In your search for ways to conquer your psoriasis, you've probably come across countless sites spouting tales about how their 'exclusive' products (everything from organic food to teas, to vitamin supplements) will 'cure' your psoriasis. In researching for this article we've found everything, from e-books claiming to have the 'miracle cure' for psoriasis to huge diet subscription plans (for only a $175 initial payment and quarterly/yearly payments after that to receive 'updates').

The MYTH: (as copied from a retail website that sells 'cures')

"There is much anecdotal evidence that certain foods act as triggers to psoriasis. Glutens, red meats, dairy and cultured foods can irritate the intestinal tract and perpetuate psoriasis outbreaks. Within the intestinal tract, bacteria and yeast help process our food.

When yeast becomes excessive, it interferes with the body's ability to absorb vital nutrients, and cause a condition known as "leaky bowel" to occur. Toxins get into the body and trigger the immune system. A cleansing diet can help remove the irritating foods from the bowels, allowing the body time to heal itself, and can also help to reduce the yeast, fungus or bacterial proliferation.

So, is psoriasis an intestinal yeast infection, or a food allergy, or a nutritional deficiency, or a leaky bowel? The answers to those questions are still not determined scientifically. However, many people are controlling their psoriasis using the cleansing diet approach. Diet and the impact of certain foods on psoriasis are understudied. Combining therapies, (example: diet with homeopathic minerals, diet and herbs, omega oils with diet or herbs) is showing positive results in greater numbers of psoriasis patients.

For example, a homeopathic mineral, designed specifically for psoriasis (Loma Psoriasis) has been shown to benefit mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. When combined with a cleansing diet, the benefits are increased."

Don't be taken in by these claims. There is NO truly scientific research study that has proven that any certain dietary components will make your psoriasis better, or worse for that matter. Even the claim that fish oil works cannot be proven (a myth that many have heard) - not for lack or trying, either. There have been thousands of dollars spent researching diet and psoriasis, only to find that there doesn't seem to be any effect by any certain food, or drink.

Likewise, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that supplements (often referred to as homeopathic supplemental therapy), such as grape seed extract, olive leaf extract, and Ester C can alleviate or eliminate psoriasis. Shark Cartilage also falls into this category of un-provable claims; studies show that these and other dietary supplements DO NOT alleviate or eliminate psoriasis symptoms.

If you are using a topical medication, you may want to make a resolution to use it as prescribed in order to gain maximum benefit. If using the medication as prescribed is a problem, be sure to let your dermatologist know. Without compliance, there is a significant chance that the treatment will not work.

Not only do the claims prove untrue, but there are other serious risks involved. Some of these food supplements and herbal remedies have negative interactions with prescription medication. As if that is not enough, large quantities of some supplements are actually toxic. The toxicity of large doses of fish oil prove this - the amount of vitamins A and D consumed when taking large doses of fish oil can actually prove to be lethal, depending on the dosage of the fish oil.

Without fail, check with your dermatologist before you begin taking dietary supplements, herbal remedies, or homeopathic therapies. Your dermatologist should always be aware of anything you're put into your system that is not a normal part of the daily diet as suggested by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Because it does matter - you should be eating a balanced healthy diet to help your body be able to fight off normal psoriasis triggers. The better care you take of your body through diet, exercise, and rest, the better it will take care of you. The proper balance of the three will leave you fighting less infections (thus taking less medication), and better rested (which has tremendous benefits for stress). By proper food, exercise, and rest, you have just helped to cut back on three of the primary psoriasis triggers: infections, medications, and stress.

To get back into a healthy eating plan, the FDA has constructed a website for you to build your own personalized food pyramid. Unlike the pyramids of our health classes in elementary school, this is based on several factors and will give you a good base plan for your new start for a healthier body. To utilize the FDA's personal pyramid, go to the www.mypyramid.gov and enter your information. In seconds you will have you personalized food pyramid.