Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (150 page)

Take selenium.
Many studies have shown that people with psoriasis are deficient in selenium. Selenium is part of a molecule called
glutathione peroxidase
, which protects against oxidative damage (free radicals). Giving supplemental selenium to people with psoriasis showed an increase in glutathione peroxidase levels and improvement in immune function, though not an improvement in skin condition. However, these were studies of short duration with selenium as the only supplement. This underscores the concepts of patience when using natural therapies and of using more than one nutrient or approach at a time. Take 200 mcg daily, which you can get in a good multivitamin. Selenium can be toxic, so more is not necessarily better. Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium. Eat one to two daily to get 200 mcg.

Try Saccharomyces boulardii.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a cousin to baker’s yeast. It has been shown to raise levels of secretory IgA, which are low in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Take three to six capsules daily.

Use aloe vera cream.
A placebo-controlled study of 60 people with psoriasis found that a 0.5 percent aloe vera cream cured 86 percent of the subjects. Each person used the aloe vera cream three times each day for a period of one year, and the researchers concluded that aloe vera cream is a safe and effective cure for psoriasis.

Try other topical creams.
Many topical creams, oils, and ointments help psoriasis. Capsaicin, a cayenne pepper cream, helped 66 to 70 percent of the people who used it in a recent trial. The main side effect was that of a burning feeling associated with chili peppers, which quickly subsided. Vitamins A and E have also been used topically with success; one physician alternates them, one each day. Creams containing zinc are also effective, as are salves containing sarsaparilla. Goldenseal ointment or oral supplements can also be helpful.

Practice stress-management skills.
Flare-ups of psoriasis often occur after a stressful event. Because stress has to do with our own internalization of an event, even a mildly stressful situation can trigger psoriasis. Learning stress-modification techniques can change your attitude about stressful situations, allowing you to let them roll by more easily. In a recent study, 4 out of 11 people showed significant improvement in psoriatic symptoms with meditation and guided imagery. Hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and walks in nature are other effective tools. Regular aerobic exercise is a powerful stress reducer.

Rosacea is a chronic inflamed facial condition. It is characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead with small bumps or pimples on the face. More rarely it can occur on the scalp, neck, chest, or ears. Over time the redness can become more persistent. You can often also see small blood vessels on the face.

People with rosacea often have watery, bloodshot, or irritated eyes. The condition affects 16 million Americans and is becoming more prevalent. It flares up and goes into remission. Rosacea is a tough illness socially. It affects people’s self-esteem, career, and social life.

According to the National Rosacea Society, the most common triggers include sunshine, emotional stress, hot or cold weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, hot baths, spicy foods, indoor heat, and some skin care products.

Research on rosacea and digestion is sparse, yet what is available points to a large component that is digestive in nature. I have seen remarkable improvements in my clients on a gluten-free diet and also with use of betaine HCl to increase stomach acids. Research by Andrea Parodi and colleagues discovered small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in 46 percent of participants (52 out of 113). After treatment with Rifaxamin, lesions cleared in 71 percent (20 out of 28) and greatly improved in 21 percent (6 out of 28).

SIBO is associated with lower levels of hydrochloric acid. A few old studies (1920 and 1948) measured hydrochloric acid sufficiency and found rates of insufficiency to be higher in people with rosacea.

There have also been several studies linking Candida species with rosacea.

One researcher reported finding low levels of lipase (fat-splitting enzymes) in people with rosacea. He reported improvements by giving pancreatic enzyme supplements.

Functional Laboratory Testing

Breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Candida antibodies in serum, or candida in stool analysis

Organic acid testing

Stool testing for pancreatic function

HCl testing