Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which skin cells multiply too quickly and causeinflammation. It is characterized by rashes and scaly patches on the skin, especially on the scalp, elbow, and knee.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and there are multiple theories about what triggers this autoimmune response.Experts believe that genetics and environmental factors are the primary triggers for this condition.
However, there is a strong association between gut health and psoriasis.Studies show thatdysbiosis — a bacterial imbalance in the gut — is strongly related to this condition.
According to theNational Psoriasis Foundation, more than 7 million people in the USA have psoriasis.
There are several types of psoriasis, and the signs and symptoms vary slightly for each type. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, and it accounts for about80 to 90 % of total cases of psoriasis.
Psoriasiscommonly affects the skin of the elbow, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet. You may experience the following signs and symptoms with different types of psoriasis:
People with psoriasis also find it hard to get quality sleep because of the itching and soreness.
Psoriasis occurs when the immune cells mistakenly start attacking healthy skin cells. The immune response causes the abnormally rapid growth of new skin cells, resulting in plaques and scales on the skin.
There is no exact explanation of what triggers the immune response. However, evidence shows that certain factors can be the possible cause of immune response in psoriasis. These are also called psoriasis triggers, which include:
Treatment options for psoriasis focus on reducing the patient's symptoms and discomfort. Some treatment options also address the root cause, such as improving gut health and addressing bacterial imbalance.
Here are some common treatment options for psoriasis:
Phototherapy or light therapy is the commonlypreferred first-line treatment option for psoriasis. This technique involves exposing skin to a controlled amount of ultraviolet light, for which sunlight and artificial lights can be used.
The common types of light therapy for psoriasis are Ultraviolet light A (UVA) and Ultraviolet Light B (UVB). The ultraviolet light penetrates the skin andslows the growth of affected skin cells.
Topical medication involves directly applying creams, ointments, and lotions to the affected skin. The topical medication significantly reduces inflammation, slows skin cell growth, and creates a soothing effect.
Some common topical medications for psoriasis include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and salicylic acid.
If topical medicines don’t work for you, doctors may recommend oral or injected medications for better results.
A good diet improves gut health, reduces inflammation, and has an overall positive influence on improving the symptoms of psoriasis. Eat a balanced diet rich inanti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids.
This can help reduce inflammation and support skin health.
Dietary changes also help against the possible causes of psoriasis, such as dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome.Studies show that probiotic foods can improve dysbiosis and reduce inflammation in the body.Another study shows that probiotics also help in leaky gut syndrome by improving gut permeability.
Related Link: Dietitian-Backed Balanced Meal Plans for Everyone
In addition to probiotics, add fiber-rich foods to your diet. Fiber promotes gut health by supporting thegrowth of good gut bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing inflammation.
Lifestyle improvements are important in relieving psoriasis symptoms and improving skin health. Take baths daily with lukewarm water and gently clean the affected site with mild soaps, preferably those with added oils. This helps remove scales and calms the inflammation.
Don't keep the skin dry after the bath. Apply your preferred moisturizer or oil. Moisturizing reduces dryness and itching. Also, prevent your skin from excessive heat exposure, as heat can worsen the itching.
Evidence shows that bacterial changes in the gut can be responsible for triggering autoimmune responses in psoriasis. Probiotics can help in psoriasis by correcting bacterial imbalances in the gut.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that play a significant role in gut health, digestion, and protecting the body from harmful bacteria. When you eat probiotic foods or get probiotic supplements, your gut receives a supply of good bacteria.
Studies show that probiotics can significantly improve the bacterial balance in the gut and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. By regulating the growth of infection-causing bacteria, probiotics reduce the chance of inflammation in psoriasis.
Also Read: 10 Probiotic Foods That You Should be Eating for Your Gut!
Probiotics improve leaky gut syndrome, which is also a possible cause of psoriasis.Studies show that probiotics improve gut permeability and prevent the leaking of toxins from the gut into the blood.
A healthy gut translates to overall improved health. This is especially true for psoriasis, as this condition is closely associated with gut health. But how can you improve gut health?
Here are some practical ways to improve gut health for psoriasis:
The best way to improve gut health is to eat a gut-friendly diet. Here are some gut-friendly foods you can eat to support gut health:
Some foods worsen the symptoms of psoriasis by causing harm to the gut health. Here are the foods you must avoid for gut health:
Water is important for efficient digestion and the regular flow of food content in the gut. Adequate water intake prevents the toxin buildup in the gut, which lowers the risk of inflammation. Staying hydrated is also essential for skin health, especially when psoriasis occurs.
See Also: Shocking Effects of Dehydration - Tips to Up Your Water Game!
Drinking plenty of fresh water is a healthy way to meet the body’s water requirement. Eating water-rich foods, such as watermelon, berries, and oranges, is another healthy way to get sufficient water.
Studies show that stress is strongly associated with gut health. Stress can disturb the normal digestion process and increase therisk of bacterial imbalance in the gut.
Reports also show that stress increases the likelihood of flare-ups in psoriasis. To improve gut health, incorporate stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and physical activity into your routine.
See Also: What's Bacterial Imbalance in Gut or Dysbiosis? Everything You Need to Know!
Eating more dietary fiber helps with psoriasis in the following ways:
Incorporate plant-based foods high in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, into your diet to support gut health and manage psoriasis symptoms.
Powdered Fiber?
In addition to fiber-containing foods, you canbuy powdered fiber to meet your daily fiber requirements. You can pick any product of your choice. We recommendstartwithfiber.com as it comes with digestive enzymes and probiotics for improved digestion and better gut health.
Since psoriasis is an autoimmune condition with no specific cause, you can't cure it. Treatments are available, but they can only help relieve the symptoms.
People with psoriasis should avoid fabrics with rough texture, as this can worsen the itching. Also, refrain from tight clothing as that can rub against the skin and cause irritation.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting over 7 million people in the USA. It is an autoimmune condition that causes itching, soreness, and scaly patches on the skin. Some common risk factors for developing psoriasis include genetics, poor gut health, and infections.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and there is no cure for it. Medical management includes topical medications and phototherapy to reduce inflammation. Psoriasis is strongly associated with gut health, and improving gut health can help manage this condition.
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