Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You’ve got questions…
We’ve got answers!
Today we are going to discuss a natural way to fight psoriasis and discover the health-promoting powers of decaf coffee.
Let’s dive in…
Psoriasis Solved
Hi, Natalie,
I suffer from severe plaque psoriasis. I’ve tried many prescription medications including oral drugs and topicals to help clear up this unsightly and painful condition. The only problem is — none of them has worked. Recently, my wife read that vitamin D might help fight psoriasis. Is this true? If so, how does it work?
Thanks,
Tom G.
Thanks for writing in, Tom.
For those of you who may not know, psoriasis is a skin condition that alters the life cycle of skin cells, which causes them to build up on the surface of the skin. These cells then form thick, itchy, dry and scaly patches on the skin and scalp. Often, these patches are red and painful. This condition is chronic and thought to be triggered by immune system issues related to cold weather, infections and stress.
But research also indicates that psoriasis is linked to vitamin D deficiency.
In fact, one study found 50 percent of psoriasis patients to be vitamin deficient in the summer months and 80 percent deficient during the winter months. One reason for the wintertime spike is lack of sunlight exposure. Either way, folks with psoriasis are likely to have a vitamin D deficiency, and vice versa.
According to experts, vitamin D changes the way skin cells grow. Since one of the causes of psoriasis is rapid growth, using something to slow their development may help thin the scales or prevent them from forming. In addition, vitamin D can also bolster your immune system, which may help curtail the triggers of psoriasis.
The best way to get vitamin D is through sunlight. Spending just 15 minutes in the sun could be enough to boost your levels and help alleviate your psoriasis symptoms. However, if you’re looking for guaranteed protection, you can ask your doctor about vitamin D topical creams and/or take an oral vitamin D supplement. Just be sure to take a supplement that contains vitamin D3, since it’s the easiest-absorbed type of vitamin D.
Do you have any psoriasis solutions? nmoore@lfb.org
The Decaf Dilemma
Hey, Natalie,
I’ve read several articles stating that coffee can help fight diabetes. This great news, because I LOVE coffee. However, these days, I can only enjoy decaf. Do you know if decaf coffee can also fight diabetes, or does it have something to do with the caffeine?
Thanks,
Marla D.
Great questions, Marla.
Coffee has been shown to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes in several studies.
One meta-analysis in particular shows that drinking six cups of coffee a day — regular or decaf— can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 33 percent. While there are likely few folks that drink six cups of coffee every day, adding any type of coffee to your diet is still a great way to help fight off diabetes.
Just be sure to pass on the sugar.
Thanks for your questions! Keep them coming! Send all questions to nmoore@lfb.org
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily Insider
Sources
[1] Psoriasis
[2] Vitamin D Status in Patients With Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
