Diet as a Cure

[wondershea]

I developed a mild case of plaque psoriasis when I was about 23 and have been fortunate because it has stayed fairly contained to areas that are easily covered if necessary. I have had no success with doctors and of course they all say that there is no cure.

I recently took a trip to Big Bend National Park and got in the hot springs (containing sulfur) and it almost completely cleared up my elbow. It has stayed clear for almost 3 months now, but other areas like nails were not improved. It did, however, give me renewed hope that I may be able to do something about my psoriasis.

I started doing some research and came across a couple of books that claim to CURE psoriasis through diet and supplements. They make these claims based on the theory that the skin problems are simply an external manifestation of internal toxins in they system that the liver does not clear away.

I was wondering if anyone else has heard of these claims and, if so, tried the diet regimens.

(I am new to this site, so forgive me if this is a repeat topic.)

[Precious8095]

Try reading Curing Psoriasis by Dr John Pagano. Eliminating certain things in my diet has certainly made an improvement. Also I visit the Dead Sea in Israel every year and also take the sulphur treatments there as well as soaking in the dead sea. GOod Luck

[Skinny]

I am interested in this very same topic and would like to research also. Could you give me the names of the books you found?

[wondershea]

One of the books I found was called "Psoriasis Can Be Cured" by Dr. Robert E. Connolly, http://www.psoriasiscured.com/index.htm.

The other was by the author that "sweisfeld" mentioned in his reply, Dr. John Pagano, called "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative," http://www.psoriasis-healing.com/index.htm. He also has a cookbook that follows his prescribed regimen.

I have not ordered either one because, even though both sites contain numerous testimonials, I was skeptical since this site, NPF, claims that there is no conclusive evidence that changing the diet works. That is why I wanted to hear from people that may have tried these methods.

[kellyr]

Hello,
I have also been interested in the 'special' diets. Although I am skeptical by nature, I do believe people have found relief with the diet. Some do not. It's just like using any presciption medicine for the treatment of our p. They work for some and others, no change. So, it doesn't hurt to give it a whirl.

There are so many things out there that do not have any clinical evidence, but people have had positive reports. Examples are therapeutic massage, going to a chiropractor and even being hypnotized has helped some people.

For example, I started yoga and breathing exercises to help minimize stress. I drink plenty of water and take cod liver oil, borage oil and primrose oil. Whether it's my state of mind that changed or my regimen working - I don't know. Could be the weather. Whatever it is, I will continue to do unless my condition gets worse.

I'm also a strong believer in the 'placebo' affect. Humans use such a small part of the brain - less than 10% I believe. I think that there are parts of the brain that can heal the body. Sometimes, if you just believe that something will work, it actually might. It happens all the time during clinical trials of new medications.

I swore to myself about 5 months ago that I'm not giving up without a fight. That means that I will try anything I feel necessary to control the symptoms.

My only reservation about the diet is that it is very strict. I generally eat well, lots of fruits, veggies - but I like what I like, ya know? If you try it, keep us posted.

-Kelly

[iodine]

I have been doing research and trying the diets for Psoriasis. If you read Blood Type Diets, The Metabolic Diet you will find they really have alot in common. After all, the body is a unit that one system relys on the other, and I do agree that your body has different ways of coping with the toxins of life.

I was put on antibiotic therapy for several months, then yeast became a real problem and the P flared and the anti-yeast Diflucan didn't help. As a result I began a cleansing for 7 days (can be found www.curezone.com) As you read through some of these I used the 7 day regimen only to get started, including resticting yeast prone foods, then introduced foods one at a time as stated. I have found that several foods have caused the P to flare, so I now avoid (ie., foods prepared with red dye, tomatoes & tomato products, vinegars, pickles-all kinds, chocolate, sugars, acidic fruits, breads, mushrooms, some cheeses, which I show no allergies to; (I think my skin says otherwise)and eat more of the high vitamin veggies, fish and chicken and yogurts and drink half my weight in ounces of water. This combined with visits to the beach with the salty water and sunshine is working for my Psorasis. I like just about any type of food and if I cheat and eat one of the "no-no's" I flare up terrible, and have to start over. The "cheating" is not worth the pain. My psoriasis is really starting to clear up and overall I feel alot better.

I'm not sure if it's just the combination and the effort or all in my mind, but I can't ignore what I see. Besides, I feel better both physically and mentally. So what could it hurt?

[PJ Leary]

Hi,

I have to agree with Kellyr in large measure. We never know what may work, and certainly changes in diet that are not stupid nutritionally are less intrusive than many other therapuetic options. But again, what works for one may not benefit the entire group, nor the one for any length of time. Or, it might, that's the paradox of this disease.

Personally, I have not found any diet which made a serious long term effect on my psoriasis. However, neither have I found any medication that did.

Good luck!!

PJ Leary

[PTener]

Hello,

I KNOW diet has helped me, but it has only been since I found a diet designed for my body. For weight loss reasons, I have tried every diet there is including Atkins, Pagano, and the Blood Type Diets, and gotten nowhere. I am a type II diabetic, so have had my consults with the diabetes educator. I have had private consults with a dietician. The ADA diet didn't help my sugar levels. Drs. have told me to follow other high carb regimins. All the while my ps, although mild, was driving me nuts. Nothing helped. I have known for 40 years (I'm 58) that I did best on high protein.

The Macrobiotic Typing Diet , and some further professional help, has me headed in the right direstion. The idea is that our bodies react differenty to proteins and carbs. After taking the "test", I am proven to be a protein person - big time. I also have many food sensitivities, which aren't really full blown allergies. It just means they upset my system and aren't good for me.
Among the sensitivities are all the nightshades - known to aggrevate ps. Now I just eat meat and fish and some shellfish and some veggies. I do not eat any grains or dairy, except yogurt. I do not eat anything to which I am sensitive.

How I came to this point is a terribly long story, which I will condense;
Sickly all the time- MDs very free with antibiotics- told I am depressed- am depressed because I am sickly all the time- diet and gain weight-
know something is wrong. Give up on MDs and go to Alternative Medicine Clinic. Many blood tests taken. So far diagnosed with Irritable Bowel, Leaky Gut and Candida. The Candida I have had before. So now am on strict diet, anti - fungal, and a few supplements. Feeling a lot better. I have a long way to go, but just knowing there is a team of people who are willing to look beyond a single aspect of my health has really picked me up. My ps is clearing.

I think one of the most important things any of us can do is to get tested for food sensitivities. Muscle reflex is painless and is a lot faster than the reintroduction of food after a fast. My chiropractor - a kinesiologist - tested me for some things years ago, and was proven correct many times.
Naturopathic Doctors also do this type testing.

I have had many things "wrong", all of which are inter-related;Thyroid, ps, candida, food sensitivies, allergies,asthma, absorption problem, and now the IBS and leaky gut. If you do much reading of medical papers, you'll find these are frequently mentioned together.

I learned years ago that we are the only ones we can count on to press forward to find the solutions to our health concerns.
We must keep searching for the answers ourselves. There are many good web sites and we are all truly blessed to have the internet at our disposal.

If anyone wants to contact me directly, feel free.

Peggy
scradar@xyz.net

[rosee_posey]

Okay, Okay,

I gotta say this - the old timers know this - I too tried Pagano, I too went to a Naturopath and did the food allergy testing, followed the diet, did the fish oil thing. All I got were fish oil burps.

My experience.

- rose

[rockin]

I tried a diet that was perscribed by my chiropractor. It involed consuming large quantities of "Red Clover" and "not" eating pork, not even bacon bits! (which I love) I decided to try the diet for 1 year....After which I consumed an entire ham! LOL! It didn't work at all!

[StarKiss]

Hi, I've also read about the speacial diets...I personaly now stay away from red meat, tomatoes, lemons, some dairy products, some spicy foods and coke(soda). All these foods contain toxins which i heard are really bad or you if u have psoriasis. I only eat white meat which is basically fish and chicken w/ lots of greens. Veggies are really good for you. I've been on this diet for about 2 1/2 months and although it has been very difficult to stay away from red meat which i love soo much The result had been worth it. My psoriasis hasn't disappeared but it has cleared up alot. I also do stand up tanning at a salon. If you combine the two togther they can really help. I hope it helps anyone who tries it.....It may take awhile to see results i started seeing results after a month