Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Last month, I contracted step throat. Normally, when I would get it on the SAD, I would get a couple of small spots of guttate psoriasis, nothing major, and then I wouldn't get it again unless I got step throat.

I didn't know I had step throat because it was completely gone after four days. I didn't go to the doctor - just ate paleo, got bed rest and relaxed when I wasn't working (we don't get sick or personal days at my job). I only knew it because I had the same symptoms as students and teachers who had also gotten sick around the same time who were diagnosed with strep.

However, I ended up getting a lot of plaques on my arms and especially my legs and feet. I got a few on my torso, but mostly my legs are effected. This sucks because it's hot and sunny outside and I want to wear skirts again, especially since going paleo otherwise made my legs look a lot nicer and has increased my ability to tan.

I was afraid that some of my cheats may have adversely effected the healing process so I started intermittent fasting more, increased my saturated fat intake, have been trying to eat more fish and eat 50 grams or less in carbs per day. I have also increased my exposure to the sun and have recently tried applying a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, extra strength apple cider vinegar and Korean red pepper and that has also helped. I also rub extra virgin olive oil into my skin and eat about three tablespoons of it daily. I hope to beat this by the time it gets really hot outside. On the plus side, I know my immune system definitely works.
Has anyone else experienced an increase in psoriasis since going paleo? Any suggestions to get my skin back to normal faster?

flag	asked Jun 13 2011 at 15:16 MimsySeoul 1,613●3●15

michelle · Accepted Answer · 2011-06-13 20:32:33Z UTC

I have guttate psoriasis and the very worst flare I ever had was after a strep infection - I was covered from head to toe and it took three long months of steroid cream and almost daily light treatments at the derm to heal it. This was long before I changed my eating habits or knew the benefits of Vitamin D. I have seen tremendous improvement since supplementing and eating more paleo. But it's a tricky disease and sometimes what seems to be working stops or some unavoidable "trauma" gives it a kick that even your good behavior can't overcome.

I would hit the Vitamin D supplements hard - I don't know how much you are taking but I would suggest a minimum of 5000 IU daily until you see some improvement. Also - is it possible, because you didn't take an antibiotic, you harbored a low-level infection for quite some time? That is what contributed to my horrendous experience.

Ok - one little scold. Strep and psoriasis don't mix. Next time you think you may have been exposed (others around you mention it and should of stayed home instead of passing it on to you) and you develop a sore throat - get thee to a doc. I'm not a big fan of taking antibiotics either - but you have an underlying condition and I know I wouldn't want to ever chance another flare like I had before.

I hope you continue to clear quickly.

UncleLongHair · Answer 2 · 2011-06-13 15:24:15Z UTC

I have had some minor skin conditions, such as minor fungus and keratosis pilaris. These went away completely when I switched to a Paleo diet and started taking vitamin D. The keratosis was a real surprise because I've had it ever since I was a kid (more than 30 years), it's on the back of my upper arms, so I don't notice it unless I'm looking for it, but the other day I looked and it is completely gone. I also had a couple of patches of scaly dry skin on my ankles that just went away. I am not sure if it was the lack of gluten or vitamin D that helped, I suspect both.

I have never had psoriasis, but you might try a vitamin D supplement and see if that helps. People here take everything from 200 to 10,000 IU per day, I'd start on the low end and work your way up. You can find many threads about it here.

g. · Answer 3 · 2011-06-13 15:36:24Z UTC

I know that in general, most people do really well with pro-biotic foods, and I don't want to discourage their consumption at all, but my experience lately (and i eat really "clean") is that I will get psoriasis flare-ups with stuff like kim-chi. I'm just putting that out there.

Even if it's not something like that, I'd def keep looking for reasons/solutions that involve what you put in your body, not what you're putting on it. Good luck! :)

David Rourke · Answer 4 · 2011-06-13 16:07:49Z UTC

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If you aren't eating them already, organ meats may correct some lingering dietary deficiencies.

answered Jun 13 2011 at 16:07

David Rourke
3,891●2●14

Guttate Psoriasis AFTER Paleo?

4 Answers