Psoriasis and Glyconutrients
Psoriasis is the most common type of chronic, recurrent scaling dermatitis. It is chaaracterised by recurring remissions and exacerbations. Its lesions appear as erythematous papules (red elevated area on the skin). Psoriasis often begins gradually with one or two small patches and follows a course of irregular and unpredictable remissions and recurrences throughout life. It is characterized by thick, red, itchy plaques found over the body but more commonly on the scalp, in the groin and axilla, and the buttocks. It also involves a thickening of the fingernails and toe nails, cracking and blistering of the palms and soles of the feet.
Psoriasis is caused by a pileup of skin cells that have replicated too rapidly. The rate at which skin cells divide in psoriasis is roughly one thousand times greater than in normal skin. This rate of replication is simply too fast for the cells to be shed, so they accumulate, resulting in the characteristic silvery scale of psoriasis. Flare-ups of psoriasis may occur unpredictably and may be associated with systemic (whole body) and environmental factors.
Many researchers believe psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system turns on itself, attacking its own cells, which it is supposed to protect. In people who have the disease the immune system's T cells in the skin malfunction, and the result is inflammation and excessive reproduction of skin cells. For all conditions that are a result of immune dysfunction, including psoriasis, glyconutrients support the immune system to modulate and function normally. Glyconutrients assist the body to heal, repair, regenerate and regulate and protect.
For all people not just those with psoriasis, glyconutrients form the basic cellular language of all cells. Cells require adequate amounts of glyconutrients to allow cells to communicate 'correctly'. These nutrients are known to improve the immune system function, organ function and improve basic body physiology. If cells cannot communicate correctly they cannot function correctly or stay healthy. Glyconutrients for cell communication are pivotal no matter what other supplements you decide to take.
Resources and Links on Psoriasis and Glyconutrients
www.psoriasis.org - the National Psoriasis Foundation web site has information on treatment, research and much more.www.skinsite.com - an excellent resource on matters of the skin including a description and imagery of psoriasis.
www.skincell.org - information site with a forum and information on the different forms of psoriasis.
www.nlm.nih.gov - Medline plus, trusted health information.
www.activepsoriasis.com - important information on psoriasis including attitude, diet and treatments.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this medical condition section is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders, consult your health care professional.
Copyright 2005 Glyconutrients Reference - Last Updated May 2005
Where to Next?