The skin condition, psoriasis, can have a damaging effect on the quality of life for those who have it. Find out how omega-3 can help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis may not be life-threatening but, for the 2-3% of the UK who have the skin condition, it can still be disabling. Almost three-quarters of those with psoriasis say it can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease which causes skin-cell production to be increased four- to seven-fold, resulting in patches of built-up skin cells called plaques. Plaques appear red, flaky and crusty and may be covered in silvery scales. They may also be sore and itchy.Psoriatic plaques can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Psoriasis may also affect the joints, causing inflammation known as psoriatic arthritis.
How can omega-3 help?
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to boost our immune function and dampen down the body’s inflammatory response. Research suggests that consuming sufficient levels of omega-3 during the first year of life may help protect against a variety of autoimmune disorders.Taking omega-3 supplements when autoimmune skin or joint conditions do develop can help relieve the symptoms. Studies show that high-dose omega-3 supplements can improve the symptoms of redness, thickness, scaling and itching in psoriasis.
Omega-3 and psoriatic arthritis
Although little research has looked at the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on psoriatic arthritis, there is good evidence to suggest that omega-3 supplements can improve the symptoms.There is also evidence to show omega-3s can improve joint function in other forms of arthritis, offering hope to those who are affected by the condition.
No comments:
Post a Comment