To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of psoriasis we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow psoriasis to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind psoriasis consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Bacterial Dysbiosis | 90% | Confirm |
Liver Congestion | 67% | Possible |
Candida / Yeast | 26% | Unlikely |
Psoriatic Arthritis | 1% | Ruled out |
Ankylosing Spondylitis | 0% | Ruled out |
Poor Digestion | 0% | Ruled out |
Have you had Psoriasis? It is characterized by frequent episodes of redness and itching, and thick, dry, silvery scales in discrete patches on the skin. It is most common on the scalp, trunk, elbows, knees, skin folds and fingernails.
Possible responses:
→ Never had it / don't know→ Probably had it/minor episode(s) now resolved → Major episode(s) now resolved → Current minor problem → Current major problem |
Ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with psoriasis. A study published found that out of 939 women with ankylosing spondylitis, 18% also had psoriasis. [J Rheumatol 1998 Jan; 25(1): pp120-4]
Incomplete protein digestion or poor intestinal absorption of protein breakdown products can result in elevated levels of amino acids and polypeptides in the bowel. These are metabolized by bowel bacteria into several toxic compounds. The toxic metabolites of the amino acids arginine and ornithine are known as polyamines (e.g., putrescine, spermidine, and cadaverine) and have been shown to be increased in individuals with psoriasis. Polyamines contribute to the excessive rate of cell proliferation. Lowered skin and urinary levels of polyamines are associated with clinical improvement in psoriasis, so digestive function should be evaluated.
Correcting abnormal liver function is of great benefit in the treatment of psoriasis. The connection between the liver and psoriasis relates to one of the liver's basic tasks (filtering and detoxifying the blood). Psoriasis has been linked to the presence of several microbial byproducts in the blood. If the liver is overwhelmed by excessive levels of these toxins in the bowel, or if there is a decrease in the liver's detoxification ability, the toxin level in the blood will increase and the psoriasis will get worse.
About one person in 20 suffering from psoriasis can get joint troubles, with a degree of arthritis affecting the back, or large or small joints of the body. This arthritis is rare, but worth looking into if you have psoriasis and an aching spine or joints.
A number of gut-derived toxins are implicated in the development of psoriasis including endotoxins (cell wall components of gram-negative bacteria), streptococcal products, Candida albicans, yeast compounds, and IgE or IgA immune complexes. These compounds increase the rate of skin cell proliferation dramatically. Candida albicans overgrowth in the intestines (chronic candidiasis) may play a major role in many cases.