August shines a light on Psoriasis Awareness Month which, as a sufferer of skin issues, drove us to delve into the connection between nutrition and skin health.
For many, psoriasis isn’t just a skin condition; it’s an ongoing battle with discomfort and self-esteem. But what if we told you that a meat-based diet, incorporating nutrient-dense beef organs, could offer relief by targeting gut inflammation, a trigger for psoriasis?
This dietary approach might just be the key to clearer, healthier skin.
Benefits of Beef Organs for Gut Inflammation
Beef organs, especially liver, are nutritional powerhouses. They’re rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients help to maintain a healthy gut lining and support the immune system. A well-functioning gut is less likely to be inflamed, reducing triggers for psoriasis flare-ups.
Liver contains retinol (preformed vitamin A) and plays a significant role in skin health. Retinol supports skin cell production and repair that mitigates excessive skin cell growth that is characteristic of psoriasis.
Carnivore-Based Diet and Gut Health
A meat-based diet is simple and focuses on animal products. By eliminating gut irritants like grains, dairy, and vegetables, it reduces gut inflammation – one of the underlying factors contributing to psoriasis.
Moreover, the high-fat nature of this diet can support the body’s production of anti-inflammatory compounds, which may further soothe the skin and reduce psoriasis symptoms.
As a sufferer of an interesting combination of dermatitis and rosacea since my second child, no over the counter products have had the effect that altering my diet has had. Eliminating everything but meat (salt to taste) and water for two weeks helped to settle my gut dramatically and alleviated other IBS symptoms too. Two years later, although the rosacea is still prevalent when stressed, run down or coming up to, during and a few days past a menstrual cycle it is distinctly less angry – and the gut is harmoniously aligned with clarity of mind…
We understand that psoriasis is a complex condition with numerous triggers, yet diet plays a significant role in managing it.
Let’s touch on the other factors that can contribute to its development and exacerbation. These factors include:
- Genes If there are others in the family with psoriasis there is a higher risk of developing it.
- Autoimmune disease Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation and excessive skin cell production. Immune system dysfunction is a key factor in psoriasis.
- Environmental factors Stress is probably the biggest environmental culprit.
- Excess body fat There’s a link between obesity and psoriasis where increased inflammation in the body can worsen psoriasis symptoms.
- Smoking and alcohol There’s no surprise that these pastimes exacerbate the symptoms.
- Hormonal fluctuations Hormonal disruption whether in puberty, pregnancy or menopause impacts psoriasis.
Allison’s success story
Allison Wilson, aka The Glamorous Carnivore, has kindly shared her transformative personal story with us to offer help to others.
My psoriasis developed in full force after I delivered my 4th child. I, at that point, was undiagnosed with Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is also an autoimmune disease, but unlike psoriasis, this disease causes your immune system to attack your small intestine. After the destruction of your villi, you are unable to absorb nutrients from your food. Vitamin deficiencies are common in people with psoriasis.
Upon diagnosis of my celiac disease, I removed gluten from my diet but after a few months of a gluten-free diet, I was still having symptoms. I learned about the cross-reactivity of grains (where your immune system gets confused and creates a “glutened” reaction to foods that contain proteins that are not the same as wheat/barley/rye gluten) and removed all grains. I felt much better but would still have symptoms and was desperate for relief.
I decided to bite the bullet and just cold turkey on everything else besides animal products. Within 3 days. I had no symptoms at all! My digestion was no longer painful and uncomfortable all day long, my skin cleared up, my joints stopped hurting, my migraines dissipated, and I could just feel that the inflammation levels in my body were lower than they’d ever been before.
Through a continued carnivore diet, I’ve lost weight and stabilised my autoimmune diseases. I contribute my health gains to the highly nutrient-dense animal foods and the removal of ALL plant material. On occasion, my skin might flare up or react to outside sources that are much easier to pinpoint points like lack of sleep, skin trauma, or stress.
I help my skin by also only using animal-based soaps and moisturisers (some include bovine liver and egg yolks!) A carnivore diet has 100% helped clear up and keep my skin and entire body healthier and happier!”
Here at Grassland Nutrition, we don’t advocate a one-size fits all approach, we are all different. As psoriasis is a highly individualised condition, what worsens it can vary.
Managing psoriasis needs a personalised approach, like Allison’s story that takes into account all of these various factors – and diet has a part to play.
If you’d like to get in touch and tell us about your experience, or you’d like to get started on your journey with whole food nutrition – we’d love to hear from you!