Immune Health and Skin Conditions
Our skin is our largest organ. It is our protection from the outside world. It is also our “presentation” to the outside world: a reflection of our inner health for all to see.
Several forms of skin conditions may reflect poor immune health. Primarily, these include immune conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and internal autoimmune conditions such as scleroderma and lupus.
Immune
- Eczema – Eczema is an allergic reaction that occurs in the skin. It consists mainly of itchy, inflamed patches on the face, elbows, knees and wrists. Eczema is most commonly found in infants and young children. Eczema is closely associated with asthma and hay fever. All together, they are called atopy. Atopy tends to run in families.The benefits of probiotics for eczema prevention were seen in a very large, long-term, double-blind study. The results showed that a probiotics mixture markedly reduced incidence of eczema.
- Psoriasis – Up to 2% of Americans suffer from psoriasis, a skin condition that leads to an intensely itchy rash with clearly defined borders and scales that resemble silvery mica. The fingernails are also frequently involved, showing pitting or thickening.
An 8-week, double-blind study followed 28 people with chronic psoriasis. Half received 10 capsules of Essential Fatty Acids from fish oil daily, and the other half received a placebo. By the end of the study, researchers saw significant improvement in itching, redness, and scaling in those taking fish oil capsules.
Autoimmune
- Scleroderma – Scleroderma is a disease of unknown cause that affects the connective tissues of the skin and various organs. Common symptoms include thickening and tightening of the skin (beginning with the extremities), Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition characterized by an exaggerated reaction in the fingertips to cold exposure), joint pain (especially in the fingers and knees), esophageal reflux (heartburn), calcium deposits under the skin and telangiectasias (mats of enlarged small blood vessels).Scleroderma can lead to serious complications, such as fibrosis of the lungs, heart, and kidneys (thickened, stiff tissue); for this reason, medical supervision is essential. There is no cure as yet for scleroderma, although remedies may be used to alleviate the various individual symptoms of the disease.
- Lupus – Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE, or just lupus) is an autoimmune disease. Whatever the cause, people with SLE develop antibodies against substances in their own bodies, including their DNA. These antibodies cause widespread damage and are believed to be primarily responsible for the many symptoms of this disease.Skin-related symptoms may include a rash and sensitivity to sunlight. The most common rash consists of a butterfly-shaped redness on the face, although some people may develop large skin lesions.
Healthy inside and out
All four of these conditions reflect an internal disruption of our immune system. They are triggered by trauma, toxins, deficiency and stress. They all result in inflammation.
All four of these conditions reflect an internal disruption of our immune system. They are triggered by trauma, toxins, deficiency and stress. They all result in inflammation.
To create healthier skin we must reverse this chain of events. First, we need to reduce inflammation. Bioflavonoids and essential fatty acids help here. So, Nopalea™ as a source of anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids is a good start. Also, OmegaPrime® supplies anti-inflammatory Essential Fatty Acids from multiple sources.
Probiotics help regulate the immune response, partially by reducing the impact of the things that trigger inflammation. So FloraVita™ may prove helpful as a source of probiotics. Additionally, vitamins such as pantothenic acid and Vitamin B-12, and the minerals magnesium and copper – all found in Wellavoh® orVitaDaily™ – help reduce the impact of other inflammation triggers. Finally, Vitamin C supports healthy collagen in our skin. So, non-acidic Vital C may be a good selection for healthier skin.
Health only comes from healthy habits practiced every day. Nutrients and nurturing are the habits we need to embrace for healthy skin that both protects us and reflects us to the outside world!
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