There is currently no known permanent cure for psoriasis. Dr. Whitaker reports that certain natural treatments are well studied, effective for many people and far safer than drugs.
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune response that triggers inflammation and excessive proliferation of skin cells. It is theorized that this proliferation may be an attempt by the body to eliminate toxins through the skin. The result is an accumulation of red, dry, thickened and itchy patches of skin. Many conventional psoriasis treatments exist, including tar shampoos, topical steroids, immunosuppressive drugs and injected biologic medications.
But there are also some natural treatments for psoriasis that you may want to try:
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1. Olives contain a number of water-soluble nutrients, including a polyphenol called hydroxytyrosol. This compound, which is one of the most potent known antioxidants, may help people with psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. Hydroxytyrosol’s ability to provide psoriasis relief was discovered by accident when researchers were examining the effects of olive polyphenols on blood fats and inflammatory markers linked to heart health. A handful of the study subjects happened to have psoriasis, and after taking the olive extract (Olivenol) for a couple of months, their skin unexpectedly improved, in some cases, dramatically. One 71-year-old man, who had such severe psoriasis that he was taking heavy-duty drugs, experienced complete resolution of 80% of his psoriatic lesions!
2. Another natural treatment for psoriasis comes from whey, a dairy byproduct used primarily as a protein supplement. We’ve known for years that whey contains a number of growth factors and other bioactive proteins that modulate immune function. One of these proteins, XP-828L, has been studied for its effects on psoriasis. When 84 patients with mild-to-moderate disease took 5–10 grams of a whey protein supplement daily, more than one-fifth of them had improvements after eight weeks, and nearly a third had significant improvements after 16 weeks. I recommend organic, cold processed whey from grass fed cows.
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3. An anti-inflammatory diet consisting of plenty of vegetables and omega-3–rich fish is another effective way to treat psoriasis naturally. You should also go easy on meat, vegetable oils, and processed foods that contain pro-inflammatory fats. Additionally, eat more turmeric. This culinary spice contains curcumin, which curbs inflammation and is a useful adjunct therapy. (Curcumin and fish oil are also available in supplement form.)
4. Spend some time in the sun. People with psoriasis frequently have low blood levels of vitamin D, and UVB light therapy, which boosts production of this vitamin, helps relieve symptoms. Vitamin D supplements and creams are also helpful.
5. Other topicals with clinically proven benefits include gels containing either aloe vera or one percent curcumin.
6. A good daily multivitamin and mineral supplement is also essential, especially if you’re taking psoriasis drugs, some of which cause nutritional deficiencies.