Wednesday, March 27, 2024

What Vitamins Can Help Psoriasis

Make The Most Of Vitamin D For Psoriasis

Proper Diet 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.

Why Dermatologists Prescribe Synthetic Vitamin D To Treat Psoriasis

Synthetic vitamin D can:

  • Slow rapidly growing skin cells

  • Flatten thick psoriasis

  • Synthetic vitamin D is considered safe for most patients, including children

  • It clears psoriasis in some patients, including patients who have scalp psoriasis

  • Most people notice an improvement after using it for two weeks

  • If a patient needs stronger medicine, synthetic vitamin D can be safely combined with a strong corticosteroid

Studies show that using both tends to be more effective than using either medication alone.

  • Using both synthetic vitamin D and a corticosteroid can also reduce the possible side effects that come with using a strong corticosteroid

  • The combination can be used for much longer than a strong corticosteroid alone

Foods That Fight Inflammation

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. Research is limited, but some people who have psoriasis say they can manage it better if they eat more inflammation-fighting foods.

Some studies suggest that antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium, may make a difference. And some research suggests fatty acids from fish oil can be helpful. More research is needed.

Anti-inflammatory foods are generally healthy, so it shouldn’t hurt to give them a try. They include:

  • Fruits and veggies, especially berries, cherries, and leafy greens
  • Salmon, sardines, and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices like thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger
  • Heart-healthy sources of fat, like olive oil, seeds, and nuts

Some foods can make inflammation worse. Eat less of these:

  • Processed foods and refined sugars
  • Fatty cuts of red meat
  • Dairy

Also Check: Does Aloe Vera Help Psoriasis

The Nutritionist And Vitamin D Supplementations

Supplements are the most important determinant of variation in vitamin D intake A number of studies showed that the daily intake of vitamin D was higher in adults using vitamin D supplements than in those without vitamin D supplementations . Most nutritionists recommend the use of vitamin D3 to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency, because several studies indicating a higher efficacy for vitamin D3 in raising serum 25D concentrations when compared to vitamin D2 . Although a significant inter-individual variation exists, due to different variables including body weight, sunlight exposure and calcium intake, it has been calculated that supplementation of 1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily leads to an approximate increase in 25D levels by 1020 ng/mL , . Findings from randomised placebo-controlled trials conducted during the winter have shown that each 1 mg of supplemental vitamin D is associated with an increase in serum 25D of between 0.7 nmol/L and 2 nmol/L .

Natural Psoriasis Solution For Your Symptoms

Can omega

Is there a cure for psoriasis? A psoriasis cure may not have been developed yet, but it is possible to control the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms. The best way to tackle psoriasis symptoms and many other reactive skin issues is naturally. Natural products are generally safe to use, gentle, and help soothe the skin rather than irritate it further with harsh chemicals.*

Also Check: Scalp Psoriasis Flare Up Treatment

What Does It Look Like

Psoriasis presents as patches of itchy, thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. Sometimes there is a burning sensation and the skin at the joints may crack. Psoriasis usually occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms and soles of the feet but the nails and the soft tissues inside the mouth and genitalia are not exempt. Consult your health professional for a diagnosis.

Psoriasis And Vitamin D Deficiency

A topical supplement may help your treatment.

Fighting psoriasis, a condition characterized by patches of irritated, flaky skin that usually appear on the elbows and knees and across the trunk, is difficult throughout the year, especially in winter. New research may help explain why. Scientists in Italy found that people with psoriasis also suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

“We speculated that vitamin D might be low in psoriasis patients, but this is the first good study that substantiates it,” says Dr. Suzanne Olbricht, an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

  • Research health conditions
  • Prepare for a doctor’s visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise

You May Like: How To Remove Psoriasis Black Marks

Vitamin D Can Make A Difference With Your Psoriasis

A 2011 study published in the journal Dermatology Research and Practicefound that vitamin D has many benefits when it comes to managing psoriasis. Vitamin D can help strengthen your immune system, reducing flare-ups. Vitamin D also can slow the growth of new cells and help thin the plaques that form on your skin, so that any flare-ups you do experience arent as severe.

The Nutritionists Point Of View

What is Psoriasis and the Best Psoriasis Treatment at Mayo Clinic

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 .

You May Like: Psoriasis Que Es En Español

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.

The Dermatologists Point Of View

Patients suffering from psoriasis present a broad range of clinical phenotypes. Psoriatic lesions are classified into plaque, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic types according to clinical features, especially regarding lesions size and distribution . Disease onset may occur at any age, including childhood, with two peak age ranges, 16 to 22 and 57 to 60 years . Psoriasis lesions are characterized by hyper-proliferation with incomplete differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and decreased keratinocyte apoptosis, associated with inflammatory cellular infiltrate in both dermis and epidermis . Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score is currently the preferred method for the assessment of the disease severity and extent .

Read Also: Beginning Stages Of Scalp Psoriasis

How To Use Vitamin D3 And K2

Take droppers a day to maximize the beneficial elements of these vitamins in supporting a healthy heart, strong bones, sturdy immune system and gorgeous skin.

Can vitamin k2 be harmful?

Is vitamin k a blood thinner?

No, vitamin K is not a blood thinner. On the contrary, a serious deficiency and low levels of this vitamin leads to poor clotting and excessive loss of blood even from small cuts. The physician may treat this anomaly by prescribing a coagulant formulation rich in vitamin K2 D3 to rectify the imbalance. Blood thinners like warfarin, on the other hand, work by blocking the action of vitamin K2 D3 in the complex reaction that results in the formation of blood clots and prevent accidental coagulation in people with blood clotting disorders.

Does vitamin k make your blood clot?

Yes, but there is a catch.

Vitamin K plays a crucial role in promoting the inner workings of an excellent cardiovascular system. But in the unfortunate event of an injury, this vitamin is also involved in the complex biological reaction that leads to clotting of the blood to prevent excessive loss of fluids that can easily lead to anemia. And this explains why infants are periodically given shots of vitamin K2 D3 to promote faster healing of internal injuries that they may sustain in their digestive tract.

DESCRIPTION

Get Vitamin D Naturally

Can omega

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D isnt found in a wide variety of foods. Sources of vitamin D include oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and foods with added vitamin D. The most common vitamin D fortified foods include milk, orange juice, and some breakfast cereals.

Vitamin D is unique because your skin can make it if you get enough sunlight on unprotected exposed skin. A lack of sunshine is one of the reasons why many people who live in the north or who dont get outdoors much have low levels of vitamin D. Recent studies show that many people, especially seniors, have low vitamin D levels.

Recommended Reading: Scalp Psoriasis On Black Skin

Other Nutrients For Psoriasis

Vitamins are not the only types of nutrient that might help reduce psoriasis symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and flax seeds, glucosamine and chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane may help to reduce inflammation and assist skin health.

While people often recommend the above vitamins to treat psoriasis, the most reliable solution is to eat a nutritious, balanced diet, free from processed food, alongside conventional treatments.

The United States Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements. It can be difficult to make sure that all ingredients in a supplement are both of a high quality and mentioned on the packaging.

Ask a doctor to recommend reliable brands that include the ingredients on the label.

Supplements that contain unnamed ingredients may interfere with other medications a person is taking.

The cornerstone of psoriasis treatment is prevention. Avoiding certain triggers can prevent psoriasis from flaring up. This can help to reduce reliance on over-the-counter and pharmaceutical medications.

Some prevention tips to keep in mind include:

  • minimizing stress levels
  • keeping the skin moisturized, as outbreaks are more likely to occur on dry skin
  • staying inside as much as possible during the winter, as cold weather can dry the skin
  • using a humidifier during the colder months to help keep the skin moist and prevent outbreaks

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.

Recommended Reading: Safe Psoriasis Treatment While Pregnant

Ways To Treat Psoriasis At Home

Psoriasis is a recurring autoimmune disorder characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin.

Even though it affects your skin, psoriasis actually begins deep inside your body in your immune system.

It comes from your T cells, a type of white blood cell. T cells are designed to protect the body from infection and disease. When these cells mistakenly become active and set off other immune responses, it can lead to psoriasis symptoms.

Even though theres no cure, many treatments exist to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Here are 12 ways to manage mild symptoms at home.

Effects Of Vitamin D On The Cutaneous Immune System

Eating these vitamins can help with depression, doctors say

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 .

Also Check: What Happens If You Pick Psoriasis

Apple Cider Vinegar For Your Scalp

It’s more than just a salad dressing. Put some on your head a few times a week — either full strength or mixed with water. It’s a recipe for relief when your scalp calls out “scratch me.”

Rinse it off after it dries so you won’t get an irritation. And don’t try this when your scalp is bleeding or cracked. The vinegar will make it feel like it’s burning.

What Can You Do About A Vitamin D Deficiency

You can address your vitamin D deficiency in a variety of ways. Vitamin D comes as an oral supplement or a topical ointment or cream. You can also boost your vitamin D by supplementing your diet with vitamin D-rich products like cheese, egg yolks, and fatty fish, like tuna. Some foods are vitamin D-fortified, for instance, cereal, orange juice, and dairy products.

Last, but certainly not least, is to get outside during the day and expose your skin to safe amounts of sunlight. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because the sun helps your body manufacture its own vitamin D.

Whatever is contributing to your psoriasis, the dermatological experts at Skinworks Dermatology can help. To learn more, call the office nearest you or request an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy…

Don’t Miss: Treating Scalp Psoriasis And Seborrheic Dermatitis

Vitamin E For Psoriasis

Vitamin E is known as an antioxidant. Antioxidants shield or guard the cells against the adverse effects of free radicals. Thereby they protect cells from damage. This is an essential requirement in the treatment of psoriasis. This is why health care professionals recommend Vitamin E supplements.

One can take Vitamin E prescribed by a certified physician to treat the condition. Besides, it is also necessary to follow a few precautionary steps to recover from this condition. Spinach and pumpkin seeds are considered as the rich sources of Vitamin E.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like

7 ways that diet may help with psoriasis: Effect, food ...
  • Plaque psoriasis â this is when patches of thick raised skin thatâs covered with silvery scales develop. The patches can usually be found on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back.
  • Scalp psoriasis â thin or thick patches of scaly psoriasis can appear on the scalp and extend to the forehead, neck and ears.
  • Guttate psoriasis â is most common in children. They tend to develop it after getting an infection, such as strep throat. It looks like small scaly spots.
  • Inverse psoriasis â is often found in areas where skin touches skin, such as the armpit or groin. Shiny smooth patches are created that are bright red and sore.
  • Pustular psoriasis â develops as pus-filled blisters and thick scaly skin on peopleâs hands and feet. The skin is extremely prone to cracking.
  • Read Also: Scalp Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis

    Topical Vitamin D In Psoriasis Treatment

    The therapeutic effects of topical vitamin D occur via a VDR mediated genomic mechanism resulting in inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and mediated non-genomic mechanisms inducing keratinocyte differentiation by increasing intracellular calcium levels . The anti-inflammatory effects may also result from inhibition of production of IL-2, IL-6, and interferon-gamma . Further, topical calcipotriol inhibits human beta defensin and proinflammatory cytokines which are found in increased levels in psoriatic lesions . Allelic variations in individual VDR genes may determine a different response to treatment: the isoform A of VDR is associated with a greater therapeutic response in psoriatic patients .

    Taking Liquid Vitamin D3 Drops Does Away With The Need To Bake Your Precious Skin In The Scorching Sun

    As much as Vitamin D is best obtained via spending hours outdoors in the sun, we know that this might not sit well with most of us who are wary of the other harmful impacts of strong sunlight rays. Besides, the sun is not always bright and shiny throughout the year unless you live squarely in the tropics. Fortunately, this supplement contains the active part of the traditional “sunshine nutriment” that has the following beneficial properties.

    For starters, it supports optimum bone health by stimulating the absorption and utilization of calcium from dietary sources. At the same time, it prevents excess calcium excretion thereby promoting the sustenance of healthy bones deep into old age. As a bonus, the mineral works in close conjunction with vitamin D3 to keep calcium out of soft tissues like the kidneys and the heart and in bones where it is useful.

    Secondly, adequate vitamin D3 levels are crucial for a healthy nervous system and high cognitive performance especially in senior citizens. Scientists have recently found an association between high vitamin D3 levels and octogenarians with superb memory and admirable mental acuity.

    Recommended Reading: Skin Conditions Like Eczema And Psoriasis

    Other Vitamins And Supplements For Psoriasis

    There is not much evidence to suggest that vitamins or dietary supplements help reduce symptoms of psoriasis.

    However, oily fish are a good source of vitamin D, and some people with psoriasis believe that omega-3 fatty acid supplements help ease their psoriasis.

    Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation, and psoriasis is an inflammatory disease.

    However, there are not enough long-term clinical trials to show whether these supplements are effective for treating psoriasis.

    Popular Articles
    Related news