Healing Eczema and Psoriasis Naturally | Care2 Healthy Living

Joanne knew it was time for a change but didnt know where to begin. After suffering with eczema on her elbows, knees, and face for over a dozen years, she just couldnt handle the almost constant itching any longer. Worse, she was tired of the embarrassment she felt. She said she had tried everything. Her story is similar to that of many eczema or psoriasis sufferers, since over fifteen percent of the population is affected by these skin conditions and drugs offer little, if any, help in most cases.

Eczema usually causes inflamed red, itchy, and dry patches of skin that sometimes blisters and weeps. Psoriasis is similar in that it also frequently occurs on the scalp, knees, and elbows, but it can occur anywhere on the body and also often shows up on the buttocks and wrists. It doesnt usually itch, but may bleed if the red, swollen skin or silvery or whitish scales are scratched. It is caused by skin cells that replicate too quickly, usually around ten times the growth rate of normal skin cells.Most scientists and doctors are mystified by what causes the these conditions or the skin cells to replicate. Natural medicine theories include: poor diet; deficiencies in essential fatty acids and fiber; digestive difficulties, especially with protein; Candida albicans overgrowth; deficiency vitamins and essential fatty acids; or poor liver function or toxic buildup. Heres how to help:

Detox Your Liver and IntestinesDetoxify the bowels and liver to eliminate a possible overgrowth of Candida albicans or other microbes that may be infecting the body. To do that, be sure to drink plenty of water every day (usually 10 to 12 cups) and supplement with a high quality probiotic supplement that includes: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacteria, and Bifidobacteria bifidum. Avoid sugars and minimize fruit consumption while dealing with Candida.

Juice it UpDrink more fresh vegetable juices. Because they are easy to digest, their nutrients are readily absorbed by the body and they encourage gentle detoxification.

Heal with Whole FoodsEat a whole foods diet consisting primarily of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and grains, making sure to eat protein foods like beans, raw nuts and seeds at every meal to stabilize blood sugar levels. Avoid processed and packaged foods containing colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Go Gluten-Free Avoid grains containing gluten, which include whole wheat, white flour, oatmeal, spelt or kamut, since gluten sensitivity is common in sufferers of eczema or psoriasis. Instead choose gluten-free grains like quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, and amaranth.

Avoid AllergensDairy products, sugar, chocolate, and citrus fruits are also common culprits that should be avoided. Because alcohol often causes flare-ups, it is important to eliminate it as well

Add Skin-Soothing AloeIn addition to being a natural and gentle colon stimulant, aloe vera juice taken internally can be helpful for healing skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. It also helps to heal the intestines, lessening chances of reinfection from Candida or other microbes. Drink about a quarter cup of aloe vera juice, twice daily. Avoid if you are pregnant or lactating.

Get an Oil ChangeSupplement your diet with increased amounts of essential fatty acids, particularly Omega 3s, which are found in wild salmon, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and raw walnuts. Fish oil from a pure source provides Omega 3 fatty acids along with other essential fats not found in most vegetarian sources.

Improve Your DigestionLessen the amount of animal protein you are eating and supplement with a full-spectrum digestive enzyme formula with every meal to aid digestion and to increase the absorption of nutrients from your meals.

Add Liver-Loving FoodsSupport your liver function by eating more leafy greens, olives and olive oil, beans and legumes, garlic and onions, tomatoes, raw nuts, flax seeds and flax seed oil. Season your food with the best liver-friendly spices like cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric. Supplement periodically with the herb, milk thistle, containing 80 to 85 percent silymarin.

Help Your CellsWhile most ointments or cream only mask the problem, many of my clients suffering from eczema and psoriasis have reported relief using Cellfood Gel, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin to promote healing.

Like Joanne found, a holistic approach to eczema or psoriasis can spell the difference between suffering and healthy skin.

Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, CNC is a best-selling and six-time book author and doctor of natural medicine, whose works include: The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, and The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan. Learn more at: http://www.TheLifeForceDiet.com.

See the original post here:
Healing Eczema and Psoriasis Naturally | Care2 Healthy Living