Digestive Wellness Clinic

Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis ? What are the symptoms of Psoriasis ? Should I test for digestive disorders ? What about lifestyle changes ?

The causes of Psoriasis are complex. It can suddenly develop after periods of relative calm, being brought on by stress, the use of certain skin conditions, anti-malarial treatments, withdrawal from cortisone treatment, or severe sunburn. However, it is commonly linked with the following:-

• Incomplete digestion of proteins
  The digestion of proteins begins in the stomach. When this process is not completed, bacteria break down what remains, and produce toxic substances - amongst them polyamines and these have been found in high levels in sufferers of Psoriasis.

• Bowel toxaemia
  Many people with Psoriasis have been found to have large colonies of unhealthy bacteria (resulting in dysbiosis), or yeast such as Candida albicans, in their gut and on their skin. This, in itself, can be associated with high sugar diet, exposure to antibiotics, prolonged stress, and food sensitivities.

• Food sensitivities
  Those suffering from Psoriasis have been commonly found to have high levels of both IgE and IgG antibodies in their bloodstream which indicate an allergic or intolerant component in its aetiology. Intestinal dysbiosis (mentioned above) predisposes people to food and environmental sensitivities which, in turn, show up in this skin condition.

• Poor liver function
  

  Poor liver function may also play a role in the development of Psoriasis. A leaky gut will have a direct impact on the liver, burdening it with extra toxins, which then get released into the bloodstream. Excess alcohol consumption can serve to aggravate the situation.

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As we have seen, digestive disorders are very commonly associated with sufferers of Psoriasis. Scientific testing offers a quick,and very accurate, profile of exactly the ways in which your digestive system may be prejudiced.
Once you have completed a detailed questionnaire concerning your symptoms, and following an initial consultation with you, we may recommend one or more tests from the following:-

• Food and environmental sensitivities
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis - for candida, or other harmful yeasts and bacteria
• Increased intestinal permeability - for "leaky gut"
• Vitamin and mineral profile

Once we have established the extent and character of any intestinal problem, we can make detailed recommendations for changes in diet and eating habits, combined with a nutritional supplement programme to help restore the body to health and wellbeing.

Prolonged stress is often the cause of digestive problems which, in turn, can trigger allergic reactions, or sensitivities to foods or other environmental factors. It may also be associated with increased consumption of alcohol which contributes further to the problem.
Whilst you may be aware that you are feeling stressed, you may not be fully alert to the level of stress you are suffering. Try completing our stress evaluation questionnaire to get a more accurate handle on your exposure to this condition. Whilst you may not be able to remove the causes of your stress entirely, it is possible to do something about your reaction to it by embracing a stress management strategy.

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