What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is one of the most common autoimmune disorders worldwide affecting over 125 people worldwide and 7.5 million Americans.
This condition causes patches of red, rough skin, silver scales, that can cause discomfort and severe itching. It occurs when the T cells, which play a role in fighting disease and infections, become overly active. As a result, the immune system attacks these cells, leading to inflammation and skin breakouts. This recurring autoimmune disorder can affect quality of life as well as self-esteem and confidence.
Understanding the Root Causes of Psoriasis
Like many medical conditions psoriasis is triggered by a number of factors:
Poor digestion/gut health
Poor detoxification/liver function
Vitamin & Mineral deficiencies
Stress (physical or psychological)
Food reactions
Environmental toxins
Hormone Imbalances
Conventional medications that suppress the immune system help improve the appearance and relieve itching, but can come with serious side effects, such as infections, allergic reactions, vision disturbance, liver damage, skin cancer, and other types of cancer.
Is Psoriasis Genetic?
Psoriasis, like many autoimmune conditions does have a genetic component. However lifestyle choices influence whether these genes are turned on or off. If you would like to find out genetic susceptibility to developing psoriasis, our skin health strategy session includes a genetic analysis that will evaluated your susceptibility to many skin concerns including psoriasis. Click here to schedule your consultation.
Can Psoriasis Be Healed Naturally?
Natural therapies can be used as an addition or an alternative to conventional treatments depending on the severity. Some patients with more severe psoriasis do better with an integrative approach that includes medication to provide immediate relief along with holistic therapies. It’s important to realize natural therapies will also fail long term if only symptoms are treated, and the root cause is not addressed. The best way to get lasting relief from psoriasis is to identify the root cause and follow recommendations based on your individual needs.
From a holistic medicine perspective, psoriasis can be improved by correcting the underlying imbalances mentioned above through a targeted wellness plan to restore normal function of the immune, digestion and detoxification systems. Correcting nutrient deficiencies through diet and supplementation along with managing stress are also critical to the healing process with psoriasis.
Looking for one-on-one guidance?
Well Ahead Chicago offers lifestyle programs to help people that have psoriasis and other autoimmune skin conditions pinpoint the root cause and heal from the inside out with an individualized functional medicine approach..
Sources:
http://www.carahealth.com/health-conditions-a-to-z/integumentary-system/psoriasis/305-naturopathic-causes-and-treatment-of-psoriasis.html
http://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/facts-statistics-infographic#Prevalence2
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/understanding-psoriasis-treatment#1
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/alternative
