Introduction

    Vinay A Ishnava, final BHMS student, Baroda Homoeopathy Medical College, Vadodara gives Diet and Regimen for psoriasis. He is an active participant in writings and quiz programs.


    Aphorism 259, Dr.Hanemann says – Considering the minuteness of the doses necessary and proper in homoeopathic treatment, we can easily understand that during the treatment everything must be removed from the diet and regimen which can have any medicinal action, in order that the small dose may not be overwhelmed and extinguished or disturbed by any foreign medicinal irritant.

    Aphorism 261, says – The most appropriate regimen during the employment of medicine in chronic diseases consists in the removal of such obstacles to recovery, and in supplying where necessary the reverse:

    In aphorism 260 of the Organon of Medicine Samuel Hahnemann gave a list of substances that may antidote the action of homoeopathic remedies. if the list is read, one becomes acutely aware of quite a few dietary restrictions recommended. Later on in his career Hahnemann stated that he found that if a person was habituated to some of these substances it seemed that the remedy acts without interference whereas in those of occasional usage there were negative effects. Sometimes, however, some habitual users of such substances do not improve on a properly chosen remedy until they are removed because they keep up the disease. These negative effects are acerbated if the person is taking something to which they are idiosyncratic or allergic.

The following tips may help to reduce the number of psoriasis flare-ups or improve symptoms during the course of treatment.

• Research has been done on fat metabolism in psoriatic patients. This led to the conclusion that the lesions depend on fat metabolism. It is better to avoid the animal and vegetable fat. The study has revealed no flare up with the carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Some psoriatic patients live happily as vegetarians. They could identify the specific food that triggers the ailment and control with diet. Low sodium diet is advised to avoid much exfoliation and itching
  
• The mental and emotional aspects of healing are very important.  Particularly, an attitude of desiring and expecting to be healed is essential (“right thinking”).  Positive mental attitude is necessary for following this healing regimen.  Doubt (or lack of conviction) will make it almost impossible to stick with the dietary and cleansing treatments, which are a lifestyle adjustment for most individuals.  A positive mental and emotional attitude and can be created and maintained by focusing on a high purpose (ideal) for being healed.
  
• Keep your skin moist and lubricated.
  
• Avoid cold, dry climates. Cold weather may worsen symptoms, while hot, humid weather and sunlight may improve symptoms. (However, hot humid weather may worsen certain types of psoriasis).
  
• Avoid scratching and picking skin and skin injuries (cuts or scrapes). An injury to the skin can cause psoriasis patches to form anywhere on the body, including the site of the injury. This includes injuries to your nails or nearby skin while trimming your nails.
  
• Avoid infection. Infections such as streptococcal throat can cause psoriasis to appear suddenly (called guttate flare), especially in children.
  
• Try to avoid certain medications. Some drugs have been found to worsen psoriasis symptoms. (including beta-blockers and lithium)
  
• Limit alcohol. This may help control psoriasis, especially for men.