Psoriasisis a chronic skin condition where too many skin cellsare produced, too rapidly; creating patches of flaky skin with raised, red skin beneath.  Thecondition tends to go through episodes where it is more severe, rather than showing itself constantly. Current ideas link psoriasis toan incurred.Immune reaction leading to the overproductionof I -ceils which cause an inflammatory process. Exactly what causes the immune system to reactin this way is unknown. Psoriasis is not infectious. It may in fact be inherited,but it is thought that it first develops from an initial trigger, which might be an injury, infection, stress or a reaction to medication.

Psoriatic arthritisis also an inflammatory condition, but shows itselfthrough swelling and pain in the joints of the body, often in the fingers and toes,as well as fatigue. It Is diagnosed through blood tests, family history of psoriasis, and changes which take place in the nails. In addition to medical treatment, there are a number of approaches which can help sufferers.

Diet and nutrition

• Drink plenty of water - between 1.5 and 2 litres a day.
• Fruit and vegetables are important, try forat least the recommended minimum 5 portions a day, but many nutritionists recommend 5 portions of fruitand 3-4 portions of vegetables per day to support the body to run at optimum.
• Choose low salt options where possible: use salt only in moderation and try alternative spices and herbs to flavour food.
• Avoid processed food, sugar, and refined carbohydrates - e.g. white bread and pasta - and 'junk' food in general.
• Common triggers which can worsen psoriasis include: Cola drinks, red wine, red meat, monosodium glutamate (MSG), chilli, hot spices, acidic food and 'junk' foods.
• Omega 3 can be of great benefit. This essential fatty acid is found in fish - particularly oily varieties such as salmon and mackerel. Alternatively, choose a good quality omega 3 supplement.
• Keep alcohol intake to a moderate level and, as alcohol can dry the skin, remember to moisturise well and compensate for alcohol's dehydrating effect by taking plenty of water before, during, and after a night out.
• Zinc deficiency has been linked to psoriasis. Many people lack zinc today, in part due to diet and lifestyle but also because of depleted zinc levels in over-farmed soil. Therefore, consider a good quality zinc supplement.

Essential oils can also help

Sunlight can improve psoriasis, and in fact medical treatment of the condition sometimes includes phototherapy. The benefits of exposing affected areas to the sun can be enhanced by the controlled use of Bergamot oil, a sun-sensitizing oil (Caution: use under advice from a qualified aromatherapist only - Ascent will be happy to help). As an inflammatory condition, psoriasis can also benefit greatly from the essential oils of benzoin, German chamomile and lavender, as well as infused oil of calendula. Psoriatic arthritis can respond to chamomile, lavender and neroli oils, among others, applied externally.

Available from Ascent Therapies

• We can provide individually blended creams and lotions which will soothe inflammation & promote healthy skin through a balancing action.
• Omega 3, in lOOmg, 500mg, lOOOmg strengths
• Multivitamins
• Zinc 15 mg

The Ascent team will be happy to discuss these approaches with you.

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About MS and its symptoms

MS is a disease of the central nervous system. It is a long term illness and affects sufferers differently, in ways which are difficult to predict: for some it may simply show itself as numbness in the arms and legs, while for others the condition is far more serious leading to blindness or paralysis. Medical developments have greatly improved the outlook for many with MS. Other MS symptoms can include muscle stiffness (spasticity), mobility and balance problems including tremors, and bladder and bowel problems. Fatigue is common in MS sufferers, as is low mood and depression.

Research into complementary therapies and MS

Many people with MS report that complementary therapies can be helpful, and give sufferers a feeling of wellbeing, with up to a third of sufferers using complementary therapies. Reflexology was found to be particularly beneficial in one survey, and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines support this, and further suggest that massage, and use of fish oils may also be of benefit. In fact, many healthcare professionals take a positive attitude to use of complementary approaches alongside conventional treatment. It is of course important to use only qualified and registered therapists who carry out a thorough consultation with the individual, for safe and effective treatment.

 Complementary treatments

• Gentle aromatherapy massage with essential oils such as sweet marjoram, lavender and chamomile can be used to relax the muscles, while bergamot or lemon oil can be used to lift the mood, easing anxiety and depression. Lavender and sandalwood's calming effects can help with insomnia. Always use a qualified therapist.
• Reflexology is a powerful tool which is both diagnostic and can help to clear energy blockages. This therapy has been reported as particularly beneficial for problems in the lower limbs, and urinary problems.

Other suggestions

• Exercise is recommended by the MS society as beneficial for MS. Research suggests that both aerobic and resistance activities can be useful if undertaken regularly.
• NICE guidelines recommend a balance of Omega 6 and 3 oils - consider a good quality supplement.

For more detailed information on MS: The MS Society, www.mssociety.org.uk

For more information about how you can benefit from complementary therapy, feel free to contact us here at Ascent (contact details on front page).

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UK and American diets are often lacking in omega 3 oils which are essential fatty acids. Naturally, omega 3 is found in fish such as halibut, mackerel, salmon, and tuna.

• Omega 3 lowers LDL cholesterol and increases HDL good cholesterol, Which prevents blood cells from sticking together on arterial walls.
• Problems with brain damage, high cholesterol fatty liver and kidneys, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, irregular heartbeat and kidney malfunction have all be linked to a diet lacking Omega 3.

These fatty acids have a unique composition consisting of large chain polyunsaturates. Omega 3 assists in balancing the body's chemistry and preventing disease.

•  It has been shown to improve allergies, arthritis, bronchial asthma, depression, enlarged prostate, hives, infertility and lupus. It is also of benefit for menstrual cramps, migraine headaches, psoriasis colitis and possibly cancer. 
• It has a very beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Containing linoleic acid, it can help to prevent heart attacks. It can also lower blood pressure and lipid levels. It helps to prevent ischemia, or damage caused by interruption of the blood flow, and circulatory disorders.
• Omega 3 also reduces inflammation for arthritis sufferers and inhibits rheumatoid arthritis. It pre­vents the disease worsening—proved by a double blind study by Lancet.
• For cancer, although experiments are still continuing researchers have discovered that Omega 3 seems to prevent and can terminate the growth of cancers—breast, pancreatic, and prostrate.
• The immune system is strengthened by Omega 3 and it is now used for patients with AIDS, and oesteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recently new research has found Omega 3 beneficial for alzheimer's disease and for children with ADH.
• It is also being used for those with serious depressive and mental conditions such as manic depression.

All in all, everyone should take Omega 3 as it is very rare that anyone in this part of the

world receives the lOOOmg needed.

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Arthritis sufferers have taken glucosamine and felt the benefits for years, and research now points to it as an effective treatment for both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

Glucosamine occurs naturally in human tissues, making it an alternative to the synthetically derived drugs infiltrating the market in past years. These drugs, known as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also help relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis; however, they work in vastly different ways.

The problem with NSAIDs is that they can increase the risk of heart attacks and gastrointestinal bleed­ing, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration. The FDA even targeted non-prescription NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen to encourage clearer labelling about potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.

Glucosamine side effects are minimal in comparison.

So, how exactly is glucosamine, an amino sugar, different from NSAIDs and what are the proven gluco­samine benefits?

Instead of tricking the body into not receiving pain signals, glucosamine goes straight to the cause of the disease. Studies indicate that glucosamine benefits tender joints by stimulating the production of proteins, which aid in the building and repair of connective tissue in the body. As we grow older, our body's ability to produce glucosamine decreases, and our structural system pays the price. Because osteoarthritis in particular, is often caused by age and wear, glucosamine benefits the body by possibly slowing or reversing the progression of the disease.

More importantly, experts agree that few glucosamine side effects exist when taken in recommended doses, of course, too much of any nutrient, vitamins and minerals included, can be harmful. Possible glucosamine side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, heartburn, drowsiness, skin rash, and headache. In addition, supplement manufacturers derive glucosamine from the exo-skeleton of shellfish; therefore, those who are allergic to shellfish should avoid taking glucosamine.

To complement glucosamine benefits, arthritis sufferers often take chondroitin sulphate, also a natu­rally occurring compound. In addition, to obtain full glucosamine benefits and to avoid any glucosamine side effects, always purchase supplements from manufacturers with a proven history of quality.

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