Nutrition for Psoriasis: Sweet Potatoes

By Alaina Falk

Do you enjoy sweet potatoes? Did you know they’re a super food that contain many nutritional benefits? 'The World's Healthiest Foods' list numerous benefits of incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet. Some of these health benefits include increasing your antioxidant intake, consuming more anti-inflammatory nutrients, and even regulating your blood sugar. That doesn’t even include all of the vitamins and minerals contained in these root vegetables. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sweet potatoes provide 400 percent of your daily vitamin A dose!
Sweet potatoes often appear on Thanksgiving menus and for other holiday celebrations, but it’s time for them to be in the spotlight! Eating them regularly can be beneficial for your health.
Enjoy baked or roasted sweet potatoes, use them instead of rice under curried dishes, or mash them for a delicious side. Whether you like them savoury or a little sweeter (try honey or maple syrup for natural sweeteners), include sweet potatoes in your weekly menu plan.
Here’s a simple and delicious sweet potato and black bean soup shared with permission from The Cooks Next Door.

SWEET POTATO AND BLACK BEAN SOUP
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 c. peeled and diced sweet potato
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
4 c. chicken or vegetable stock
1 28-oz. can diced tomato
1 15-oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed
Heat oil in the bottom of a large pot. Add onion and sauté until slightly translucent. Add sweet potato and continue to cook for five minutes or so. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and cook another minute. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Makes four to six servings.

http://psoriasisnewstoday.com/2016/10/28/nutrition-for-psoriasis-sweet-potatoes/

Erectile Dysfunction and Psoriasis: Could There Be a Link?

By John Dugan

Few things are as worrisome to a man as erectile dysfunction. Despite the fact that many men experience some erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives, it's a topic that is not openly discussed, even among friends. Many myths and much misinformation therefore exists around this topic, which makes evidence-based information on this penis care matter that much more valuable. Interestingly, a recent study has raised the possibility that there could be a link between psoriasis and erectile dysfunction.

The study
Published online in the International Journal of Impotence Research, the study looked at 191 men with psoriasis and 191 men without psoriasis. (Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy patches on the skin.) When the scientists crunched their numbers, they found that almost 53% of men with psoriasis also had erectile dysfunction, compared to about 40% of men without psoriasis who also had erectile dysfunction. Further, of those men with erectile issues, those with psoriasis were more likely to classify the erectile issues as severe. The authors thus determined that the data suggest that men with psoriasis are significantly more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than those without the skin condition.
What does it mean?
Does this study mean that psoriasis is a cause of erectile dysfunction? Though this study was not designed to definitively answer that question, the likely answer is no, psoriasis is not a cause.
That doesn't mean, however, that there's not a link between them, as the study found. It means that the factors which actually cause psoriasis are probably not responsible for a man's inability to obtain or maintain an erection. Instead, it suggests that other characteristics shared by people with psoriasis may be contributing factors to the dysfunction issue.
Other factors
For example, many people with psoriasis also have other conditions which are also linked to erectile dysfunction. These include diabetes, cardiovascular issues, hypertension and obesity. Each of these conditions is often associated with diminished blood flow throughout the body - including blood flow to the penis. And as most penis owners know, erections are dependent upon an influx of blood to the penis both to initiate and to sustain them.
In addition, many men with psoriasis in the study also reported experiencing feelings of anxiety and/or depression, as well as low self-esteem. All of these issues can have a severe impact on a person's sex drive, which in turn can lead to pronounced erectile issues. These psychologically-based factors may be even more pronounced when psoriasis occurs on or near the penis itself. This can lead to a man feeling ashamed of or embarrassed by his penile appearance; this in turn makes him less likely to want to engage in sex.
Psoriasis
So in short, psoriasis does not appear to be a major physiological cause of erectile dysfunction, but it can be an indicator of potential dysfunction. It also demonstrates again that erectile dysfunction can be a signal of other health conditions, some of which (such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.) a man may not be aware. So if a man has recurring erectile dysfunction, a good physical check-up is recommended to search for causes - many of which can and need to be treated.
While psoriasis is not a direct cause of erectile dysfunction, its appearance on the penis can be disheartening. Getting it treated by a doctor is essential, as is regularly applying a top notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to help keep the skin and the penis itself healthy. A crème with vitamin D is especially helpful; psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, and vitamin D contributes to healthy immune function. If the crème also includes L-arginine, so much the better; this amino acid helps blood vessels to dilate, which in turn allows a proper flow of blood into and out of the penis. And a really good penis health crème will simply make the organ look and feel healthier.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Erectile-Dysfunction-and-Psoriasis:-Could-There-Be-a-Link?&id=9521252

Overcome Psoriasis with these natural ingredients!

From kashmirmonitor.in

Psoriasis is the most stubborn and complicated form of skin disease that affects skin, hair, nails, and joints.
Many health experts believe that psoriasis in nail is the hardest to treat as the thick nail bed makes topical meditation difficult to penetrate. This chronic skin disease is not age-related and mainly caused by the problem with immune system.
Red, scaly skin and severe itching are some of its common symptoms. The condition also gives rise to other diseases like diabetes, heart problems, obesity, and depression, which is why proper treatment is very important.
Till date, no medical treatment is available for psoriasis but, there are some medication and natural treatments that can soothe the itchiness and slow down its progression. That is why, self-care and natural treatment is the best solution to get rid of this disease.

Here are some natural ingredients that can cure psoriasis
Tea tree oil:
These trees are native to Australia and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent that treats psoriasis. It is a powerful natural antifungal and antimicrobial that can also cures athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and acne.
Olive oil:
Ozonated olive oil is a powerful natural remedy for psoriasis. This oil acts as a moisturizing conditioner that reduces itchiness and redness. The ozone content of the oil helps in creating enzymes that regulates skin growth and healing.
Pine bark extract:
Using Pine bark extract is the most effect way to keep the progression of psoriasis under control. It improves blood circulation, cleanses arterial plaque and enhances health of blood vessels. It's antioxidant properties treats acne and reduces signs of aging.
Oatmeal:
Oatmeal bath therapy is a wonderful way to soothe psoriasis flare-ups. For this therapy, all you need is some oatmeal and Epsom salts and mix them in luke warm water. This treatment moisturizes and soothes irritated skin.
Apple Cidar Vinegar:
Apple Cidar Vinegar is one of the traditional method to cure this skin disease. It eliminates itch and as well as flakes produced by psoriasis. Make a solution by mixing water and apple cidar vinegar in 2:1 ratio and then apply it on affected area. Avoid using it directly on cracked or bleeding skin.

http://www.kashmirmonitor.in/Details/109795/overcome-psoriasis-with-these-natural-ingredients

Alternative approaches for psoriasis

By Dr Peter Lio

Incurable diseases that are poorly understood, have limited conventional therapeutic options, or have treatments with real or perceived side effects are prime candidates for alternative approaches. Psoriasis, with its long history of suffering and confusion, nicely fits into this category. Indeed, for centuries, patients with psoriasis were treated as literal lepers, and were required to carry a bell or clapper to announce their approach. The medical side of that coin is perhaps best summarized by the pithy words of Paul Bechet: “Psoriasis is an antidote for dermatologists’ ego.”

Despite the truly spectacular advances in both the pathophysiology and therapy of psoriasis, there are still many unanswered questions and there is still no cure. And, as we wade through an embarrassment of riches of conventional therapeutic options, there remains—perhaps surprisingly—significant patient dissatisfaction with their treatments. This, too, opens the door to exploration of alternatives. Further, the notion that these powerful biologic agents—which truly do appear to be safer than their predecessors—still have the potential for side effects, with one recent study reporting more than one quarter of respondents experiencing a serious adverse event secondary to a biologic agent for psoriasis, though this admittedly included a large portion of patients on infliximab.

With such an extensive armamentarium for psoriasis, many of the things we will discuss below may better serve as complementary or adjunctive therapies rather than act as alternatives. Judging by a recent survey finding that nearly 50% of psoriasis patients had used a form of alternative medicine in the preceding year, this may be happening already for many of our patients without our knowledge. This approach—taking the best of conventional medicine along with helpful unconventional remedies—is a very nice approximation of the definition of “integrative medicine.”

http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/alternative-approaches-psoriasis

Vigorous Regular Exercise Can Lower Risk of Psoriasis, Study Finds

By Carolina Henriques

The importance of exercise has been emphasized in recent years, as researchers find more and more evidence that physical activity helps to prevent illness and improve general health. These benefits appear to extend to psoriasis, a recent study reported, finding that vigorous activity reduced a woman’s risk of developing psoriasis by as much as 30 percent.
The study, “The Association Between Physical Activity and the Risk of Incident Psoriasis,” published online in the journal Archives of Dermatology, was conducted by scientists at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, and led by Abrar Quershi, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard.
Qureshi began his training when psoriasis was only thought of as a skin condition. Since then, the scientific community’s understanding has evolved and now psoriasis is considered to be an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, causing the body to accelerate the growth and turnover of skin cells.
Used data from the long-term Nurses’ Health Study II, which began in 1976 and continues through regular follow-ups with participants, the team identified 86,655 women, between ages 27 and 44 when they started in the study in 1991. Of them, 1,026 of them developed psoriasis during the study period.
The women were surveyed as to health and exercise patterns, weight, diet, alcohol consumption and smoking habits in an initial questionnaire in 1991, and again in follow-up surveys in 1997 and 2001.
Respondents were then placed into five groups by activity level, and in those with the highest activity levels, but only there, was a significantly lower risk of psoriasis found. Women who vigorously exercised each week had a 25 percent to 30 percent lower chance of developing the disease compared to those who exercise least, the data showed.
Researchers suggested that some type of threshold effect was at work, with the benefits of exercise unseen at lower levels. No protective benefit was found in regular walking or moderate jogging.
For visible benefit, the researchers said 105 minutes of active running or 180 minutes of equally vigorous exercise, like swimming or playing tennis, each week was necessary. The intensity of the exercise is relevant, they added, and running was defined as a pace faster than 10 minutes per mile in the study.
These results align with others regarding the positive effects of exercise on diseases marked by systemic inflammation, including type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and with certain types of cancer.
“[Psoriasis] is a systemic inflammatory condition. If exercise changes inflammatory biomarkers, it makes sense,” Qureshi said in the press release. “This might be another good reason to adapt a physically active lifestyle.”
Qureshi and his team plan to continue to study the protective effects of exercise on psoriasis, adding men and young adults to their data to see if similar effects might be found.

http://psoriasisnewstoday.com/2016/09/08/vigorous-regular-exercise-seen-to-lower-risk-of-psoriasis/

What is the skin condition psoriasis, what are its causes, and how is the disorder treated?

By Tom Gillespie

THE skin condition psoriasis affects thousands of men and women across the UK, with many sufferers believing there is an enormous amount of stigma around the disorder.

Kim Kardashian has revealed she has finally learned to live with the condition which she described as her “biggest flaw”.
Despite it being relatively common many people out there will still be unaware as to what the condition is… so here is a guide to everything you need to know about psoriasis.
What is psoriasis?
The condition causes red and crusty patches with silvery scales to flare-up on the skin.
They normally appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can crop up anywhere on the body.
The patches can sometimes be itchy or sore.
Roughly 2% of the population are affected by psoriasis and the number is roughly split equally between men and women.
Its severity varies from person to person and for some people it is merely a small irritation.
In more serious cases it can have a crushing impact on a sufferer’s life.
What are its causes?
Psoriasis isn’t fully understood by health professionals but it is thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system.
People with the condition have increased production of skin cells.
Normally skin cells are replaced over a three to four week period.
When someone has psoriasis this process only lasts six or seven days and that’s what causes the red patches to emerge.
In people with psoriasis the immune system accidentally attacks healthy skin cells by mistake.
The disorder is thought to run in the family but the precise role genetic plays is unclear.
Many people’s symptoms are “triggered” – meaning the rash will occur when they injure the skin, get a throat infection, or use certain medicines.
How is psoriasis treated and diagnosed?
A GP can usually spot it simply by its appearance on the skin, but sometimes they will take a small sample to be examined under a microscope.
This will rule out other skin disorders.
Psoriasis has no cure but treatments can reduce the itchiness and the appearance of skin patches.
Topical treatments, meaning creams and ointments, can be rubbed into the skin.
If these aren’t effective that phototherapy can be used to treat it.
This involves the skin being exposed to ultraviolet light.
In truly severe cases oral or injected medicines are available that work throughout the whole body.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1711151/what-is-the-skin-condition-psoriasis-what-are-its-causes-and-how-is-the-disorder-treated/

Diet Tips for Improving Psoriasis

By Angella Wali

Skin cells normally take three to four weeks to replace themselves, but in people with psoriasis, this process takes only three to six days. Because this replacement process is much faster, both dead and new cells build up on the skin, causing flaky, crusty patches that shed easily. These patches can be very itchy, sore and sometimes produce a burning sensation on the skin. The goal of treatment in psoriasis is usually to slow down the production of cells and reduce inflammation and a healthy diet goes a long way towards making this happen. Some approaches that are used include: Weight loss: Several studies have linked obesity to an increased severity of symptoms in psoriasis. This could be because fat cells in the skin produce protein cells that trigger inflammation. In this case, reducing unwanted weight will help reduce inflammation.
Heart-Friendly Diet: People with psoriasis are usually at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This is another incentive for weight management. Nevertheless, eating a heart friendly diet is recommended. Indulge in low cholesterol foods and food stuffs that are low in unhealthy fat.
Anti-inflammatory diet: Reduce inflammation by eating foods that have Vitamin A, Beta carotene, Zinc, Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. One can easily get these by eating fresh and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, cold water fish and oily fish. Reduce intake of high fat foods, refined and processed foods as they increase inflammation.

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/lifestyle/article/2000214010/diet-tips-for-improving-psoriasis