Complementary approaches: natural elements

Biologically based practices include, but are not limited to, botanicals, animal-derived extracts, vitamins, minerals, proteins, prebiotics, probiotics, whole diets and functional foods.

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements, as defined by Congress, are a product taken by mouth that contains a dietary ingredient that is intended to supplement the diet. These products include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes. Supplements can be extracts or concentrates and can occur in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids or powders.

Though unproven, a variety of supplements have been used by psoriasis patients to control their disease, including: evening primrose oil, milk thistle, and oregano oil. Turmeric has been used by a number of patients but recent studies have suggested that it is not effective in psoriasis treatment.

Herbal remedies are increasingly popular and mainstream. Caution is advised in taking herbal remedies. Many of them can have potentially dangerous interactions with medications. For example, St. John's wort, a popular natural "mood lifter," has been found to lower the blood level of cyclosporine. St. John's wort and other dietary supplements can also cause increased sensitivity to light, which could be dangerous for people who sunbathe or undergo ultraviolet light treatment for their psoriasis.

It is important to carefully examine the herbal remedy you choose to use, as some cannot be used during pregnancy or when you have a pre-existing medical condition. If you are unsure of the potential side effects or possible interactions with medications, consult a health-care professional before starting to take an herbal remedy.

Functional Foods

Functional foods are a part of an average diet that may have biologically active components, such as fish oils, that may provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Examples of functional foods include soy, nuts, chocolate and cranberries.

Dietary supplementation with fish oil is said to have a variety of favorable effects on both the cardiovascular and immune systems in laboratory animals. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, so it follows that fish oil—if it alters immune reactivity—could improve psoriasis. Multiple studies have been conducted in humans, with mixed results. Max-EPA fish oil supplement has been used in studies and has shown mild to moderate improvement in people's psoriasis. It is sold over the counter in health food stores in capsules.

Diet

People with psoriasis are individuals with different backgrounds, habits and medical histories, who respond to substances differently at different times. Moreover, people with psoriasis can have remissions that have nothing to do with changes in diets or treatments. These variables make it difficult to evaluate whether any specific dietary change is responsible for clearing or worsening psoriasis. The addition or elimination of one substance from the diet can be the remedy for one person and the culprit for another. There is certainly no harm in exploring how diet impacts your psoriasis, as long as your overall health is not compromised.

Some psoriasis patients believe that a wheat allergy triggers their psoriasis. Others have found success by eliminating red meat and fatty foods from their diet. The National Psoriasis Foundation message board is a good resource to learn about what diets have been successful for other psoriasis patients.