Dr. John Pagano's book

[tcella]

I'd like to know if anyone has recently tried Dr. Pagano's alternative healing regimen? I've read the message board for the subject, but it hasn't come up recently that I've seen. I just bought the book and finished reading it entirely. It makes so much sense and gives me hope that, while sticking to the strict diet, one day I could be free from psoriasis - I know it will be hard, and I also should know not to get excited about any treatment as far a cure goes. I've had p for about 17 years and have been through alot of trials like most, but really, it made so much sense to me. Anyway, just looking for some fresh comments about this routine. Thanks!

[jfohl]

Hi -

I am currently trying the regimen, but without the enemas or colonics. I have left those parts out of the regimen based on the advice of my physician, and several of my friends who are physicians and medical researches out here at UCSF in San Francisco, who all warned me that there are possible dangers associated with these procedures. Weighing the advice of professionals I know and trust, against the advice of a book - it wasn't a difficult decision. I also have not tried the chiropractic element of the program either, though I may try that eventually. Everything else about the regimen I am following.

I have been on the regimen for about six weeks. The only lapses I have had is that I have occasionally had a cup of caffeinated coffee. Other than that, I have been pretty good. In that six weeks, I have seen some improvement. My scalp definitely seems to be healthier, but not 100% cleared. Other areas seem to come and go, and it is hard to tell if the regimen is having any effect. The cycle of flare ups and clearing has always been irregular for me. Right now, things seem pretty good, and I seem to be around 95% clear overall. But, I am also using topical steroids whenever I see a spot appear, and the clearing may be due to that, I don't know.

Frankly, I enjoy the diet very much. I feel healthier in general, and this seems to be reflected in my skin as well. The lack of caffeine is a bit tough for me still, but I think I have probably had enough caffeine to last me a lifetime anyway! ;)

I have read through Dr. Pagano's book and his cookbook. I have thought about his hypotheses a lot, and come to the conclusion that he may be on to something, but it is very difficult to tell where he is hitting the mark. It seems that his regimen is based on a lot of observations, trial and error, guesswork, more trial and error, etc. This is not necessarily a bad way to proceed. But, on the other hand, it is not a scientific approach, based on the scientific method. For example, I am not totally convinced that the root cause of the problem is necessarily linked to Leaky Gut Syndrome in all people. For some it may, for some it may not. There are some holes in some of his arguments too. For example, he claims that what is happening to the skin in the psoriatic, is that the skin is being enlisted to expunge toxins from the body, since for some reason, the normal methods (the liver and kidneys) are not able to do this properly. These toxins are then expunged through the sweat glands in the skin. The problem with this theory is that (I was told this by my dermatologist) studies have shown that the sweat glands do not seem to be involved in psoriasis. In addition, the condition seems to involve the dermis. Sweat glands are rooted below the dermis. Also, if this logic where correct, wouldn't the worst psoriasis appear where sweat glands are in the greatest concentration? I should point out that I am not a scientist, so I may be wrong on this point. In addition, most researches now seem to agree that the psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, and somehow involves t-cells. Note the recent efficacy of Amevive. So, that is another clue.

I guess what I am getting at is that no one REALLY knows what is at the root cause of psoriasis. Dr. Pagano has taken a trial and error approach, based on some hunches and his reading of Edgar Cayce. The scientific community is taking a different approach. My guess is that their observations are both part of the puzzle which is yet to be completely solved. Perhaps Dr. Pagano's theories are partially correct. For example: perhaps an imbalance in the pH levels of the psoriatic somehow creates a glitch in the "software" of the immune system. Who knows? Personally, I would like to see some scientific research following up on what Dr. Pagano has discovered through trial and error. I think he is an honest man, and is trying his best to help people, and for that I am very grateful. But, I also think there is more to the story.

We'll see how I am doing six months from now. I may have a more informed opinion by then.

My 2 cents.

[AnneElizabeth]

I tried the diet portion of Pagano's book years ago. I think the whole toxin theory is more influenced by our puritan cultural background than science. However, I think many people improve on Pagano's diet because their general health dramatically improves. That almost always helps psoriasis! If you look at it, Pagano's diet is high in vegetables, low in fat, and eliminates junk food. Gee, I wonder why people feel better. I never cleared on the diet. I did, however, improve further following the Ornish diet (very low fat vegetarian) a year later. I was trying to improve my heart health, but psoriasis improved, too. After lots of experimentation, I now follow a mostly vegetarian diet (sardines and salmon are the only meats)that gets most of its fats from olive oil and a lot of nuts, especially walnuts. My general health is better, my P is down to 2% (from a high of about 20%). I used Dovonex throughout, still do. The PA is still slowly progressing, sigh. My two cents: you can't cure this stuff with diet, but keeping yourself in the best possible health through diet and exercise seems to add to your ability to control it with meds. Best of luck to you!

[tcella]

Thanks for responding! I haven't started yet, but I will within the next few weeks. I'm just waiting for a few things in the mail first. I will write about my experience when the time comes.

Thanks again for your support -- T

[Resist]

My opinion of this book is not a good one. I think many people improve at first because they believe they will improve. That seems to work when I use a different meds as well. The power of belief. But it doesn't last long.

I'd like to hear from people that have been on this diet for over a year. I tend to believe in science, and to date there is NO proof a change in diet improves Psoriasis.

I read the book "The Psoriasis Cure" by Lisa Levan. She is a biochemist. NOT a doctor! For all we know she is a biochemist for a detergent company. Her book gives a false hope that you can CURE yourself by diet. There is NO cure. On page 44 of her book she says, "If you've got psoriasis, your liver is already sick, so don't make it worse by drinking alcohol". While I agree alcohol is not good overall for your body, her statement that your liver is sick because of Psoriasis just is NOT true.