Omega 3’s can help improve psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease typically caused by inflammation due to stress, environmental factors or infection.  The most common symptoms are dry, itchy, scaly patches of skin and currently there is no cure.  To make matters even worse, psoriasis is a risk factor for heart disease and psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment of psoriasis varies widely but controlling symptoms with diet is a popular choice.  Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most recommended dietary inclusions.  Studies have shown that omega 3’s can protect against heart disease and boost the immune system.  Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it makes sense that omega 3’s could help improve symptoms.

Omega 3’s can help improve psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation. Upon entry in the bloodstream, they lubricate cells within the body. This lubrication can have a healing effect on cells that are in need. The lubrication can also reduce inflammation.  With psoriasis, the immune system causes skin cells to turn over at an abnormally rapid rate, resulting in painfully inflamed, itchy patches of skin.  Omega 3’s can reduce the inflammation, making symptoms more manageable.

Unfortunately, the human body is not capable of producing omega 3’s, so you need to add them to your diet.  They can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna as well as avocados and nuts.  Fish oil used to be a popular source of omega 3’s, but the unpleasant burp back and fishy aftertaste is a deterrent.  Krill oil is now the better option for omega 3 supplementation.

Krill oil is similar to fish oil, but is derived from a species of small crustaceans, called Krill.  Krill feed primarily on phytoplankton and are the primary food source for whale sharks and the great blue whale.  Krill oil contains significantly higher levels of omega 3’s than fish oil.  The omega 3’s may help reduce your psoriasis flare-ups and possibly even prevent lesions from developing.

Krill oil also contains a powerful antioxidant, called astaxanthin.  Astaxanthin is produced from algae and causes the bright red pigmentation in krill and other crustaceans like lobster.  Astaxanthin has been shown to reduce inflammation and help protect against damaging free radicals.  By supporting a healthy immune system and preventing toxins from leaching through the skin, they are especially important for psoriasis sufferers.