Wednesday, December 12, 2012

How do you treat your psoriasis?

Q. I have tried OTC treatments, and i can't afford to do the RX stuff. Any suggestions for me? I am young, (16+) but my skin is so sensitive. So anything that i can do has to be very gentle with my skin. Thanks
I have severe psoriasis on my right ankle and one spot on my left leg about as big as a half dollar. Mine never seems to diminish and it stays cracked and really bad all the time.

A. Hi Kacey

Here are some ideas on how to heal the issue.

Cause
Psoriasis is metabolic in nature and can be triggered by environmental or stressful conditions, poor diet, flu-like conditions, the administration of penicillin, and nutritional deficiencies. Patients with psoriasis are also a higher risk of rheumatoid diseases.

Psoriasis can be caused by food allergies, essential fatty acid deficiencies, low digestive enzyme and hydrochloric acid levels, vitamin B complex deficiencies, emotional stress, illness, drugs (such as beta-blockers, lithium, and chloroquine), poison ivy or oak, skin damage, and several infections, bacterial or viral in origin.


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Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: The following essential oils are recommended: bergamot (to help heal skin plaques), lavender (to reduce excessive itching), melissa (for irritated skin), jasmine (for dry sensitive skin), geranium (for dry irritating skin), and sandalwood mysore (for dehydrated, inflamed, and sensitive skin).

Diet: Screen for and eliminate all foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Eat a varied diet of organic, whole foods, rotating foods as much as possible. Eliminate wheat and wheat products for 1-3 months. Consume seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and each day, on a rotating basis, take one tablespoon of olive or flaxseed oil, and be sure to drink plenty of pure, filtered water. Organic beef, venison, poultry, garlic, onions, parsley, organic plain yogurt, and sauerkraut are also recommended.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® applied topically can soothe symptoms.

Herbs: Combine equal parts of burdock, sarsaparilla, and cleavers tinctures and take one teaspoon three times a day. Silymarin (milk thistle) is also helpful for psoriasis due to its positive effects on liver function.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Psorinum, Sulfur, Graphites, Cuprum met., and Arsen alb.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. I suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments.
*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment. Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water offers clear instructions and recommendations.

Juice Therapy: The following juice combinations can be helpful: apple and carrot; beet, cucumber, and grape; and beet, carrot, burdock, yellowdock and garlic.

Lifestyle: Mild cases of psoriasis may be helped by daily exposure to sunlight. Frequent exercise is also recommended.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can be helpful: evening primrose oil, omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B Complex, vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, folic acid, lecithin, zinc, and a multimineral supplement. Taking hydrochloric acid (HCL) with each meal can also be of use.

In Europe fumaric acid treatment in the form of fumaric acid tablets, ointment, lotion, and scalp lotions is widely used to reverse symptoms of psoriasis

Topical Treatment: Apply seawater to the affected skin several times daily. Linseed or avocado oil, aloe vera gel, and/or capsaicin cream applied topically can reduce the scaling, thickness, redness, and itching.

Best of health to you


What is the best way to treat depression?
Q. Depression is one of the largest disorders in america, is there any real cure for despression, or a treatment, that works and fixes the chemical embalance.

A. There are several different causes of depression, with effective treatments, but no cure, as such, with the possible exceptions of vitamin/mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, environmental toxicity, and grief (time, and therapies). Use the effective natural core treatments for depression at * http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_27.html & read page B (Note the post about MEDICATION & DEPRESSION). Although it's sensible to go to a doctor for tests, be aware that you are likely to be prescribed antidepressants; I advise saying "thank you, doctor", and pocketing it for possible use later, if needed (hopefully not). Double blind studies have shown that, statistically, antidepressants are only slightly more effective than a placebo, but with risks, and side effects. Most people who are depressed would be far better off trying the natural/alternative treatments for at least 3 months, to see if they work for them, rather than accepting the risks, and/or side effects of medications, and even if insufficient, (unlikely) maintain the core treatments, Omega 3, & optimise vitamin D3 levels).

Identify the cause: http://curezone.com/dis/read.asp?C0=108 and if applicable; http://sfhelp.org/gwc/wounds.htm View http://curetogether.com/depression/ig/treatment-effectiveness-vs-popularity & http://extrahappiness.com/happiness/?p=4218

If using a RECOMMENDED * brand of St. John's Wort (take with meals to avoid possible stomach upsets) view the websites about it on page B, and if also using UP TO 50mg of 5-htp daily - http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1635 refers- in addition, (or UP TO 200mg of 5-htp if NOT using the wort. I note with interest that in the study referred to, 300 mg of 5-htp was used) take with a very low protein meal, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier, with no, or extremely little protein 2 hrs before, to 2 hrs afterwards.

I suggest beginning with 50 mg on the first day, and if no adverse reaction, keep increasing it until reaching the desired level, to let your system accustom itself to it gradually. Google maximum safe dosage. Alternatively, use SAMe with the core treatments, but nothing else.

"Even if we have some vague idea that we are not our feelings or our thoughts, when we are experiencing painful feelings or painful thoughts, we believe we have to feel them or think them just because of the fact that they are occurring to us. But painful feelings can be indirectly controlled by physical action, and changing our present thoughts for different thoughts (since feeling occurs as a result of thinking.) Painful thoughts can be directly controlled by choosing replacement thoughts for the ones that are troubling us. Sure, it takes some practice to change a habit of suffering. But it can be done. Of course it can't be done if we choose to believe that it can't be done. But, since the choice is ours, why not choose to believe it can be done, and do it?"

Read: "Lift your mood now." by John D Preston, Psy.D. 2001, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland. CA ( for depression; short 5 - 10 mn chapters, easily employed immediately), & Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky, & "Feeling Good." The New Mood Therapy. Harper Collins.1999. ( updated sequel to his US bestseller about treating depression & anxiety; very comprehensive), by David D. Burns, M.D., & Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelman, from your bookstore, Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com


How can my boyfriend seek help for depression without the Marine Corps finding out?
Q. My boyfriend feels that he may be clinically depressed. I feel that this in and of itself is a major stride considering that seeking help for oneself is especially hard when you are suffering from depression. He is in the Marine Corp and he feels that it would be better to keep his problem hidden from the Corps because they can be "kind of sketchy about that kind of thing" as he put it. How can he begin treatment for his illness while not jeopardizing his career?

A. Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably reactive [situational] depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life's adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment).

It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.

(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don�t follow the typical �normal� reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you�re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.

(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*. (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).

If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try pharmacies & supermarkets for the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ or magnesium chloride. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Use iodised salt, as many people are deficient, affecting thyroid function (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). View section 2, on the first 3 pages*, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris


What are the causes of iron loss?
Q. I've researched a little about iron deficiency due to blood loss, sweat, and impact while running, but I want to know more specific causes. Could someone be iron deficient because they lost a lot of blood through donating it? What about people who cut themselves? Are they more at risk because they lose blood on a daily basis? And why are alcoholics more at risk for iron deficiency?

A. The standard minimum hemoglobin requirements would keep somebody with borderline anemia from being able to be a donor in the first place, and somebody who had anemia certainly wouldn't be allowed to donate. The unit of blood that is taken doesn't seriously impact on the donor, the loss is primarily fluid and the cells get replaced fairly quickly. If they even suspected donation would put you at risk, they would turn you down as a donor. Additionally, you can't just donate and donate, day after day. In fact, you can't repeat donate until after 8 weeks after a previous donation. 16 weeks if it was a double red cell donation. People who cut themselves, even on a daily basis, usually don't lose significant amounts of blood for the most part, but I suppose they would have other risk factors which would probably contribute to their overall health and counted together with the minor bleeding might cause them to become anemic. I couldn't say if the cutting behavior alone would be enough. Alcoholics are often anemic because the disease affects liver function, and the fact that most are in a nutritionally challenged state because they drink rather than eat properly. They may develop anemia due to gastric bleeding or a vitamin B deficiency as well. It's rather complicated to explain anemia causes in alcoholics because there are lots of contributing factors related to how the body deals with the metabolism of alcohol and the damages which can be done by it, all of which or any of which can lead to anemia. It also depends on if the person in question is an active drinker or not. Those still active alcoholics are at higher risk than one in long term recovery. The alcoholic in recover may be at higher risk from the physical damage done to the liver. The alcoholic still drinking heavily is at risk because of damage that is ongoing, as well as the nutritional deficit created by the drinking vs. proper diet.
The big trouble with specifically citing a specific cause is that the populations you mention have other factors which can pose a higher risk. Cutters are typically young females, stressed and usually not eating well. Just being female means a certain loss through the monthly cycle, and stress also affects iron levels. And because they usually don't eat well, they may simply not be taking in a sufficient amount of iron to begin with. So while cutting certainly isn't helping matters, it is not the cause in and of itself. The alcoholic may be eating enough dietary iron, but due to a compromised liver function can't utilize it properly. And of course, they may just as easily not be eating enough to begin with. This is the same problem you run into with the athletes. Anemia due to the excess sweating or running is more due to the abuse of the workout, and compounded by the fact that such an athlete probably doesn't eat iron rich foods out of health concerns or a desire to control weight. And a person who experiences anemia due to blood loss from an injury hasn't suffered from a disease process- the anemia is an incidental problem which can be recovered from and not a long term problem. In fact, if a person suffers an injury that causes that much blood loss, they would typically recieve whole blood products and the hemoglobin would be replaced in the process. They would also be given iron as a supplement during the recovery process, just to prevent blood loss anemia from becoming an issue. In your studies, you will want to separate anemia into several categories- that caused by injury, disease- including inherited diseases,and diet/nutritional deficits. Anemia is a symptom of something, not necessarily a disease in and of itself. The treatment is not just to provide exta iron, but also to treat or eliminate the underlying cause.





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