When I first started following a Very Low Carb High Fat (VLCHF) diet, almost 8 years ago, I did it solely for weight loss. It worked like a miracle. No complaints. I dropped 80 pounds and recently another 10. It was only as I continued to live a VLCHF – Ketogenic life style that I came to realize the other health benefits. The problem was untangling the possible causes of my new-found health. That tangle still exits. Were the benefits due to a Ketogenic Diet, the weight loss, the exercise program, eating “whole foods” instead of highly processed foods, not eating wheat and other seeds of grasses, limiting gluten, adding various supplements OR a combination of one or more of these. Who the “heck” knows. I don’t – that’s for sure.
I happen to have a relatively (thank the powers-that-be) mild case of Psoriasis. It was actually discovered by my audiologist who looked in my ears and exclaimed that I had some very dry skin in there. The Dermatologist prescribed Steroids, which are a double edged sword. They work, but thin the skin and have a re-bound effect. As my lifestyle change ensued, I realized that the Psoriasis had retreated. No – it did not disappear, but it was significantly lessened. As I wrote this blog, others commented that various skin rashes and conditions had abated. I brought this up to my Dermatologist – who immediately pooh-poohed the concept that a Ketogenic Diet could help. The joys of Tunnel Vision. She is a great surgeon who did an excellent job in diagnosing and removing the basal cell carcinoma on the bridge of my nose – but her dismissive response was less than satisfying.
That is why I am pleased to see a connection that I believed was there – but which my Doc dismissed.
I spotted the following article on Flipboard: New Study Explains How Low-Carb Diet Reduces Inflammation. I am not going to get into the science of it – since that is not me. Read the article – read the study. The Conclusion:
The study, which was published online in the journal Nature Medicine, showed that certain metabolic processes (Ketogenic Diet) could produce compounds inside the body that could aid in suppressing inflammatory response.
After reading that, I looked up Psoriasis or Psoriatic Disease. I found the National Psoriasis Foundation web site and the following:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease. Many individuals benefit from following an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce their symptoms and lower their risk of related conditions.
Check out the web site which also references – weight loss, supplements and gluten. The Tangle remains – but less so.
So – Doc – time to hit the books – you’ve been out of school too long.
EDIT: I posted an update to this post on 5/17/17. Check it out HERE.
baseballmom024
Feb 20, 2015 @ 18:20:24
Tnt Man,
Thanks for always bringing so many things to light! That is one thing that drives me nuts with DR’s…they are set in their way of what they read or were taught…won’t waiver and always want to treat with drugs! Hopefully some will realize there are other ways!
Appreciate all your research and knowledge!
Take care my friend, can’t wait to see you back in the challenges! Not the same without you!
BBM
TNT Man
Feb 20, 2015 @ 19:18:28
BBM:
Thanks for dropping bye. I have been periodically checking in on the 52DC. Miss it in my life. Can’t wait until the next Challenge. See the Surgeon this Thursday – hopefully he will give me the OK to start re-building my right leg.
Be well
TNT Man
PsoriasisBlob
Mar 01, 2015 @ 13:00:02
Hey TNT Man. Thanks for this post. I’ve never really experimented with a low carb diet for my psoriasis, but maybe should consider. Great transformation in your two year anniversary pics by the way!
TNT Man
Mar 01, 2015 @ 15:13:34
Thanks for stopping bye. My psoriasis was never “over the top.” After I was on a Ketogenic diet for a period of time, I noticed that certain areas had cleared up – particularly my elbows. I still have a spot here or there but no where near what I had. I have no memory or “when” I observed this change. I have also not changed my diet over the last 7 or so years other than to be even more strict – so I do not know what would happen if I went back to eating the old way.
Checked out your site – well done. If you try a Ketogenic approach – you will have to give it several months – at the least. Let us know what happens.
TNT Man
Bob Hoath
Mar 11, 2015 @ 00:05:26
Tried to go back to ‘normal’ diet, and each time my psoriasis returned. I am convinced that I am a hibernator. I plan my diet accordingly. Thanks for the blog, I will follow.
TNT Man
Mar 11, 2015 @ 10:15:40
Bob:
The diet issue is super confusing. Exactly what component is the one messing with the psoriasis – still fully unknown. What is known – stick with something that works for you. That is what I do.
TNT Man
Ketosis – Inflammation – Psoriasis – Part 2 | TNT Man's Low Carb & 52DC Journey
May 17, 2017 @ 21:48:46