Psoriasis is a challenging and often misunderstood autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many treatments focus on managing symptoms with medication, there are fundamental mistakes that can exacerbate the condition. In this blog, we'll explore the top six mistakes people with psoriasis make and how to avoid them for better health and reduced inflammation.
1. Ignoring Bowel Movements
A healthy gut is crucial for managing inflammation and autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. The gut houses 70-80% of the immune system, known as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), which plays a vital role in controlling inflammation. Inflammation in the gut can trigger symptoms throughout the body, affecting the skin, joints, thyroid, and more. Regular, complete bowel movements are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and preventing inflammation. If you suffer from irregular or incomplete bowel movements, addressing this issue is a critical first step.
2. Consuming Excessive Sugar and Processed Foods
Diet plays a significant role in managing psoriasis. Excessive sugar and processed foods can lead to gut microbiome dysfunction, increasing the presence of harmful bacteria and fungi. These dietary habits can also trigger pro-inflammatory pathways, such as NF-kappa B, leading to higher levels of inflammation. Reducing sugar and processed food intake can significantly improve gut health and reduce inflammatory responses in the body.
3. Lacking Phytonutrients in Your Diet
Phytonutrients are molecular compounds found in plants and fungi that offer numerous health benefits. Diets rich in phytonutrients support healthy microbial colonies in the gut and reduce inflammation. While low-glycemic diets like paleo and carnivore can help by avoiding sugars and processed carbs, they often lack essential phytonutrients. Incorporating a variety of phytonutrient-rich foods into your diet can provide a more balanced approach to managing psoriasis and overall health.
4. Neglecting Stress and Trauma
Stress and trauma are significant factors in autoimmune inflammation. Emotional stress can lead to chronic inflammation and exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. It’s essential to address both major (Big T) and minor (small t) traumas, which can include life events and everyday stressors that disconnect you from your needs and well-being. Incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, therapy, and relaxation exercises can significantly improve your emotional and physical health.
5. Poor Sleep Patterns
Restorative sleep is vital for reducing inflammation and managing autoimmune conditions. Poor sleep can elevate inflammatory cytokines, small proteins that act as signaling molecules within the immune system, worsening psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. Ensuring you get adequate, quality sleep can help your body repair and reduce inflammation. Consider implementing a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
6. Leading a Sedentary Lifestyle
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Exercise helps lower levels of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6, which are linked to chronic diseases. Even if you experience fatigue or pain, finding a suitable and consistent exercise routine can help manage psoriasis symptoms. Tailor your physical activity to your abilities and gradually increase intensity to see the best results.
The Mind-Gut-Immunity Method
The Mind-Gut-Immunity method focuses on optimizing diet, digestion, sleep, stress, and exercise to manage autoimmune diseases like psoriasis without medication. By addressing these five key areas, you can create a balanced environment that supports immune health and reduces inflammation.
Taking Control of Your Health
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your psoriasis symptoms and overall health. Understanding the importance of gut health, diet, stress management, sleep, and exercise empowers you to take proactive steps toward healing.
For personalized guidance and support, schedule a discovery call with Dr. Chanu Dasari at MGI Clinics. Our testimonials page is filled with stories of patients who have successfully managed their psoriasis and regained their health through the Mind-Gut-Immunity method.
Start Your Journey to Better Health Today
Discover the transformative power of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method! Over the past decade, Dr. Dasari has helped countless clients reduce inflammation and find relief from autoimmune issues, often in just 3-6 weeks. Now, you can start your journey to better health with our free training. Click the link below, choose your condition, and learn how our proven approach can help you feel better fast.
About the Author
Dr. Chanu Dasari, a distinguished clinician with a career spanning renowned institutions like Vanderbilt University, Oxford University, and the University of California, has made significant contributions to medical research and practice. His work, published in top peer-reviewed scientific journals and adopted by the US Department of Health, highlights his commitment to advancing healthcare. Dr. Dasari is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American College of Surgeons, with a specialization in hernia repair, gallbladder removal, cysts, digestive disease, and cancer. As the founder of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Clinic, he draws from personal experience with autoimmune and digestive dysfunction to lead a team dedicated to patient-centered care using evidence-based protocols.