If you have psoriasis, you don't need me to tell you that there's no such thing as one-cause-fits-all treatment for it. A new study has proven that once again.

While there are many benefits to supplementing with small doses of lithium (as Dr. Wright discussed in the August 2003 and September 2003 issues of Nutrition & Healing), it can cause or contribute to psoriasis at larger doses (like the ones used to treat bipolar disorder). A new study tried using a B vitamin called inositol to combat this effect in people using lithium treatment for bipolar disorder. The researchers found that the severity of the psoriasis lessened by 35 percent for 13 of the 15 people who took inositol.

I wish I could say this is also good news for psoriasis sufferers everywhere -- but I can't. The study included a control group of people who have psoriasis, but not bipolar disorder, and who don't take lithium. The inositol didn't help those individuals, and, in fact, it seemed to exacerbate the psoriasis, although not to a level that would be considered statistically significant. Which just proves the point that no single treatment will help every psoriasis sufferer.

What I can tell you is that anyone with psoriasis should undergo the complete allergy testing: Food and other allergies are often the underlying cause of this condition. Psoriasis can also be a result of vitamin or mineral deficiencies. We also know that sugar feeds yeast, which is another cause that can contribute to skin and health problems. It's a good idea to eliminate alcohol, sugar, and refined food too.

Ultimately, if you can identify the cause of your psoriasis and eliminate it, you can beat it.

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Sleep berry soundly

Q: I read the recent Nutrition & Healing article on the use of chaste tree berry for insomnia. The article mentions the use of extract and dried berries, and I have found products containing both. Can you tell me how much to use of each for insomnia and if I need to take it with food?

JVW: Chaste tree berry, or Agnus castus, is excellent for insomnia. However, it's important to remember that there are two types of insomnia: One involves getting to sleep and the other involves staying asleep. Chaste tree berry is effective for the second type (also called sleep maintenance insomnia).

Sleep is largely regulated by the body's secretion of a hormone called melatonin. Its function is to regulate your circadian rhythm or internal clock. As you age, the body slows its production of melatonin. A 2003 study of chaste tree berry showed that it increases the body's melatonin production.

My colleague and the author of the Nutrition & Healing article you mentioned, herbalist Kerry Bone, recommends taking 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg of dried berry per day, split up into two or three doses. You can take chaste tree berry anytime with or without food.

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What is...psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition of the skin that causes a scaly rash, sometimes open lesions, mild to intense itching, and even excessive shedding of the skin.

While some people have occasional, mild flare-ups, others have it severely enough that it compromises their quality of life. Overall, 5 million Americans are estimated as having psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation collected some statistics on the condition that you might find interesting if you have psoriasis or know someone who does. You can check it out at: www.psoriasis.org.

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing

Sources:

Allan SJ, Kavanagh GM, Herd RM, Savin JA. "The effect of inositol supplements on the psoriasis of patients taking lithium: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial." Br J Dermatol. 2004; 150(5): 966-969

Dericks-Tan JS, Schwinn P, Hildt C. "Dose-dependent stimulation of melatonin secretion after administration of Agnus castus." Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2003; 111(1) :44-46