psoriasis and diet

[mda3273]

Hello all! I'm pretty new here, and I'm not too sure if this question has been asked already, but I was wondering: Do any of you believe in the psoriasis/diet connection?

I became a vegetarian about one year after the onset of my p, which was thirteen years ago. That first year of having p and eating anything and everything sure didn't help me much. My p would be very thick and oozy, and the edema was killer on my lower legs. After seeing a derm for the first year (who like every other derm swears that there is no connection between p and diet) and not seeing satisfactory results, I went to an herbalist/chiropractor who said that becoming vegetarian would ease my symptoms. It was rough at first, but eventually I got used to it for the sake of my condition. Sure enough, it helped.

Since then, through my own personal experience, I have noticed that there are definitely certain foods that will cause me to flare up, some worse than others. The main thing that was eliminated was meat/fowl/seafood, because everytime I ate them I would immediately get a reaction. It was as if I was allergic to meat. Anyways, I don't miss it that much 'cause there are other excellent sources of protein out there, and I'm thankful that I haven't had to cut out the dairy (can't give up that occasional pineapple pizza!;) ). My diet consists mainly of fruits and veggies.

Please share your thoughts and experiences, if any, about p and diet. Thanks...:) ;) :D

[debber_1]

WOW mostly fruits and veggies? I could never do it! I like an occasional steak! And seafood , i love it! Anyway I am sure you are much heathier all the way around! Good for you!

[Zwijndrecht]

There is NO correlation between P and diet.

Of course,,,statistics mean nothing when the diet is helping you. I have heard dozens of people in the last 20 years who report that diet helped. The problem is that the remaining 20,000 got no benefit.

So, in your case, it helps. Your dermy is right and you are right...there is no correlation, but.... it helps you.

There is no doubt that vegetarian diets help people be healthier in a lot of cases...and somehow it helped your P. Might not help mine, but it helped yours.

Statistics class dismissed. Praise the Lord and pass the lettuce.

[GitOverIt]

that is the question..............and what?
I've been wondering about allergies (or reactions) to certain foods, meds, fabrics etc....that would account for what helps you doesn't necessarily help someone else...this is such a strange phenomonen (sp).... when I eat certain things I shouldn't (like sugar, tomatoes, etc from Paganos list) I get the "itches"....who knows ???? we sure don't and the docs don't either
:( :confused:

[rmalghan]

How about Pagano Diet. Lot of folks in this forum have said the diet described in this book made a signifcant difference.

RM

[kbradley]

Hi RM, it's just so darned hard to figure out what works for any one indirvidual. While I've been a vegetarian for 3 years, that didn't prevent me from having my first big round of p 5 months ago at age 44. I have the guttate variety. My first instinct was to focus on diet. I cut out dairy, for the most part, avoided nightshade vegetables but now eat them. I try avoiding alcohol off and on. I've seen some improvement but it's been a slow road. At least I've had no more major flares and most p spots have faded. I'm also taking between 6 and 9 fish oil capsules a day. Supposedly they are anti-inflammatory. I'm willing to try just about anything other than harsh chemicals but I've come to realize that there is no "proof" that any one diet or supplement works. If what you're doing works, stick with it. It would be great if more studies focused on diet but I don't think there's enough interest to generate them. -kiki

[kbradley]

I meant to address MDA, the original poster, but hello to all of you in the meantime.

[SouthpawGrammer]

Yes i am a firm believer that the Atkins diet helps me...........or LCarb anyway


occasionally i have a carb binge and i pay for it with thickening of my skin the next day though it goes when i am back on the straight and narrow................

for me, yes, for others, no

thats my humble opinion and the fact that i am *currently* in 100% remission! (I LOVE THE WAY THAT SOUNDS) it works for me..............although i do other stuff also..................but i attribute more to my diet than anything else

[LynneHella]

Well, as Z said, there is no documented proof the P is affected by diet. That being said, let's try out this two-tier theory of mine:

1. Most diets require drinking less toxics (alcohol, coffee, tea, soda, etc) and more water. They also usually involve cutting out some degree of meat or carbs or whatever and increasing the fruits and veggies. Even people with perfect skin see an improvement because they are hydrating their skin more, and giving their body (and by default their skin) more pure nutrients - vitamin B, vitamin E, oils, etc. Skin may see an improvement due to a concerted effort to eat things that improve skin. Does this make sense?

2. This next tier can happen in and of itself or as a result of tier 1. One starts to feel a little more optimistic, a little better about oneself, a little less depressed. Which probably lessens stress levels and consequently improves P.

So, it's not that diet improves P. It's more that diet generally improves the skins condition in everyone. People with P probably just notice it more because we are dealing with our skin on a daily basis. Just a thought...What do you think?

Lynne

[gumbygirl]

I definately believe that there is a coorelation between food and psoriasis but unfortunately, I'm not sure what foods are a big contributor. It looks as if I may have to look into this Pango guy. But... TOMATOES???? Say it isn't so. My sister has been telling me for years that I have to give them up for the sake of my skin but I have always dismissed her. They are, by far, my favorite food and I can't go a day without them.
On another note, alcohol definately affects my skin. Within and hour of drinking, I will already show signs on my skin. It is is so noticible that my friends comment on it.
I'm still upset abot tomatoes!!!! Does anyone know if my other two favorites, garlic and onions are on the list?

[SeanH529]

hey guys, if you read the posts I'm on the Pagano diet and I do believe it works. I'm not AS excited about it as I was 2 weeks ago, but I'm still in better shape than before I started. Tomatos are BAAAAD, but lucky for you Garlic is ok and Onions are good for ya too, but you cant fry them. If anyone else is on this diet please PM me I read paganos book on the diet and I still get confused on some things. It gets REALLY annoying sometimes. For instance...

In the book you need to have LOTS of water, but it also says that drinking water with a meal is bad because it messes with the chemicals in the food or some BS like that.... you can drink juice like Pineapple, Apple, and Grape are recommended. It says drink GRAPE juice 1/2 before a meal. Ok so what am I supposed to drink DURING my meals? not water, not lemonaid or ice tea. I guess Pineapple Juice, or apple juice?? That doesn't work when you go out to eat.

I was almost totally cleard 2 weeks ago. Now this week I am getting lots of little spotty dots. Looks A LOT like poisen ivy, so that excuse works much better. :)

I think I might be breaking out cause I cheated a bit this week. LAST weekend I spent the night at my girlfriends place and we went to a Bon Jovi concert in Detroit so of course I had to throw a few back, but hey I only drank 1 1/2 24 oz cup, and then in the morning her mom made this egg, bacon and ham casserol thing...I feel bad if I say no to eating food when I'm a guest so I have to suffer.

My other problem is my work schedule is out of control. I work part time at a TV station, part time at UPS, and I work for the Toledo Mudhens during the summer. So my mornings are 1pm or 11PM, my night times can be 10am to 4am ...it's crazy so trying to have the herbal teas at night and morning are odd. Sometimes I get back from work and I want to go to bed and waiting 30mins to an hour to prepare the tea just doesn't work for me.

I don't plan on quitting the diet, I am just learning more what I can and can't have. Also MONDAY I start enbrel so maybe the combo of both will be good for me. If anyone has questions about the Pagano let me know, I might be able to answer them.


SEAN

[wjmiii]

Have never been able to stick to any diet, so I can not answer question. Alcohol and shellfish always get a reaction!
Bill

[GitOverIt]

and it is hard to do....one day I do great!!! and then "dat ol debil" tempts me.....however from what I understand about the water is: when you drink with your meals you are washing down the first digestive enzymes that are in the mouth. ( there are more in various stages of digestion) water also helps eliminate toxins....
Concord grape juice was recommended for weight loss..1/2 hour prior to eating...supposed to help kill the appetite...when we go out I order water with lemon and drink before and after dinner/lunch...the idea behind the diet to to reach a good PH balance (between acid/alkaline) so when we cheat it upsets the PH making us more acidy!!!!! sugar does that as well as tomatoes...potatoes and all nightshades (do a search on google for nightshades....tobacco is also listed ......also on PH balance)
If you have a microwave ...boil your water and make your saffron tea (you can find single serving teaspoons that have a latched lid on them for dipping into your cup of water..BED, BATH AND BEYOND? maybe) slippery elm lozengers are also acceptable in place of the tea in the am (health food store)...if this is working why are you going on embrel? I believe the idea behind the Pagano diet is to get the body to heal itself....liver health, digestive health, leaky gut etc....once you are healed, according to the book, you can try one food at a time for testing...I'm using the Pagano book and all the oils: fish oil, primrose, flaxseed...plus milk thistle (for liver health..do a search on google on milk thistle) I also take lecithin granules (health food store) fresh ground flax ........1 T of each either twice a day or once sometimes....this is a long post whew!!!!

[GitOverIt]

I'm also on Boris' suggestion of coQ10....read his posts page 2 I think...so far I'm doing very good...lesions are fading some ARE GONE...the bigger ones on legs have faded....my back remains the same...(maybe sunshine ?) scalp....? Is a constant battle....but I have been using a technique found on this site that does good....body lotion on scalp every few days...leave on over night and shampoo am....it does not completely get rid of P but there is never time for build up so skin stays pink....any q's?

[GitOverIt]

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS00954.html here is a site that is from 1999 I believe!!! but at the bottom of the page they have web url for FDA and maybe follow-ups

[mda3273]

Hey guys! Thanks for your input. :)

I think kbradley said it best: If what you're doing works, then stick with it. :D

[SeanH529]

Enbrel can only help with the diet, and it's free so it's hard to pass up. I use the mouth wash that is recommended to put drops into your water Glyco Thermine or something like that. I also use the 3 tablespoons of Lech....(can't remember the spelling) a day. Then the Saffron TEA and the Slippery elm bark tea. I also take 8 Fish Oil pills a day. The book lists white potatoes as a night shade and to say away from them, but it also said BAKED potatoes are ok. Do you eat baked potatos or no?

[GitOverIt]

of potatoes...except homemade mashed potatoesI use rice sometimes...and when cooking for family ...they get baked!!! I mentioned the slippery elm lozengers cause you wouldn't have to make the tea...and Pagano says you can substitute...I have the url for any of the things you need for the diet
http://www.baar.com/
I'm not on any drugs only vitamins and natural means......hope to keep it that way. keep us posted

[kbradley]

I'm not a nutritionist but even before the p, I became interested in more nutritous ways of eating. I've tried to limit the "white" stuff in my family's diet. I have 2 kids, 7 and 3. We eat sweet potatos instead of white, brown rice instead of white, whole wheat pasta and couscous, etc. And I add more whole grains (lentils, quinoa) and beans to our diet. White rice, potatos and pasta, I've read, are high on the glycemic index and I'm pretty sure that's not a good thing for diabetics. I'm kind of stretching here, but I think I've read that some p sufferers on this board are diabetics as well. Seems like it's been suggested that taking an approach that's healthy for the body in general may be the best...for some.

I"m enjoying this thread. -kki

[debber_1]

Hey guys,
Did anyone read the thread where there was a url and this nutty guy said he took enemas and found a bunch of gallstones!!!! I swear I am gonna ask my doc if that is even possible! I am all for trying anything to get rid of p but some of this stuff such as this or drinking urine is way over the top!!! EWWWWWW!!!!

[kjh130]

Not to twist the thread too much, but, Sean:

we went to a Bon Jovi concert in Detroit

How was the concert? I haven't seen them in years, but I like the new CD.

[SeanH529]

The concert was great. I'm still a youngin in my opinion, so to see all the old dudes and the mullets I got a kick out of it. The 40 year old women screaming their brains out for Bon Jovi is always funny as well! I'm a big Bon Jovi fan, and I won the tix off the radio so it was cool. Sheryl Crowe and the Goo Goo Dolls played as well and they were really good. Overall A++ for the concert...



As for the diet post. Above mentioned you buy whole wheat pasta. I have some here that I bought a few weeks ago but I don't know what kind of sauce to put on it. Nothing made of a cream sauce and of course no tomoato based sauce so I'm kinda stuck. Being a 22 year old non married guy, my cooking abilities are really being tested the past couple weeks. :)

[kbradley]

Hi Sean,

Go to Epicurious.com. It's a website that consists of BonAppetit and Gourmet magazines' recipes. People rate the recipes so if something's not good you'll know to stay away. You can substitute whole wheat for regular pasta in any recipe. Check it out. -kiki

[makeitgoaway]

try a little garlic and oil or some butter or margerin and grated parmasan cheese! yummy!

Steve:cool:

[jennogle]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SouthpawGrammer
[B]Yes i am a firm believer that the Atkins diet helps me...........or LCarb anyway

I have been on Atkins for 2 months and my P is MUCH worse than when I started. I think this is because my body is physically stressed due to the extreme low carbs. I have been feeling better in other ways and have more energy staying off the carbs, not to mention I've lost 28 pounds! So I will stay on Atkins for a while longer to lose the rest of the weight I wanted rid of, despite the P being almost unbearably bad now. I used to have mild-mod P but now I would have to call it severe - ugh. Oh well, trade-offs...

Jenn

[shalee]

Okay so here's what I'm getting from you so farr-

1. diet may or may not work

2..diet may work for some but not others

3. low carbs are one idea

4. nothing white

5. no meat

6. lotsa meat ( atkins)

7. and something that sounds like a diet based on a character from a Mozart opera called the Magic Flute ( papagano ???? :) )


I think I'll just stick to trying to relax and get to the gym once a day, drink a lot of water and trying to lower my stress level. Then I'll get to starting to eliminate stuff

Shalee

[willie634]

I think the only cause of psoriasis is the mind. everything else (diet) Just contributes to the problem ( Irritant foods, alkalizing or acidifying foods, and yeast problems like candidas. I woman recently told me meat protein can cause psoriasis. I've cut all meat out of my diet for the past three weeks. i havn't been followoing any other diets. been binging on cholate all the time and everything. and still my psoiriasis is still getting better. I recommend lots of nuts, beans, and Yves Veggie Cuisine(Fake meats found int the veggie section).

http://www.seagulltechnologies.com/acidic2.htm

[PaulKensington]

Hello,

My psoriasis has gone after changing my diet - no drugs or supplements or anything else. Just a matter of eating the things my body needed to heal itself and temporarily avoiding things it couldn't handle while it healed.

It took a lot of years and reading to work out and a lot of luck too, but it is bliss not to be afflicted by skin diseases any more.

Statistics can never show that there is no correlation between diet and psoriasis, by the way. (It can help objectively assess whether or not a specific diet helps make an improvement.)

Paul