Psoriasis is a frustrating condition for many people, not only because it can be challenging to treat but also because there’s no way to prevent the occurrence of symptoms. The good news is that some supplements might help support your body and aid with general wellbeing. In this article, we look at some of the most promising supplements that could help reduce symptoms.
Vitamin D
There is an association between low vitamin D levels (hypovitaminosis D) and psoriasis flares, which means taking steps to improve your vitamin D status may help support your skin health. However, it has been noted that not everyone with psoriasis will respond in the same way to supplementation with vitamin D . Nevertheless, if you are diagnosed with hypovitaminosis (low levels) of this vital nutrient, you might want to consider adding it to your diet through eating oily fish or supplementing with 2000 IU per day. For more information on how much vitamin D you should be taking, read our article on the best dosage for vitamin D.
Vitamin B12
B12 is an essential nutrient involved in the formation of red blood cells and plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. Occasionally, people with psoriasis will develop vitamin B12 deficiency (known as pernicious anemia), making symptoms much worse. If you find your condition improves when taking oral supplements to boost your intake, it could be because you aren’t absorbing enough B12 from your food. Older adults may also benefit from supplementing their diet with this nutrient due to an age-related decrease in stomach acid production that reduces vitamin B12 absorption abilities. Vegans or vegetarians who don’t eat many dairy foods or eggs might also consider adding a vegan-friendly version of this vitamin to their daily routine.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to support general health. However, certain studies have shown that it might also help to reduce plaque psoriasis symptoms when taken at higher doses. To avoid an overdose, you should only supplement with flaxseed oil under your doctor’s supervision. The recommended daily amount varies depending on your condition, but people generally start with three grams per day. Omega-3 fatty acids can sometimes cause fishy burps or nausea, so another option is to get your omega 3s from 1 gram of fish oil supplements instead. If this doesn’t appeal to you, try adding some flaxseed oil to your diet by stirring it into your favourite salad dressing.
Vitamin A
People with moderate-to-severe psoriasis stand to benefit from supplementation with vitamin A. Although it can be toxic when taken without medical supervision, you’ll find that its benefits often outweigh the risk of side effects. Vitamin A is an antioxidant, which means it helps support general health and can help reduce irritation and itching in the skin. The recommended dosage varies depending on your condition, but an excellent place to start would be 25 000 IU per day under a doctor’s supervision.
Vitamin C
Although we might associate vitamin C with the common cold, it also has excellent skin health benefits. Vitamin C contributes to collagen production and can help keep skin cells healthy and firm. However, studies suggest that the benefits of supplementation with vitamin C won’t be seen in people with milder forms of psoriasis. If you’re interested in giving it a go, then try taking one gram per day under your doctor’s supervision.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that our bodies need but cannot produce on its own. Many doctors recommend taking zinc supplements or eating zinc-rich foods such as oysters for anyone suffering from plaque psoriasis. Remember that you shouldn’t supplement with zinc if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without first speaking to your doctor.
Fish oil supplements
It is believed that consuming fish with high-fat content can help with psoriasis because of their omega 3 fatty acid content. A 2010 study revealed that people taking fish oil supplements experienced significant improvements in their symptoms and severity scores (compared to those taking olive oil). For this reason, we recommend adding 2 – 4 grams of fish oil into your daily diet if you’re suffering from the condition. Although it might be hard to get enough omega 3s from food alone, supplementation can be expensive too, so consider bringing your omega 3s through eating oily fish or flaxseed oil instead.
Omega 3 Fatty acid:
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to our health but cannot be produced by the body. A deficiency in this fatty acid can leave the skin looking dry, irritated, and flaky, which is why some dermatologists recommend adding them to your daily diet if you have psoriasis. Fish oil supplements are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, so try taking 2 – 4 grams per day under medical supervision or eating more oily fish like salmon, mackerel, or tuna.
Glucosamine
It is commonly used for arthritic psoriasis; one study found that taking glucosamine supplements for eight weeks improved symptoms in 80% of people with arthritis and other joint-related conditions. Glucosamine is a precursor (building block) to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are naturally found in the joints and connective tissues. GAGs help to reduce water loss while lubricating and cushioning joints. To get therapeutic results, you should only take up to 4 grams per day. However, please note that there hasn’t yet been any research involving glucosamine’s effect on skin health, so its use might be limited to joint pain associated with psoriasis.
Most of the supplements have a good impact on the skin, but if you do not take supplements properly or take more supplements, it can have many side effects. You should always discuss which supplement is good for your skin and bring it under a doctor’s supervision as some accessories may suit you but not suit another person because of different skin types.
What to keep in mind before using supplements?
A healthy, vitamin-rich diet is beneficial for both skin health and overall health. Supplements may also help, but they’re no replacement for a balanced, nutritious diet.
Supplements can be a great way to fill in any gaps in our diet, but you must consult your skin doctor before taking any supplements. You can book an appointment with a skin doctor through OHO homeopathy for more information.
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