute
Karey will be a regular contributor to the website. Thanks for reading and remember, today and every day, Live Your Value one choice at a time!
