the heartbreak of … - skin disease

Vegetarian Times, April, 2000 by Carole Nicksin

Finding natural solutions that work can be very difficult for psoriatics. One former patient, Lisa LeVan, spent 10 years doing firsthand research and published her results in The Psoriasis Cure (Avery, 1999). "It was a process of trial and error," LeVan says. "When I'd hear of something, I'd look for some verification in medical journals, and if there was some substantiation, I'd try it myself." LeVan believes that allergies figure into the psoriasis equation by taxing the immune system and triggering outbreaks. She says it is vital for psoriasis patients to determine potential allergens and eliminate them from their diet and environment.

Uncovering one's food allergies takes a bit of detective work, yet it's not as difficult as it may seem at first. Anytime you experience a reaction--from skin rashes and flatulence to feeling nauseous, dizzy, warm or sleepy after eating--record what you ingested. LeVan suggests waiting 60 days and then eating a small amount of the suspect food. If it causes a reaction again, strike it from your diet. She also recommends eliminating sugar, white flour and alcohol, as many people with psoriasis suffer from low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Sugar also inhibits white blood cell activity, which stresses the immune system. Diet and nutritional supplements (see "Building Inner Strength," p. 26) are extremely important in balancing hormones, detoxifying the system and compensating for inadequate absorption--all of which factor in to controlling psoriasis, says Le Van. She suggests a diet low in saturated fats and high in antioxidant nutrients. Consume a wide variety of whole, unprocessed plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts (nightshade vegetables aren't a problem to her). Essential fatty acids, flaxseed and borage oils are extremely important in this regimen.

LeVan says psoriasis patients also need to evaluate their topical treatments, since many lotions and creams can irritate rather than soothe the skin. Both conventional and holistic doctors agree that moisturizing the skin is critical. LeVan is particularly fond of olive oil and says it's a great moisturizer and, in many cases, all a psoriasis patient needs topically. "It's a very simplified way of getting rid of anything that's causing an allergic reaction externally," she says.

The Stress Factor

One aspect of healing that all practitioners agree on is the importance of balancing emotions, reducing stress and nurturing a positive attitude. With no known cure, psoriasis often breeds a sense of futility. The disease may be painful and unsightly, but one of its most debilitating effects is what it does to a patient's self-esteem. "Even with the mildest cases people think it's contagious or dirty," says Jessica Wise, a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation. "And that reaction often affects a patient's self-confidence. Depression is a common symptom." Daniel A. Lobovits, Ph.D., member of the American Psychological Association and coauthor of The Psoriasis and Eczema Solution (TransMedia Publishing Inc., 1999), says it is essential for psoriatic patients to be in touch with and have an outlet for their emotions. "Patients need to talk about the disease and how it makes them feel," he says. "Support groups can be especially good for that."