Pillar : Eliminate Gluten Grains And Legumes
Food sensitivities can affect symptoms of psoriasis as well as other autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses. Thats why, in my clinic, I recommended that all of my patients remove gluten from their diets because it wreaks havoc on your gut. In addition, I also recommended removing all grains and legumes, dairy, corn, soy, and nightshades. This is not only because theyre inflammatory themselves they can also cross-react with gluten.
A Path Toward A Healthier Gut
Although it is unusual to hear the term “increased intestinal permeability” in most doctors’ offices, alternative and integrative medicine practitioners have worked on gut healing as an initial step to treat chronic diseases for decades. Other cultures around the world often recommend specific diets to make people feel better. Even in the United States, it is common to see people changing their diets after getting sick. A common initial step some practitioners take is to remove foods that can be inflammatory and could promote changes in the gut flora. Among the most common are alcohol, processed foods, certain medications, and any foods that may cause allergies or sensitivities. In my practice, I often see patients improve significantly when they start eating a healthier diet.
Controversy still exists on whether leaky gut causes the development of diseases outside the gastrointestinal tract in humans. However, it is always a good idea to eat a nutritious, unprocessed diet that includes foods that help quell inflammation , which may, at least in theory, help to rebuild the gut lining and bring more balance to the gut flora. This recipe could make you feel better, without any side effects. It is definitely worth a try.
A Hint Of Truth Intestinal Permeability
In some individuals, for a variety of reasons, the physical structure of their intestines is compromised. The tight junctions, which control what materials the intestine absorbs, dont work properly, allowing larger substances to cross over into the bloodstream. This is known as intestinal permeability.
Physicians sometimes find increased intestinal permeability in those who have Crohns disease, celiac disease, in individuals receiving chemotherapy, and those who have a high intake of bowel-damaging substances such as aspirin and alcohol. However, intestinal permeability is a symptom of these ailments, not a cause it does not lead to anything more than inflammation of the bowel walls, and it is not leaky gut syndrome. Furthermore, research shows that increased intestinal permeability sometimes has beneficial effects, such as improving water and nutrient absorption as well as activating the immune system.1
The Myth: According to the proponents of leaky gut syndrome, bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream through these defective tight junctions and wreak havoc throughout the body, causing bloating, gas, cramps, inflammatory bowel disease , as well as fatigue, food sensitivities, joint pain, moodiness, irritability, sleeplessness, autism, and skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.
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Leaky Gut Syndrome And Psoriasis: Whats The Connection
The term leaky gut syndrome refers to a condition known as increased intestinal permeability. This condition occurs when a layer of cells in the intestines becomes more permeable, allowing certain substances to enter the bloodstream. Although researchers have established a connection between leaky gut syndrome and some gastrointestinal disorders, some studies have suggested that the condition may also play a role in other autoimmune diseases, like psoriasis.
Who Gets A Leaky Gut
We all have some degree of leaky gut, as this barrier is not completely impenetrable . Some of us may have a genetic predisposition and may be more sensitive to changes in the digestive system, but our DNA is not the only one to blame. Modern life may actually be the main driver of gut inflammation. There is emerging evidence that the standard American diet, which is low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats, may initiate this process. Heavy alcohol use and stress also seem to disrupt this balance.
We already know that increased intestinal permeability plays a role in certain gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The biggest question is whether or not a leaky gut may cause problems elsewhere in the body. Some studies show that leaky gut may be associated with other autoimmune diseases , chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies, asthma, acne, obesity, and even mental illness. However, we do not yet have clinical studies in humans showing such a cause and effect.
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Skin Dysbiosis In Psoriasis
Microbiome perturbations are associated with several immune-mediated dermatoses, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. Each disease has distinct skin microbiological characteristics. Many studies have shown that the composition and function of the skin microbiome vary between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls and psoriatic flares were associated with skin microbiome alterations however, the lack of standardized sampling and profiling protocols also leads to conflicting results. Here, we review recent advances in the study of the close, non-causal association between microbial alteration and psoriasis, attempting to gain insight into the core microbial composition associated with psoriasis and to assess the potential diagnostic value of dysbiosis.
Table 1. Reported skin dysbiosis in psoriasis.
Eat Healthy To Mend Leaky Gut
Make a healthy meal plan. Consider anti-inflammatory foods. Anti-inflammatory foods prove helpful to heal leaky gut and psoriasis too.
- Add coconut products in your meal plan
- Vegetables and fruits are good for leaky gut
- Avoid junk foods
- cheese
- sourdough bread
You can consult a nutritionist to get help in making the best meal plan for you. Heres a sample.
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What Are Holistic Treatments For Eczema
Holistic treatment refers to alternative treatment for eczema. Sometimes these include homeopathic medicine, oriental medicine, etc. There is not much evidence for these at the time.
Another way to think about treating eczema holistically involves looking skin deep, or even deeper into the gut. There is more evidence showing that probiotics can help eczema and even possibly prevent it in certain high-risk children. .
What We Know About Leaky Gut And Psoriasis
Although this emerging research is exciting and extremely promising, it is preliminary, and there is no current scientific consensus in any of these areas. And where there is a vacuum, there is usually something to be sucked into that space!
In this arena, I find that to be the recurring term leaky gut, a somewhat catch-all phrase that bears the responsibility for many of our ills. But how much do we actually know about leaky gut, and is there a demonstrated connection to psoriasis? Lets science!
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Does Leaky Gut Cause Eczema
Does leaky gut cause eczema? This is a common question parents ask regarding their childs eczema. Atopic dermatitis is healed from the outside as well as the inside . Healing the gut involves taking probiotics and eating a good, wholesome diet . I have found from my own children that giving them probiotics has made a big difference in their skin. More research is needed before concluding that a leaky gut can lead to eczema and other chronic diseases, but it seems there is more information showing this connection.
How Conventional Medicine Approaches Psoriasis Treatment
Because there is no known cure for psoriasis, conventional medicine focuses on the symptoms. So, no matter what type of psoriasis you have, your conventional doctor will determine your psoriasis treatment based on the severity of your psoriasis symptoms. When you work with a conventional doctor, your psoriasis treatment may include:
- Prescription medications to slow skin growth, reduce inflammation, and make your skin smoother.
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation, suppress your immunity, and reduce skin growth.
- Topical treatment with corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation and itching.
Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes and remedies as a part of your psoriasis treatment plan. This includes daily baths, small amounts of sunlight, moisturizers, and avoiding alcohol and trigger foods.
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Why Has Eczema Become So Common Especially In Kids
There are several possible reasons for why this happens.
1) Changes in the gut flora
It is normal for the gut to have different organisms that do not pose any harm to the individual but when there is a change in the normal flora, this can affect how the immune system works . This is more common in children because their immune system is still developing.
2) Overuse of medications
The use of antibiotics early in life, especially in children with family history of eczema, can lead to a higher risk of eczema .
1) Determine food allergies or sensitivities
Certain foods are common eczema triggers. It helps to know what foods to avoid while your child likely outgrows food allergies and sensitivities.
2) Optimize the gut flora
A healthy gut flora helps immune system development during childhood. It is also responsible for maintaining the gut barrier. This helps to maintain and possibly prevent eczema. The gut can be optimized with probiotics including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
3) Have your kids play outside and get a little dirty
Hygiene hypothesis is a term from the 80s. It means that allergic conditions developed due to poor germ exposure. Being exposed to bacterias and viruses to a certain extent is actually good because it helps build immunity. Preventing kids from coming in contact with germs may do more harm than good in the long run.
4) Apply natural topical treatments to the skin
5) Supplement with Vitamin D
Glutamine Helps Repair Leaky Gut To Heal Psoriasis
It raises some eyebrows when I say that glutamine helps repair leaky gut to heal psoriasis. The reason being- glutamine is generally consumed by professional athletes, bodybuilders and the people who are passionate about fitness and good physique. Glutamine provides them the nutrition and energy to cope up with intense training sessions and also, to enhance muscle building. But, glutamine is a vital nutrient for the gut health also. Glutamine is the primary source of fuel for cells that line your intestinal walls. Optimum amount of glutamine in your body promotes structural integrity of intestinal linings to treat leaky gut.
Among various dietary supplements to heal leaky gut, glutamine is certainly the most powerful one. It is easy to consume, easily available and most importantly- with barely any side effects because a healthy human body naturally has glutamine in abundance.
Dont confuse glutamine with a steroid. It is the most abundant amino acid in your body. In this post, we would discuss about leaky gut, how it is related to psoriasis and what is the use of glutamine in treating leaky gut.
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The 8 Types Of Psoriasis
Did you know psoriasis is one of the most prevalent autoimmune conditions? In fact, it affects 7.5 million people in the United States and 125 million people worldwide. That means roughly 2-3% of the worlds population are affected by the eight different types of psoriasis.
1. Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type. Plaque psoriasis is characterized by dry, raised, and red plaques, or raised lesions, that can be itchy and painful. They can crop up anywhere on your body.
2. Nail psoriasis
This type of psoriasis can affect your finger- and/or toenails. It can lead to discoloration, abnormal nail growth, and loose or crumbling nails.
3. Guttate psoriasis
Mostly, guttate psoriasis is found in children and young adults. It characterized by small, water drop-shaped, scaling lesions. These are triggered by a bacterial infection and often go away on their own after the infection passes.
4. Inverse psoriasis
Usually, inverse psoriasis occurs in your armpits, groin, under your breasts, and around your genitals. It is characterized by red, inflamed skin that may be triggered by fungal infections.
5. Scalp psoriasis
The mild type of scalp psoriasis appears as fine scales on the scalp. Moderate to severe psoriasis of the scalp is thick and crusted, covering large portions of the skin on the head. It can even extend beyond the hairline to the forehead, back of the neck, and around the ears.
6. Psoriatic arthritis
7. Pustular psoriasis
8. Erythrodermic psoriasis
What Are Attributing Factors Of Childhood Eczema
1) Birth Route
Studies have shown that there is an association between birth route and the development of eczema possibly due to exposure to certain bacteria .
Infants delivered vaginally are exposed to maternal gut flora when they pass through the birth canal. This exposes infants to the mothers flora and helps to develop an immune response.
In contrast, infants who are delivered via Cesarean section have less exposure to the mothers flora, so there is less chance of developing a healthy immune system .
2) Breast or Formula Fed
Breast milk may prevent inflammation, improve immunity, and decrease the likelihood of eczema in infants . There is still more research needed as the results are inconsistent.
The WHO recommends breastfeeding until 2 years old and starting solid food at 6 months old. .
There is also inconsistent evidence of whether formula milk can cause eczema. . If your child does have eczema, find the best formula for eczema here.
3) Antibiotic Use
The use of antibiotics disrupts the normal gut flora as these medications kill off or prevent the growth of gut flora bacteria. The imbalance in the gut microbes can cause the immune system to not function properly and cause eczema .
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Healing The Intestinal Wall
Here is the good news: our intestinal membrane has an immense capacity to regenerate and heal itself. If we wish to restore a leaky gut to health, it makes sense to avoid the substances that may destroy beneficial bacteria , to provide a nutritious diet and to take supplements that promote a healthy balance of bacteria.
Leaky Gut Endotoxins And Inflammation
The scientists proved that one of the causes of insulin resistance and obesity in mice is metabolic endotoxemia.
Both the diabetes and obesity are characterized by insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation. The scientists havefound that normal endotoxemia increased or decreased during the fed or fasted state, respectively, on a nutritional basis and that a 4-week high-fat diet chronically increased plasma LPS concentration two to three times, a threshold that we have defined as metabolic endotoxemia.
Importantly, a high-fat diet increased the proportion of an LPS-containing microbiota in the gut. When metabolic endotoxemia was induced for 4 weeks in mice through continuous subcutaneous infusion of LPS, fasted glycemia and insulinemia and whole-body, liver, and adipose tissue weight gain were increased to a similar extent as in high-fat-fed mice.
It has been documented that as early as 1 hour after a high-fat meal the levels of circulating endotoxins increase in non-obese as well as type 2 diabetic patients. So you may want to think twice before you decide to eat a high-fat paleo-like diet.
The mice with mutated CD14 receptor were resistant to most of the LPS induced problems of metabolic diseases. CD14 receptor is a part of the immune system and its role is to detect the bacterial lipopolysaccharides .It is present in high concentrations on immune cells called macrophages.
What does that mean?
anti-diabetic drug rosiglitazone
References:
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Traditional Treatment Options For Psoriasis
The upside of traditional steroid creams and prescription drugs is that they often work, but the success is typically short lived and comes with a whole host of side effects and risks.
One of the most frequently used remedies for psoriasis are topical steroid creams, which aim to reduce inflammation and decrease rapid skin production. When applied for long periods, the side effects include things like thinning of the skin, stretch marks, steroid rosacea and glaucoma or cataracts.
Light therapy is another form of treatment for psoriasis and works to slow down excessive skin cell growth. The inconvenient truth is that this must be performed regularly, skin may get worse before it gets better and for most, staying out of natural sunlight is recommended.
Nausea, itching, and redness typically accompany different forms of light therapy and more research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy of this treatment option.
A systemic medication, such as methotrexate, is a relatively new approach to treating psoriasis and works by binding to and inhibiting the enzyme that regulates skin growth. While proven effective in many tough psoriatic cases, the long list of side effects make it a risky choice.
Research has suggested an increased cancer risk with the use of systemic treatments and for most, this is enough to look elsewhere for safe and effective alternatives.
The good news is, we can.
Debunking The Myth Of Leaky Gut Syndrome
A proposed gastrointestinal disorder dubbed leaky gut syndrome is currently the topic of numerous debates throughout the medical and natural health communities. Some alternative medicine practitioners claim that leaky gut syndrome is a prevalent problem responsible for ill health in many people. However, most physicians maintain that there is not enough research to prove that it is a legitimate issue. In this article, we will answer some questions you may have about leaky gut syndrome and reveal some of the dangers of diagnosing and treating a condition for which there is no medical evidence.
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Obesity Is Caused By Leaky Gut And Endotoxin Induced Inflammation
Even though obesity is considered as a risk factor of psoriasis the truth is that both conditions have usually the same underlying cause endotoxin induced inflammation.
Being overweight is considered as a problem of overeating rather than a real disease which should be addressed properly. Gaining the fat from eating excessive amounts of calories is not the same as gaining the weight due to inflammation as it is present in obese people.
During the inflammation the whole body and metabolic pathways are significantly altered some are speed up and the others are slowed down.
There are two associated problems besides endotoxins driving the more weight gain one is hormonal imbalances and the other is binge eating caused by imbalances in dopaminergic brain reward pathways.