When you are young it’s exciting when you drink alcohol because you know you shouldn’t be doing it. You have a lot of fun with your friends and you think there is no better feeling in the world. Once you’re old enough to drink it isn’t as exciting anymore because you don’t need a fake ID card to buy it from the shops, but you still drink because it’s the only way you can have fun on a night out. If you don’t break out of the cycle you keep drinking as you get older.

Somewhere down the line you realize it’s not doing you any favors. You drink at night and you feel terrible when you go into work in the morning. You feel tired and your work suffers. The alcohol ends up putting a serious strain on your relationship. You want to break free and it needs to happen fast, but how can you do it? If you can’t stop drinking then don’t lose hope because we’re going to look at a few things that might help you quit it for good.

Build a support system

Anyone who decides to tackle an alcohol addiction on their own is going to find it very difficult because there are going to be some tough times ahead. It’s much better if you have someone who can look out for you in case you start losing hope. Don’t forget that it’s also nice when other people know about your mission to quit drinking because you won’t want to let them down.

Start slowly in the beginning

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If you decide to go cold turkey you should realize that it’s going to be even harder. You might be advised by a doctor not to stop drinking completely depending on how dependent your body is on it. There is nothing wrong with going slowly and drinking less and less each week. Just make sure you don’t take advantage of this by stretching it out for years.

Rethink your friends

I know it’s tough saying goodbye to friends, but do you really want to hang around with people who drink? If you see other people drinking it’s more likely you will want to drink too. You might even have to deal with people trying to persuade you to drink. Don’t worry about their life because you are trying to deal with your own right now.

Eat healthy foods

As soon as you eat a healthy meal you can decide that today is the day you quit drinking for good. The reason you won’t want to drink is because you will feel good about yourself. Maybe that is why you drink in the first place. You won’t find the meaning of life at the bottom of a whiskey bottle, so go to the shop and buy as much healthy food as you can find.

Find a new hobby

When you sit around doing nothing at night it’s easy to open a can of beer because you don’t have anything else to do. You don’t have any way to stimulate your mind and the alcohol seems like the only solution. As soon as you start doing something you will forget about drinking. Maybe not straight away, but eventually you will be more interested in your new hobby.

Stay at home instead of partying

If you don’t want to be tempted you should stay away from parties until you are able to control yourself. As soon as you have one drink it soon turns into twenty and you’re right back to where you started. There is nothing wrong with staying in instead of going out, so don’t feel like you’re turning into a boring person. You should only care about quitting the drink.

This post was contributed by Nancy Anderson; she works for a prominent alcohol rehab center in Ontario and is passionate about her work. She likes to write articles creating awareness among people regarding this issue.

Nature is filled with beneficial creatures that, if disturbed or threatened, could hurt people. A few examples are well-known stingers such as ants, bees, and wasps. Even though you may want to avoid these insects, sometimes, you just can’t. Because their natural habitats continue to be demolished or disturbed, more and more of these creatures are finding their way to human territory. Plus, travel is popular and the importation of goods is very common, and these activities bring non-native insects to U.S. soil.

It’s important to adequately protect yourself from stinging insects because their bites can be pretty painful. It is also heartbreaking to see kids and even babies being stung because they usually feel the pain more intensely, and such incidents can even emotionally scar them for life. More importantly, there are individuals who are allergic to insect stings. When stung, they could experience a severe reaction known as “anaphylaxis” wherein they’ll require medical assistance in order to avoid going into a coma or dying.

Below are a few more tips about what to do in case you or someone you know gets stung.

1. Determine if the person is having an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include – generalized swelling or swelling of the face and/or tongue; nausea; dizziness or loss of consciousness; widespread hives or rashes; abdominal tenderness; and a drastic drop in blood pressure. These signs indicate that the victim must be brought to a hospital as soon as possible.

Someone who has experienced a severe reaction from an insect sting before will likely have the same reaction too. Therefore, it’ll help a lot if you ask the victim if he is allergic to stings. It is very important for those with allergies to insect stings and bites to always have an epinephrine autoinjector or EpiPen on hand. They should also wear a medical bracelet that will declare what type of allergy they have so that in case their ability to communicate is compromised, people, especially emergency medical technicians, will immediately know how to treat them.

2. For mild to moderate reactions, the injured site should be cleaned with water and a mild soap. Then, the stinger must be removed. There are several ways to do this. One, you can use your fingernail to scrape the stinger. You can also use a dull knife, a credit card or an ID card, or anything with a firm and flat surface. Do not squeeze the stinger out because this will only release more venom into the site.

3. To alleviate the pain and control the swelling, gently place an ice pack over the area. There are also over-the-counter medications that can be taken, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Just remember to never give aspirin to a child who is 18 or younger. Topical creams can also be placed on the site to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Apt creams are those that contain hydrocortisone and lidocaine. Calamine lotion is also a good option, and there are also home remedies for itchiness, such as baking soda and water.

4. Know that it will take about 2 to 5 days for the injury to heal. Keep the area clean in order to avoid infection. If the site is still sore and swollen after 5 days or if you notice other odd changes on the injured site, consult a physician right away.

Citations:

• Don Johnson 395. “Bee digging in_7930″. October 15, 2011. Online image. Flickr. April 23, 2013.

Claire Brent is a freelancer who specializes in issues about pest management. Her articles aim to spread more information about pest control alternatives, and some of her materials have been used by business sites like http://www.preventivepestcontrol.com/locations/texas/the-woodlands/ .

Because it is practically inexpensive (compared to other cosmetic procedures), quick and relatively painless, it is no wonder that the Botox treatment is the most commonly practiced beauty enhancement trick worldwide today. Not only that, but the results become visible in just a couple of days in the vast majority of cases. However, not all people can enjoy the obvious benefits provided by Botox. While for some the effects of Botox treatments are significantly reduced, for others they are completely absent even after a few sessions. And to make matters worse, you have heard that Orlando cosmetic surgeons are the best in the country so you have paid a fortune for the trip to Orlando and the sessions.

Is it really the physician’s fault?

The short answer to this question is ‘no’ because some people can become resistant to the effects of Botox. Even though this can be a little frustrating for you, the truth is that a small percentage of people undergoing Botox treatments become immune or have unsatisfying results following the procedure. At times, the diminished effects of Botox are related to the improper storage of the substance or the improper injection technique. However, this is not the case for the reputable cosmetic clinics in Orlando. Think of it this way: if the injection technique or the storage method used by the clinic was improper, then how come the other customers undergoing treatment on the same day as you were genuinely happy with the results?

Resistance to Botox

The resistance to Botox is a known fact among the large manufacturers of the cosmetic product. Their explanation is clear and logical: because Botox is a protein complex, the immune system of the patients may respond by producing antibodies to mitigate the activity of the protein. However, the manufacturers state that these situations are usually most likely to appear in patients who receive frequent injections and those who undergo cervical dystopia treatments (which requires higher dosages). The same sources recommend physicians to give their patients the smallest effective dose possible in order to avoid such situations.

Find the cause

So, what are you supposed to do in case you did not get the desired results? In case the treatment did not work on you, then it is best to discuss the possible causes with the cosmetic surgeon. Chances are that he will inject you with Botox for free, if the first treatment did not provide any results. In the eventuality that the second treatment fails as well, then you could be one of the 3% of the population who are resistant to Botox. At the same time, you should discuss alternative beauty enhancement treatments that can offer the same results as Botox with the physician.

Your treatment options

More often than not, doctors who encounter patients with Botox resistance recommend an option in the form of botulinum toxin type B. Overall, the type B Botox has proven highly effective in patients with dystopia, pediatric urinary incontinence, headaches and for the unlucky ones who are resistant to type A Botox. Even though it is not yet approved by the FDA for cosmetic use, the substance does not pose any risks for the Botox-resistant patients.

This post was written by Penelope Jones; she works for a successful cosmetic and medical centre, lasercentre.ca, which provides many services such as skin tightening. When she is not busy working, she likes to indulge in writing and cooking.

Treatments

If you are looking for a way to treat sun damage, wrinkles, broken blood vessels or spider veins, blotchy skin, or unwanted facial hair, you may be the perfect candidate for a laser resurfacing treatment. Laser resurfacing treatments gently remove skin imperfections and allow for new, fresh skin cells to come to the surface. Laser treatments are minimally invasive and provide amazing results. Laser treatments are also quite beneficial for individuals who suffer from Roseaca, a skin condition in which the face takes on a reddish, sunburned appearance. Whatever your skin condition may be, you can count on your professional dermatologist to advise on the best laser resurfacing treatment to meet your specific skin care needs.

Clear Light Treatments

Clear light treatments use a dual spectrum plasma light in order to rejuvenate sun damaged skin, remove age spots, and treat inflammatory acne. For acne treatments, the laser light eliminates the bacteria that causes the inflammation, allowing for a rejuvenation of the deeper skin cells. These treatments work wonders on individuals that have been suffering with acne for years, allowing for  acne prevention. The laser is a combination of blue light and infra red light, and this unique blending provides photo rejuvenation as well as accelerated healing of the skin due to enhanced oxygenation of the blood, which naturally promotes healing and rejuvenation.

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair on the face, arms, and back is quite common in both women and men. Excess facial hair tends to be more prominent in women with darker hair, and over the counter methods that include bleaching or waxing rarely have lasting effects. Excessive hair growth can be caused by hormones, heredity, and pituitary issues, and there are certain individuals that simply grow more hair than others. While women tend to seek treatment when it comes to excess facial hair, men also seek treatment when they have excessive hair growth on their back or shoulders.

It is important to note that individuals with lighter hair or grey hair will not benefit from laser hair removal treatments, due to the fact that the laser works to absorb pigment. Individuals with light hair or non pigmented hair may have better results with a bleaching or waxing treatment.

The laser hair removal procedure works by utilizing a beam of highly concentrated light to absorb the pigment in the hair follicle. The laser will pulse for only a fraction of a second, and during this time the laser heats up the follicle and temporarily halts re-growth. Since this procedure treats several hair follicles at the same time, it is an ideal treatment for the face as well as the body. Side effects to the procedure include mild swelling and redness of the area that has been treated, and these results are actually considered a good sign, as they show that the laser treatment was successful in halting the hair growth.

Laser Vein Removal

Unsightly spider veins and broken blood vessels in the face are common in women, and increased sun exposure can make these veins even more prominent in some cases. Laser vein removal is a minimally invasive procedure that works to remove spider veins, broken blood vessels, and varicose veins. The procedure typically requires 3-5 sessions, and patients can immediately continue with their normal routine following treatment.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy utilizes both light sources and a topical amino acid in order to eliminate sun spots and treat pre-cancerous lesions. This type of therapy is extremely beneficial for those with pre-cancerous facial lesions, as it safely removes the damaged tissue in order to expose healthy new skin. The skin is first treated with the natural topical amino acid, which is allowed to absorb for 1-2 hours. Once the skin is prepped and ready, it is exposed to the light source in order to destroy the damaged skin.

Once the procedure is complete, patients may experience peeling skin over the next few days, and this is completely normal. Patients may also experience slight redness and swelling in the treated areas. Additionally, these treatments can cause extra sensitivity to sunlight, so it is important that patients stay out of the sun for at least 36 hours immediately following treatment, as well as wear sun protective clothing and sunglasses.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments

If you are someone who is currently suffering from excess facial or body hair, sun and age spots, inflammatory acne, spider veins, or varicose veins, there are dermatologists who can assist you with treatment. Laser treatments are minimally invasive and provide lasting results, and most procedures take only a few hours’ time.

Individuals who have suffered with inflammatory acne all of their lives have had great success with clear light treatments, and laser hair removal works wonders on both the skin and the patient’s self-esteem. If you are ready to get started on a skin rejuvenating treatment today, simply contact your dermatologist for a consultation. They will be happy to advise on the best treatment for your particular condition and assist you with achieving clear, beautiful skin.

Susan Slobac is familiar with the many treatments that are offered when talking about cosmetic surygery and services. Susan always refers to http://www.ulmerderm.com/ when in need of treatments. Add Susan on Google Plus.

Coconut oil is not the first thing you think of when looking for acne treatments. Oil is usually associated with clogged pores and acne, so you would think that you need to steer clear of anything oily if you want to get clearer and blemish-free skin. However, organic oil is actually a great acne treatment and may even prove more effective compared to some commercial acne solutions in the market.

Anti-bacterial Properties

Organic coconut oil can be a good treatment for acne because it contains capric acid and lauric acid, the same substances present in mother’s milk which helps protect infants from infections. These substances have an antibacterial property which helps protect the skin from irritants and prevent bacterial growth that causes the inflammation you see in acne. Simply put, organic coconut oil creates a protective layer over the skin which prevents bacteria from breaking through. If you have sensitive skin, this extra protective layer will do wonders in keeping flare-ups at bay.

Rich Vitamin E Content

Organic coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the skin cells. This means that the skin becomes more resistant to damage and bacterial action. This reduces the appearance of acne and reduces irritation which could leave discolorations and lead to inflammation. With regular use, you strengthen your skin cells so that they become better able at withstanding the negative effects of the sun, pollutants, and other irritants. In fact, experts recommend using coconut oil all over the body because of its protective effects.

Easy Absorption

Organic coconut oil is also easily absorbed by the skin. You will notice that the oil penetrates the skin soon after application. There is none of the sticky and heavy feeling that often accompanies the application of other types of oils such as commercial mineral oils and mineral oil-based creams. Easy absorption means that the beneficial ingredients of the oil are absorbed and utilized by the skin cells and allows the body to benefit from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties right away.

Promotes a Speedier Healing Process

Acne creates a break in the skin which exposes the inner layers to potential bacteria and other pathogens. Coconut oil helps speed up wound healing to ensure that any breaks in the skin are restored and potential entryways for bacteria are eliminated.

It is important to remember that organic coconut oil is not the ultimate cure for acne. Results will also depend on other factors such as genetics, your lifestyle, the things you are exposed to, and your overall health. Organic coconut oil can help improve your skin and raise your resistance against bacteria and infections, which in turn reduces the intensity of break-outs. Since organic coconut oil is pure and natural, you avoid using artificial and potentially useless or harmful ingredients on your face, which is always a good thing. However, it is still wise to get medical opinion especially if you are dealing with serious types of acne.

David is a skin care expert and regularly writes for BeHealthy24.Com, a popular source of reliable information about acne remedies, skin tag removal at home and health care.

Aromatherapy is an all-natural way of taking care of oneself using oils that are extracted from plants. It works pretty fast and in a matter of seconds after applying oil, one can already feel the effects, be it mental, emotional or physical.

In simple terms, aromatherapy is a form of therapy where one uses aromas to deal with the illness. The aroma or scents are coming from the oil of plants. The oils extracted from plants are called essential oils. Some refer to those oils as the blood of the plant. There are many types of plants from which these oils can be extracted from. It could be herbs, roots, peel, barks, grass, flowers and many other plant sources.

There are many different ways to extract oils from plant. That said the most popular technique used today is steam distillation. With that technique one is able to separate the water coming out of the plant and the oil itself. The most important part is obviously the essential oil but one can choose to also use the extracted water.

If you are interested in essential oils, remember that those sold in stores are very concentrated. In some cases you may come across bottles having concentration 70 times more than what is found in the plant. That is why it is important to use just a few drops of it. It will be more than enough.

Aromatherapy may have a lot of uses but again you need to know how to properly use the different oils and in which situations they are used. Not all oils are made equal so always make sure you read the label before use.

Here are 5 essential oils and their uses

Lavender

This is the oil you can use to calm and relax yourself. Lavender is nurturing and comforting. Of all the essential oils, this is one of the safest and the most popularly used. This is the oil you want to rush to if you get stung by a bug or bitten by any other insect. You can rely on it to deal with burns and wounds.

Lavender oil can also be used for your daily skin care. Just one drop of it to your moisturizer can make a difference and better enhance the rejuvenation of the skin. For a child that is having problems sleeping you can use this oil to relax and calm him down. Again just one drop on the pillow should be enough relax the child and allow him to sleep.

Clary Sage

If you want to raise your spirits during a depressing period of your life, Clary Sage can help. Its uplifting, harmonizing and euphoric qualities will help. If you feel under the weather it will help lift your spirit and bring back happiness. It is an excellent mood enhancer. It is advised not to use this oil during pregnancy but during labour the oil can ease up the deliverance by facilitating contractions. This oil is for those dealing with fear, anxiety, depression and menopause.

Geranium

Geranium is the oil that can help switch moods. It is regulating, stabilizing, balancing and comforting. If you happen to find yourself in a situation of extreme emotional discomfort, you can rely on Geranium to bring back stability in your emotions. Geranium can also stabilize hormonal imbalances, relieve premenstrual syndrome and help revive a sluggish skin.

Orange

An oil can be extracted out of the orange fruit that we all love. In contrast to the other oils that are extracted by steam distillation, the oil from the orange fruit is extracted by centrifugation of the fruit juice itself. The oil can be used as a vaporizer and it brings about a good feeling. You want to use it during those entertainment times to make the environment more conducive for humour. For example you want to use it during your child’s birthday party. Children love that smell and it makes them feel happy.

If feeling a lack of energy and anxiety, orange oil is also an excellent way to deal with it.

Frankincense

Frankincense is a good oil to regenerate the skin, fortify and comfort the body. It has such a powerful effect on the skin that some believe it is the best oil to use to regenerate skin cells. This oil is also used in spirituality. You can inhale it during those times when you want to meditate. It is also good for massage blend if a person is suffering from any respiratory condition.

There are many other oils out there you can choose from. This is just some of them. When going to buy an essential oil, beware of fake products out there. Some companies prefer to use chemically synthesized oils instead of the real ones. Always make sure you read the label carefully before making any purchase.

Neil Maycock writes articles on aromatherapy products for Aromatherapy Gold

It wasn’t a different day; in fact Susan was so accustomed to pushing through her work and home routines that she didn’t consider it as terribly stressful.  But today she felt unusual.  She had a headache that acted different than the others she had once or twice a month.  In her late 40s, she’d also begun to notice her hormones had also been changing; and even thought she’d had a hot flash!  Wasn’t she too young for that?

Stress Can Trigger Migraines

What Susan was experiencing may have been a migraine triggered by layer up on layer of stress and her hormones fluctuating in a state of pre-menopause.  Many women in various stages of menopause deal with frustration and fear when faced with some of the significant changes during these years.  Hot flashes, changes in sleep patterns, foggy thinking, depression and headaches, even migraines are often hallmarks of menopause, and to bring it into further light, in a time in a woman’s life when her schedule is usually brimming with activity.

The years of mid-40s to mid-50s mean most women are busy directing “traffic” in a home with pre-teens or teenagers, managing a position of increasing responsibility at work, dealing with a stressed relationship with a spouse (or a divorce) and possibly dealing with physical ailments of aging parents. Talk about a mudslide of hormones and emotions waiting to happen!

Overwhelmed Adrenal Glands?

Experts in the medical field point out that if, in their 20′s and 30′s women have not nourished the adrenal system through the years, and, instead bombarded them with unresolved emotional stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, too much work and little relaxation, and even lack of sunlight, the years in their 40′s and 50′s can be very challenging for her physically.  This may also include finding ways to manage very painful migraines.

Round and Round

Ironic, isn’t it, that just when a woman reaches the time in her life when she is supposed to be at the apex of it all, her body seems to rebel and go its own course.  Her energy and vitality and sex hormones go through huge dips, causing even further trouble in her ability to perform at work and keep the plates spinning with family responsibilities. This depletion of a woman’s personal and physical resources to try to meet everyone’s needs certainly brings a new round of frustration.  Just finding help in one area could mean a foot in the door in re-gaining control of her life.

When a Migraine Brings You to a Standstill

Pushing through a headache is one thing, but pushing through a crushing and debilitating migraine is quite another.  Generally with a migraine, activity makes it worse.  Standing, moving and especially being in light can make the migraine significantly worse.  So what’s the cure for a migraine like this?

What’s a woman to do?  She can’t simply halt her life day after day waiting and hoping for her hormones and migraines to subside.

Fed up with no Relief?

Many women often find that their migraines are costing them precious time and even worse, the over-the-counter pain pills that they sometimes count on don’t always work their magic on their migraines.

These women push these symptoms away, hoping and wishing they will disappear, but migraines demand your full attention and relief.  Hopefully the gift of pain in this case, will lead other women to decide to be proactive and research their options and what the possible cure for migraines is.

Taking Charge

Every woman’s journey with her own body is very personal.  The most important thing is that you accept your body as your own responsibility.  Listening to your body and noticing what brings joy and fulfilment and takes you towards a stronger and healthier you in every stage of life are the first steps to reducing the stress that can be triggering migraines and finding relief.  Here’s to a healthier you!

Gem Wilson is a writer who understands how an impediment like migraines can affect your daily life. However she believes that there is a cure for migraines somewhere out there and so we should not give up hope finding it.

Having sleeping problem?

Dawn is fast approaching yet you’re awake in bed for another night. Sleeplessness now and then is normal, but this is every night. If you suffer from insomnia it might feel like you’re slowly losing your mind. Medications have a lot of unwanted side effects. (In fact, your insomnia may actually be a side effect of something you’re taking.) If you are already taking medication for something else you may not be able to take sleeping pills because they can interfere with each other.
Luckily there are several natural remedies to get you back on a regular sleep schedule. Healthy sleep patterns are extremely important for your brain to release body-repairing chemicals that are only released at night. Read on to learn the best natural cures for insomnia:

Remove Distractions from the Bedroom

Pets, TV, laptops and many other factors contribute to distracting noise and light in the bedroom. Just the light from a computer screen can trick your brain into thinking it is daytime and not allowing you to sleep. It’s important to sleep without distractions from pets or anything else that can make sounds or wake you up in the middle of the night. Waking up during sleep interrupts the brain processes that occur at night and they must be restarted which can take several hours.

Sleep In Total Darkness

There are several important chemicals the brain will only release at night. Artificial lighting from street lamps, computers, TV, smart phones, and many other devices is almost unavoidable unless specific action is taken by you. Make sure no light touches your skin by covering windows with thick blinds or even a blanket. Turn off all electronic devices that have light displays.
Any light that touches your skin can disrupt natural sleep processes that have been in place for many thousands of years. The only type of light that does not disrupt these cycles is a specific frequency of blue light. There are certain alarm clocks that are made with only blue light. Many iHomes and phone-charging devices have a blue light that are non-intrusive. Invest in one of these if you need a device to wake you up in the morning. Of course going back with a simple, no-light alarm clock is just as fine, too.

Chemicals Produced During Sleep:

– Human Growth Hormone
– Prolactin
– Melatonin
– Testosterone
– many others

Create a Routine

Sleep is as much a biological process as it is a psychological one. As we try to create better life patterns we have to retrain our habits to create an environment that promotes good sleep. Help yourself make good decisions by creating new habits.
Stop drinking stimulants at least four hours before trying to sleep. Coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks all discourage us from sleeping. Instead drink caffeine-free tea (no black tea allowed!). A good choice would be chamomile. Studies suggest that caffeine should be out of the system at least six hours before you go to bed but four is a good rule of thumb because that is more than adequate time to release to properly flush the system. Drinking water, milk, and hot tea are recommended but not required.

Conclusion

Getting good sleep, along with exercise, and a healthy diet are the greatest factors in maintaining a healthy body. It may take some time to adjust but your body will thank you for years to come. Spending the effort to create new habits will pay off with a happier mood and more productive lifestyle. Oftentimes, sleep studies don’t pinpoint the exact problem you’re having. If you suspect you have a sleep issue, you probably do. You don’t want to let this problem drag on until it’s too late. And you’re body will tell you when it’s too late.

Author Bio:
Carol Carter is freelance writer and often writes about sleep study. She also loves to cook, read and at times go for a walk with pet dog.

Source: Chakra Healing

While psoriasis is primarily an autoimmune disorder, suggesting that any real treatment needs to address the underlying autoimmune response gone awry, its basic manifestation is in form of inflammation. Evidence suggests, therefore, that those suffering from psoriasis can benefit substantially from consuming an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding those foods that cause an allergic or inflammatory response.

As it turns out, a great many psoriasis patients have an increased sensitivity to gluten, and find that their symptoms improve significantly after switching to a gluten-free diet.

An anti-inflammatory diet involves favoring beneficial fats such as those found in cold-water fish, olive oil, seeds and nuts over detrimental fats like saturated fats, trans fats, fried foods and poor quality oils such as vegetable, corn, soy, safflower and sunflower oils.

Good and Bad Omega Fatty Acids

Beneficial fats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have long been touted to be the holy grail of healthy eating. Conversely, detrimental fats are high in omega-6 fatty acids, an excessive amount of which can cause an inflammatory response in the human body.

Before the industrial revolution, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the average American diet was approximately 3:1, largely because there were no ready sources of omega-6 vegetable oils. Instead, most people consumed a diet that was much higher in fish or free-range beef or bison, which was high in omega-3. With the industrial revolution came the technology to refine various forms of vegetable oils, changing the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the average modern American diet to around 11:1.

Researchers believe that the human body has not yet been able to adapt to this rapid shift in consumption of fatty acids, causing increased inflammation and higher incidence of inflammatory diseases and conditions. Western cultures consume tremendous amounts of vegetable oils, especially in processed foods. Between 1909 and 1999, production of soy oil for food consumption increased 1000 times. Japan, by the way, has the lowest per-capital prevalence of psoriasis, worldwide.

Higher Prevalence of Corn-Fed Cattle

In this day and age, cattle, poultry, and domestically raised fish are being raised on cornmeal and soy-based feedstock, significantly raising the omega-6 content of the resulting meat and fish products. Tissues of farm animals raised on grass, worms or other natural diets are much higher in omega-3 fatty acids.

The much-touted “marbling” seen in domestic beef products is a direct result of cattle that have been raised on a diet of corn and soy, and these products contain much higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acid when compared with grass-fed cattle, and lower amounts of omega-3. While meat from cattle raised on grassland may contain as much as 4 percent omega-3 fatty acids, cattle raised on corn generally contain only 1/2 percent omega-3.

In addition to reducing consumption of omega-6 and increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, an anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes an abundance of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits. A number of seasonings can also block inflammatory response, including red pepper, turmeric, cloves, cumin, ginger, anise, basil, fennel, garlic, rosemary and pomegranate.

While switching to an anti-inflammatory diet may not be the total cure for psoriasis, it has been proven to have substantial benefits, among them reduction of cardiac risk factors. Psoriasis patients are known to be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, so a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is highly recommended to reduce that risk. Inflammation is also linked to a variety of other conditions and diseases, including digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. For these reasons, most researchers agree that diet plays an important part in managing and treating symptoms of psoriasis.

Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon, writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.