by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: Are there any alternative remedies, such as herbs or supplements, that you recommend for treating psoriasis? What are the potential side effects of these remedies? Is there anything to the rumor that Australian physicians use banana peels to treat psoriasis?
A: The alternative intervention for psoriasis that I find most promising has to do with the balance of certain fatty acids in the diet. Similar to eczema, psoriasis seems to be related to an imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids too much of the former and too little of the latter. Therefore, many experiments have studied the effects of dietary supplements of fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as topical applications of fish oil in people with psoriasis. Some of the results have been quite positive, while others have been neutral, indicating no benefit but no harm either.
Skeptics criticize that the studies have been small, and this is true. But if the numbers were pooled from all of the studies that have been done to date, the number of people with psoriasis who could potentially see improvement from getting more omega-3 fatty acids would no longer be small.
Other critics say that many of the studies have not been randomized, meaning that the study participants knowingly and willingly took fish oil capsules, as opposed to being randomly assigned and blinded to either an experimental or placebo group. This is also true; however, my feeling is that if you have tried many standard medical treatments and have not seen improvement in symptoms of psoriasis, it is certainly worth trying to make these changes in your diet. This course of action may be particularly worthwhile if you are at a point where your doctor is considering certain medications that have many potential side effects, or ultraviolet light treatments that, if used for very long periods of time, may increase the risk for skin cancer. Also, using the dietary recommendations as an adjunct to standard treatment may help prevent worsening of your psoriasis at any stage.
I actually dont recommend fish oil capsules. I recommend that people try to get the benefits directly from eating more fish. In fact, studies have shown that Eskimos, who eat a lot of fish high in omega-3s, do not have psoriasis, while in North America and Europe, psoriasis effects 1-2% of the population. Eskimos may simply have a genetic advantage, unrelated to diet, but this fact does raise the possibility of a connection.
The types of fish richest in omega-3s include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring. Shoot for four to six servings per week. A serving does not have to be large; one simple plan may be to have canned sardines on a mixed salad for lunch or dinner, or to try some herring on crackers for a mid-afternoon snack. Experiment to find what is convenient and appetizing for you. Try this approach for at least three months; if you dont see any improvements or you cant stomach the approach, well then you have at least given it a valiant effort.
The down side to fish oil is that there is a potential to increase bleeding; however, this is more likely to happen with fish oil supplements than with fish. In fact, I have never seen or heard of increased bleeding in patients who increased their intake of fish. My main concern with dietary fish, particularly for pregnant women, is the amount of mercury that may be present. Tuna and swordfish seem to have the highest levels of mercury, whereas levels in sardines seem to be low.
As for banana peels, I have not heard of such a "tropical" topical approach. But in 1996, an Italian research group reported that people with psoriasis seem to eat fewer fruits and vegetables. This doesnt prove that eating more fruits and vegetables improves psoriasis, but give it a try and it might positively affect your psoriasis as well as your overall health.
Q: Are there any alternative remedies, such as herbs or supplements, that you recommend for treating psoriasis? What are the potential side effects of these remedies? Is there anything to the rumor that Australian physicians use banana peels to treat psoriasis?
A: The alternative intervention for psoriasis that I find most promising has to do with the balance of certain fatty acids in the diet. Similar to eczema, psoriasis seems to be related to an imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids too much of the former and too little of the latter. Therefore, many experiments have studied the effects of dietary supplements of fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as topical applications of fish oil in people with psoriasis. Some of the results have been quite positive, while others have been neutral, indicating no benefit but no harm either.
Skeptics criticize that the studies have been small, and this is true. But if the numbers were pooled from all of the studies that have been done to date, the number of people with psoriasis who could potentially see improvement from getting more omega-3 fatty acids would no longer be small.
Other critics say that many of the studies have not been randomized, meaning that the study participants knowingly and willingly took fish oil capsules, as opposed to being randomly assigned and blinded to either an experimental or placebo group. This is also true; however, my feeling is that if you have tried many standard medical treatments and have not seen improvement in symptoms of psoriasis, it is certainly worth trying to make these changes in your diet. This course of action may be particularly worthwhile if you are at a point where your doctor is considering certain medications that have many potential side effects, or ultraviolet light treatments that, if used for very long periods of time, may increase the risk for skin cancer. Also, using the dietary recommendations as an adjunct to standard treatment may help prevent worsening of your psoriasis at any stage.
I actually dont recommend fish oil capsules. I recommend that people try to get the benefits directly from eating more fish. In fact, studies have shown that Eskimos, who eat a lot of fish high in omega-3s, do not have psoriasis, while in North America and Europe, psoriasis effects 1-2% of the population. Eskimos may simply have a genetic advantage, unrelated to diet, but this fact does raise the possibility of a connection.
The types of fish richest in omega-3s include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring. Shoot for four to six servings per week. A serving does not have to be large; one simple plan may be to have canned sardines on a mixed salad for lunch or dinner, or to try some herring on crackers for a mid-afternoon snack. Experiment to find what is convenient and appetizing for you. Try this approach for at least three months; if you dont see any improvements or you cant stomach the approach, well then you have at least given it a valiant effort.
The down side to fish oil is that there is a potential to increase bleeding; however, this is more likely to happen with fish oil supplements than with fish. In fact, I have never seen or heard of increased bleeding in patients who increased their intake of fish. My main concern with dietary fish, particularly for pregnant women, is the amount of mercury that may be present. Tuna and swordfish seem to have the highest levels of mercury, whereas levels in sardines seem to be low.
As for banana peels, I have not heard of such a "tropical" topical approach. But in 1996, an Italian research group reported that people with psoriasis seem to eat fewer fruits and vegetables. This doesnt prove that eating more fruits and vegetables improves psoriasis, but give it a try and it might positively affect your psoriasis as well as your overall health.