If you’re living with psoriasis your doctor is likely to suggest treatment in one or all of the following categories:
- Topical - emollients and/or topical steroids
- Phototherapy
- Systemic - oral or injected medications
But what else could you try that your doctor might not mention? If you’re living with psoriasis it’s worth thinking of the condition holistically, and making changes to your lifestyle and overall health to improve your body’s resilience to inflammation.
- Look to the gut: feed your microbiome with pro- and prebiotics, as there’s good evidence to suggest that the gut has a huge impact on the immune system. Kefir, kombucha, miso, pickles such as kimchi or sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, acidophilus, lactobacillus and plenty of fibre from vegetables will keep your gut happy and reduce inflammation.
- Feed your skin: give it the nutrients it needs to regulate itself healthily: vit c and d, omega oils (from Balmonds’ favourites hemp seed, borage, rosehip, safflower). You can apply directly to the skin for maximum efficiency, so slather on the Skin Salvation as if it were a vitamin supplement!
- Walk in the woods: less stress = fewer flares. It’s easier said than done of course, but prioritising your mental health by saying no to stressful tasks, giving yourself proper space to relax and unwind, and taking up calming practices such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness or walking in nature can really help balance your cortisol levels.
Of course, these suggestions are in no way to minimise the seriousness of psoriasis or the important part that medical treatments can play in managing any skin condition, just to acknowledge that the body is an entire interconnected organism.
The best way to managing skin conditions is to address overall health and resilience as well as tackling external symptoms, so remember to look after yourself as a whole, not just the skin you're in!
