As August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, this month we're highlighting some of the benefits that Magnesium can provide in regards to Psoriasis and its related conditions. Continue reading to see how much of a difference Magnesium might be able to make in the treatment of daily symptom management.
Psoriasis is a condition that affects roughly 3% of the population or 7.5 million people in the United States. While it is not that common of a disease, it is still a well-known one and many people know at least one person who has been diagnosed with Psoriasis. It is an immune-mediated disease, which means it has an unclear cause and is characterized by a disfunction of one's immune system and widespread inflammation all of the body. This inflammation can be apparent as raised plaques or scales on the skin.
This condition occurs because of an overactive immune system that speeds up the skin cell growth. Typically, healthy skin cells will completely grow and shed in about a month's time. However, for that with Psoriasis, skin cells instead do this every 3-4 days. So instead of shedding, these skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, resulting in itching, burning, and stinging plaques and scales that are typically found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Like other chronic diseases, Psoriasis has the ability to significantly affect other areas in your life, not just your physical health. Stress levels and your emotional wellbeing are also affected. Studies have begun to show that magnesium supplementation can help with these symptoms and can make living with Psoriasis and its related conditions more manageable.
Reducing Stress Levels
Stress plays a major role in immune system health, which is especially important when it comes to Psoriasis. Having this disease is stressful enough, but higher stress levels can worsen Psoriasis symptoms and increase pain levels. Chronic stress on the other hand, can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of developing other Psoriasis-related health conditions. Magnesium supplementation is great for managing stress levels, so it is great for managing Psoriasis symptoms as well.
It is important to note that Psoriasis is not just a skin condition. While the skin is most commonly affected, it is just one of the many symptoms caused by inflammation that occurs throughout the entire body. Reducing stress with magnesium can help to lessen inflammation, which in turn, can help to lessen Psoriasis symptoms.
Lowering the Risk of Related Conditions
One of the biggest problems with living with Psoriasis is that of lowering the risk of developing other related health conditions, such as Psoriatic Arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and other mental health conditions. Evidence has shown that people who proactively treat their Psoriasis can lower their risk of developing these other related conditions.
The use of magnesium supplementation is a form of self-care and proactive wellbeing. Checking in on yourself on a regular basis and taking proactively taking care of your health can go a long way in helping you to feel better, both inside and out. For instance, using a magnesium-based foot soak before bed not only feels good for your aching feet, but is is also full of medical benefits to help you feel better, too!
Decreasing Inflammation
It should come to no surprise that magnesium can do wonders for decreasing inflammation throughout the body. This is especially helpful in regards to Psoriasis, because Psoriasis is a disease that directly affects the immune system by causing widespread and severe inflammation. Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties that when used properly, can help reduce and balance the inflammatory and immune responses in the body, and therefore lessen the effects of excessive inflammation. Whether these inflammatory responses come in the form of Psoriatic skin rashes or plaques, or arthritic joint and muscle pains, magnesium can help to lessen the severity of the inflammation.
Regulating the Immune System
Magnesium is involved in the proper function of the immune system. Because people with Psoriasis have an overactive immune response that causes the skin cells to grow rapidly, this can lead to the characteristic symptoms of the condition that also throws off the immune system. While a direct link between magnesium and Psoriasis in regard to the functioning of the immune system has yet to be made, a potential connection is currently being studied.
When you immune system is balanced and properly regulated, it can have profound effects on the rest of your health. Magnesium can help to ensure this immune system health and can also help to balance inflammation and prevent excessive immune activation which can worsen the symptoms associated with Psoriasis and its related conditions.
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Article Sources
1. Mayo Clinic. "Psoriasis." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840.
2. National Psoriasis Foundation. "Psoriasis Action Month." https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-action-month/.
3. Morel V, Pickering ME, Goubayon J, Djobo M, Macian N, Pickering G. Magnesium for Pain Treatment in 2021? State of the Art. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 21;13(5):1397. doi: 10.3390/nu13051397.