Microbes: Vital To Our Immune System
Although the immune systems primary purpose is to target the bacteria to defend our bodies from harmful pathogens, researchers have now found out that not all bacteria are toxic and that others are an essential part of the immune defence. These beneficial microbes control the development of critical components of the immune system. Additionally, these microbes have figured out our immune systems in ways that scientists are still yet to understand.
Typically, we rely on our immune system to distinguish harmful bacteria from the harmless ones. Still, it does not do it by itself. Microbes have learned to flip certain switches within our bodies when necessary. For instance, they induce the T cells to promote inflammatory responses while others cause it to suppress inflammatory responses. In short, microbes play a significant role in our bodys decision on whether or not to launch an immune attack.
What Is The Newest Treatment For Psoriasis
What are the new drugs for the treatment of plaque psoriasis?
- The newest drugs for the treatment of plaque psoriasis are the interleukin-23 antagonists, which are FDA approved under the brand names Skyrizi, Ilumya and Tremfya.
- Interleukin-23 antagonists are part of a wider group of drugs called biologics.
2.03.2021
Pros And Cons Of A Gluten
With a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of celiac disease and gluten intolerance in recent years, mainstream grocery stores, restaurant chains and bakeries are introducing more and more gluten-free products.
Following a gluten-free diet requires you to become educated on all the hidden sources of gluten, as well as educating loved ones. To avoid all gluten, you must read labels carefully . You need to avoid not only wheat but its derivatives: durum, graham, kamut, semolina and spelt. The same goes with barley derivatives: malt flavoring and malt vinegar, as well as rye, MSG and soy sauce. Remember, just because a food is labeled wheat-free doesnât mean itâs gluten-free.
Some manufacturers add sugar, saturated fats and preservatives to their gluten-free offerings to make them taste better, but they also add calories. Just because a diet is gluten-free it does not mean itâs calorie-free. You still need to apply the principles of a balanced diet.
On the other hand, says Jerry Bagel, M.D., director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey in East Windsor and a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation medical board, if someoneâs skin improves as a result of a gluten-free diet, itâs likely the patientâs digestive system is improving as well, and absorbing more nutrients.
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Topical Treatments For Psoriasis
These are drugs you rub directly on your skin. Along with a good moisturizer, theyâre usually the first thing your doctor will suggest, especially for mild to moderate psoriasis. There are over-the-counter and prescription options.
Topical treatments for psoriasis come as ointments, creams, or foam and include:
Steroid creams. These slow down immune cells in your skin. They can ease swelling and redness. Mild steroid creams are available over the counter. Youâll need a prescription from your doctor for something stronger. Steroids come with side effects and shouldnât be used on sensitive areas like your face or genitals. They can burn or thin the skin. Use them exactly the way your doctor tells you.
Salicylic acid. This can soften and thin scaly skin. But it can also irritate your skin if you leave it on too long. It might weaken your hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss, too. The body can absorb salicylic acid if you put it on large patches of skin.
Calcipotriol . This is a strong form of synthetic vitamin D. Itâs known to control overactive skin cells. Your doctor might pair it with a steroid cream.
Tazorac is available gel or cream and applied one and twice daily. it is ot recommended for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding or intending to become pregnant.
Vitamin D Regulation Of Apoptosis In Keratinocytes
Calcitriol stimulates the synthesis of ceramide by inducing the neutral Mg2+-dependent sphingomyelinase and in return, ceramide enhances the pro-differentiating effect of calcitriol on keratinocytes in a feedback loop . It has been demonstrated that physiological concentrations of calcitriol do not initiate apoptosis in cultured keratinocytes but, in contrast, pharmacological concentrations of calcitriol exert a pro-apoptotic effect on keratinocytes .
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What Is The Best Vitamin To Take For Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, caused by an autoimmune response in the body. Keeping yourself in optimal health is key to managing symptoms. In this blog we look at the best vitamins and supplements to take for psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a condition that causes patches of raised, inflamed skin, often covered with silvery scales. It’s caused when the immune system starts to attack the body, producing skin cells at a much quicker cycle than usual, which then build up on the surface of the skin.
Although there is no known cure for psoriasis, when managed effectively it can go into remission for long periods, leaving times when the skin is clear.
But because psoriasis begins at the level of the immune system, it can affect the body on a much deeper level than just the skin. For that reason, its important to treat it at a deeper level, too. In general, maintaining a healthylifestyle, reducingstress, avoidingalcohol and not smoking can all be helpful factors. Some people also find that taking certain vitamins and supplements can help. But which is the most useful?
Scientific studies have shown that there may be a link between a vitamin D deficiency and psoriasis. The best way to find out if you are vitamin D deficient or not is to ask your doctor for a blood test. If you do have a deficiency, then taking an oral supplement is recommended.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like
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What You Need To Know
As mentioned, inflammatory immune-mediated diseases, like psoriasis, increase your risk for other health complications. Being overweight further compounds your risk for diabetes and heart disease.
To minimize your risk of these related diseases, itâs important to maintain a healthy weight.
To help identify what is a healthy weight for you, calculate your body mass index . You can use this calculator from the Centers for Disease Control.
To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. People who lose weight slowly, about 1 to 2 pounds per week, are more successful at keeping the weight off. You also will burn additional calories if you increase your physical activity.
Your weight loss plan should:
- Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
- Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
- Contain foods low in saturated fats, avoid trans fats, limit cholesterol and salt
- Avoid refined sugars and processed foods.
Talk To A Compounding Pharmacist
While you wont necessarily be able to replace your traditional psoriasis treatments with vitamins and supplements, taking certain combinations may enhance your overall experience and success.
One of your best options is to talk to your doctor about compounding a combination of treatments, be they drugs or supplements, for enhanced effect. If he or she decides this is the right path for you, your compounding pharmacist can help create a custom product.
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Side Effects And Precautions
There are several considerations you should make before committing to any dietary or nutritional changes.
Talk to a doctor before you use or take any vitamins, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or looking to become pregnant.
While taking vitamin supplements is beneficial to your overall health and psoriasis symptoms, it is not a replacement for the treatment you are receiving from your doctor.
Effects Of Vitamin D On The Cutaneous Immune System
Psoriasis pathogenesis implicates the innate and adaptive segments of the immune system. In particular, it is centrally controlled by T cells, in which an important role is played by T-helper 1, Th17 and Th22, interplaying with numerous cell types via different cytokines, including tumour-necrosis factor- , IL-6 and IL-17 . The activity of these cells is modulated by specific T lymphocytes, named regulatory T cells . Regulatory T cells are able to inhibit the immunological response and to preserve the cutaneous immunological homeostasis, preventing autoimmune response against self-antigens .
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The Nutritionists Point Of View
Severe psoriasis has been associated with nutritional deficiencies because of an accelerated loss of nutrients, in particular of vitamin D, from the hyperproliferation and desquamation of the epidermal layer of skin . Vitamin D supplementation is of particular interest to Nutritionists for two important reasons. First, besides its topical use, oral vitamin D supplementation represents an important adjunctive treatment option for psoriatic patients second, vitamin D supplementation might be very important for the prevention of psoriasis-related comorbidity , hypertension and metabolic syndrome .
What Is Gluten Free
With gluten-free diets getting more and more attention these days, you may wonder if going gluten-free would help reduce your psoriasis symptoms.
The jury is still out on eliminating gluten â a complex protein found in wheat, barley and rye. In a small number of cases, eliminating gluten can lead to improvements. However, following a gluten-free diet, which is very restrictive, is a major commitment. Itâs not a step you should take unnecessarily.
You should discuss dietary modifications, such as following a gluten-free diet, with your health care provider prior to making any diet adjustments.
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Vitamin E Against Psoriasis
Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that supports our immune system and protects our body against free radicals that can aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis. It can be taken orally or applied topically to the damaged areas. Vitamin E helps strengthen blood vessels, reduces inflammation, improves blood circulation, relieves pain and discomfort of psoriatic lesions. In addition, it promotes the healing of skin damaged by psoriasis.
This vitamin can prevent future outbreaks of psoriasis and reduce the risk of psoriatic arthritis. In a large number of patients with psoriasis the selenium level in the body is reduced, which is a powerful antioxidant. According to a study, the addition of vitamin E to the diet helps to increase the concentration of selenium in people with psoriasis. Since vitamin E and selenium are antioxidants, they also help protect our body from the oxidative stress that usually accompanies psoriasis.
Taking vitamin E in the form of a dietary supplement should be done under the supervision of a physician. Pumpkin seeds and spinach are the most vitamin E-rich foods.
How Do They Work As A Treatment
Most people with psoriasis have a compromised immune system, suffer different kinds of digestive issues and inflammation . It is for these reasons that they should consider a regular intake of gut friendly supplements to help strengthen their immune systems. One of the benefits is that they promote the growth of good bacteria to help reduce inflammation involved in this skin disease. They go about building a potent immune response to help your body fight inflammation, get rid of toxins as well as increase the function of the digestive system. Scientists are still working to develop an entirely new class of probiotics that are highly targeted to address psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
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Let The Sun Shine: Is Light Therapy Legit For Treating Psoriasis
Light therapy uses the power of ultraviolet light to help reduce inflammation and slow skin cell production in psoriasis patients. During a phototherapy sesh, the affected area is exposed to artificial UVB light which penetrates the skin to help ease symptoms.
With light therapy, consistency is key. Its important to follow a regular treatment schedule to up your chances of seeing results. Just note, you may also be upping your risk of skin cancer.
Research has shown that ultraviolet light can significantly improve psoriasis symptoms. But some studies have also found this is likely thanks to more than just vitamin D. Bottom line: More research is needed to fully determine why light therapy is so darn effective in treating psoriasis and other skin conditions.
There can be a dark side to vitamin D. While adding a bit of D to your day may help ease psoriasis symptoms, its not without potential side effects.
A 2016 study found that using vitamin D topicals can cause skin to become:
When To See A Doctor If You Think You Have Psoriasis
If you notice that your skin is going through cycles of scaliness, redness, cracking, itchiness, and pain, schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible before changing your diet or taking supplements.
The benefits of a dietary change might take months to show signs of improvement. A doctor can help you find immediate or short-term relief.
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While Were On The Topic Of Topicals What About Vitamin D Analogues
A vitamin D analogue is synthetic vitamin D that usually comes in topical form and requires a prescription.
When applied directly to affected skin, analogue vitamin D topicals help slow cell growth and thin out any plaques.
Popular vitamin D analogues include:
- tacalcitol
- calcitriol
- maxacalcitol
In more severe cases, your doc may recommend using both an analogue vitamin D option and a corticosteroid for symptom relief.
Make The Most Of Vitamin D For Psoriasis
Vitamin D has been in the headlines lately because of its health benefitseverything from bone strength to heart health. Vitamin D ointment has been used to treat psoriasis for many years.
So you might wonder whether adding vitamin D to your diet, through foods or vitamin supplements, might also help manage your psoriasis. Heres what you need to know before you load up on vitamin D.
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Complementary And Alternative Therapies
Mind-body therapies and stress management, including meditation and hypnosis, may help treat psoriasis. Studies show that people who practice meditation before getting light therapy do better than people who had light therapy alone. Exercise can help, too, as can drinking plenty of water.
Taking daily baths with lukewarm water and mild soap can help slough off scales. After your bath, gently pat skin dry and immediately apply a moisturizer to seal in water.
Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs, because some can have serious side effects or interact with common prescription medications, such as blood thinners and birth control pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking any supplement, herb, or over-the-counter medication. Be sure all your health care providers know about all therapies you use, including complementary and alternative therapies.
Tablets Capsules And Injections
If your psoriasis is severe or other treatments have not worked, you may be prescribed systemic treatments by a specialist. Systemic treatments work throughout the entire body.
These medications can be very effective in treating psoriasis, but they all have potentially serious side effects. All the systemic treatments for psoriasis have benefits and risks. Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and any risks associated with them.
If you’re planning for a baby, become pregnant or are thinking of breastfeeding, you should also speak to your doctor first before taking any new medicine to check it’s suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
There are 2 main types of systemic treatment, called non-biological and biological .
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Best Multivitamin For Psoriasis
In todays hectic lifestyle, we are rushing our meal times, failing to prepare healthy, wholesome and nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
The overreliance on pre-packaged and processed foods in todays diet results in a huge deficiency in essential nutrients, which leads to serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and cancers.
The Center For Disease Control states that adults should eat approximately 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables per day. However, a further CDC report stated that over 3/4 of US adults do not eat enough fruit and nearly 90% of US adults do not consume enough vegetables.
So what is the best way to get the right amount of nutrients? The answer is a daily multivitamin! Now, because people with psoriasis have an immune system that is out of control, we need to ensure we are using the best multivitamin for psoriasis, and not a cheap knock-off version.
Not only will a good multivitamin help you stock up on all the essential nutrients and minerals that you are missing from your diet, but it will ensure your auto-immune system is at least in a healthy shape so it can fight off all the common ails and stresses that could trigger a bad flare up.
Vitamins And Psoriatic Disease
There is no direct link between vitamins and dietary supplements and psoriatic disease. However, many with psoriatic disease find that including vitamins and supplements in their diet helps their skin clear and may ease joint pain.
Dietary supplements can be extracts or concentrates, and they can occur in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids or powders.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness. This can also lead to an inconsistency when it comes to active ingredients. Itâs important that you talk to your doctor before adding any vitamins or supplements to your treatment plan, as some may interfere with your medications.
Here are some of the more popular vitamins and supplements used to combat psoriatic disease.
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