Pharmacy and Health Blog from myGenericPharmacy.com

Despite not knowing the precise cause, medical professionals believe psoriasis to be an inflammatory immune-mediated condition. This indicates that the underlying cause of this illness is inflammation. In the US, up to 3% of adults suffer from psoriasis. In addition to affecting the eyes and joints, it can also cause symptoms on the skin, such as discoloration and elevated plaques. According to experts, the common factor that can impact these various areas is inflammation.

The dermis, or middle layer of skin, becomes thicker with inflammatory cells in psoriasis sufferers due to immune system malfunction. Additionally, the disorder accelerates the growth of skin cells in the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Skin cells develop and shed over the course of a month. For those who have psoriasis, this process accelerates to a matter of days. Skin cell accumulation on the skin’s surface occurs when skin cells accumulate rather than shed, causing uncomfortable symptoms like raised plaques, scaling, swelling, redness, or discoloration. Psoriasis is a skin condition, but it affects the entire body because of the inflammation it causes. It may raise the chance of developing psoriatic arthritis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and heart disease.

While inflammation in psoriasis is caused by immune system dysregulation, research indicates that individuals can potentially decrease this inflammation by making lifestyle and dietary adjustments. By doing so, symptoms may lessen and overall quality of life may improve. Many individuals with psoriasis have been able to achieve remission, where they do not experience symptoms for an extended period, through these methods. Furthermore, there are medications available that target inflammation in psoriasis, such as topical corticosteroids, injectable biologics, and oral medications. Treatment for psoriasis varies for each person, with some requiring more intensive care than others.

Although there isn’t a cure for psoriasis at this time, adopting these behaviors may help lower inflammation brought on by the condition and raise the likelihood of a remission. Food has a big influence on systemic inflammation. Research indicates that specific inflammatory eating habits may heighten the likelihood of developing psoriasis and exacerbate its symptoms. A healthy diet varies depending on the individual. Nonetheless, someone can establish one by taking the subsequent actions:

Steer clear of inflammatory foods: Some foods and drinks have ingredients that promote inflammation, which can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Soda and highly processed foods like candy, processed meat products, and salty snacks are two examples. Taking into account an anti-inflammatory diet: Psoriasis symptoms are regularly reduced by diets high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. For instance, a 2018 study of 35,735 individuals, 3,557 of whom had psoriasis, revealed that those who ate a Mediterranean-style diet had psoriasis that was less severe than that of those who did not.

One risk factor for the development of psoriasis is obesity. In addition to having more severe symptoms than those with a moderate weight, psoriasis sufferers who are overweight or obese may also have the condition. For those who are overweight, losing weight may help lower inflammatory markers and alleviate psoriasis symptoms. According to a 2020 study, individuals with psoriasis who were also overweight or obese and who lost 12 percent of their body weight over the course of a 10-week program saw a 50–75 percent reduction in the severity of their psoriasis. On average, participants lost twenty-three pounds

Avoiding or giving up smoking: Smoking seriously compromises one’s health and exacerbates inflammatory illnesses, such as psoriasis. These are just a few habits that can help lower inflammation and improve the symptoms of psoriasis. Cutting back on alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and cause inflammation. Remaining active: Limiting extended sitting times may help lessen the symptoms of psoriasis. According to a review of the literature, psoriasis sufferers who lead sedentary lifestyles experience more severe symptoms than those who engage in regular exercise.

Getting enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause the body to go into a pro-inflammatory state. Research indicates that irregular and inadequate sleep patterns may elevate inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. For optimum health, experts advise adults to get 7–9 hours of sleep every night. Controlling stress: Extended periods of stress cause the immune system to become hyperactive and lead to a state that is pro-inflammatory. Stress is cited by up to 88% of psoriasis sufferers as a trigger for their symptoms. It could be beneficial to practice stress-reduction methods like yoga and meditation

Anyone who is interested in learning how to lessen inflammation and symptoms associated with psoriasis and is going through a flare-up should think about talking to their dermatologist and other members of their healthcare team. They can offer advice on diet and lifestyle modifications that may help reduce inflammation and lessen the symptoms of psoriasis, as well as treatment options based on the severity of the symptoms. They might also advise taking supplements or vitamins.

Irritable bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by inflammation in the gut or digestive tract, which can cause a variety of occasionally painful digestive problems. It can also present as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Although the underlying cause of this illness has not yet been found, a recent study points to a potential link between diet, genetics, and gut microbiota and the development of IBD. Fiber reduces inflammation and encourages the formation of a healthy mucus layer. When interleukin-10, a cytokine linked to inflammatory bowel disease, is absent at birth, IBD usually manifests in the early stages of the infant or childhood. The current study demonstrates that fiber deprivation contributes to the deterioration of the colonic mucus lining in mice deficient in interleukin-10, which results in fatal colitis. This implies that diets high in fiber could be beneficial for people with IBD.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3 million people in the United States and 6 million people worldwide suffer from IBD. S. who possesses it. The majority of cases of IBD are found in industrialized countries, and the new study suggests that those who migrate to more industrialized societies and start consuming highly processed foods may be at risk for the condition. According to a study published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, last year, some dietary fibers may actually exacerbate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. In that investigation, scientists discovered that soluble fibers from fruits and vegetables, known as unfermented dietary β-fructan fibers, triggered an inflammatory reaction in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) whose bodies could not process them.

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), a formula-based, low-fiber diet, is recommended for some individuals with IBD, especially children. This method is effective in lowering gut inflammation. In the current study, which employed mice devoid of interleukin-10, the researchers found that diets devoid of fiber significantly increased inflammation. It has been demonstrated that a diet devoid of fiber promotes the development of bacteria that break down mucus, consuming the mucus layer in the digestive system and lessening the barrier that mucus provides for the gut lining. A high-fiber diet markedly reduced inflammation in the mice. Nonetheless, mice given the EEN diet formula by researchers showed reduced inflammation compared to mice fed a diet devoid of fiber.

Researchers came to the conclusion that the mice exhibited elevated levels of isobutyrate, a fatty acid generated by “good” bacteria through fermentation in the gut. Medical News Today was informed by Dr. Rudolph Bedford, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, who was not involved in the study, that there is not enough data to support a general approach to lower-fiber diets for patients with IBD among medical professionals. The lack of research data to inform clinical practice has led to a great deal of variability in dietary recommendations for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, to reduce gastrointestinal distress during an active flare-up, especially if intestinal strictures are suspected, patients with IBD are frequently advised to restrict their intake of fiber or residue.

Not involved in the study, the director of communications for the nutrition company Prolon and a dietitian nutritionist told MNT that while a high-fiber diet can be advised in the worst phases of IBD, it’s important to consider the long-term effects. When an IBD patient’s gut inflammation gets worse during an acute (active) flare-up, a low-fiber diet may be advised. Since fiber can be difficult to digest, it may worsen pre-existing gut or gut lining irritation, which may lead to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, rectal bleeding, or even fever. It is advisable to stay away from anything that could exacerbate the gut inflammation that already exists during flare-ups. However, over time, high-fiber diets have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the management (and even reversal) of IBD in patients. This means that high-fiber foods are advised to help diversify the composition of the gut, which can positively benefit a person’s gut pH, permeability, and ability to produce short-chain fatty acids, even in the absence of acute symptoms or flare-ups.

In addition to supporting both our digestive and immune systems, good gut flora are essential. The integrity of our intestinal barrier is strengthened by certain good bacteria that live in our stomach. The lining of our stomach plays a crucial role in preventing harmful substances from entering our body. A leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, is the result of the weakening of the gut lining’s junctures brought on by inflammation or other pathogenic bacteria that can break down the lining. Patients with IBD and IBS frequently have leaky guts, which may be the underlying cause of inflammation or a sign of other digestive disorders. Richter noted that there may be a direct correlation between gut and mental health.

Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are produced in part by certain gut bacteria and are essential for healthy brain function, regular sleep cycles, and the reduction of anxiety and depression. Mental and emotional disorders may result from the disruption of gut-brain signaling caused by the absence of these beneficial bacteria. The gut lining’s lack of diversity can significantly weaken immune systems. When your gut is dysbiotic, it is more susceptible to illness. The various organisms in your gut may not be present in the proper amounts, which could lead to changes in your gut microbiome. Your chance of developing a chronic illness may rise if the diversity of bacteria in your gut microbiome declines.

The intestinal tract is affected by immune-mediated, chronic, progressive diseases known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs primarily include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Chron’s disease (CD) subtypes. Although the exact cause of these illnesses is unknown, host-related, environmental, and genetic factors all play a role in their development. According to recent research, nutritional therapy is the mainstay of IBD treatment for managing symptoms, preventing relapses, and treating the underlying pathology. Patients with IBD demonstrate how diet, particularly dietary fiber, and microbiota dysbiosis can alter its composition. Compared to the general population, these patients are more vulnerable to energy protein malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. There is currently no known dietary factor that causes IBD, and there is no special therapeutic diet for the condition. This review aims to assist medical professionals in managing the nutritional aspects of CD and UC by assessing the role that dietary fibers play in these conditions. The right kind and quantity of fiber to recommend in the event of IBD patients improving their psychosocial circumstances and overall quality of life will require more research.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lack-of-fiber-may-be-trigger-inflammatory-bowel-disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9696206/
https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/Digestive-health-services/Conditions-and-treatments/small-and-large-intestine/inflammatory-bowel-disease/diet-guide
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/dietary-fiber-linked-to-flare-ups-in-inflammatory-bowel-disease

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The connection between gut health and heart health is an emerging area of research, and while the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, several factors suggest an intricate relationship between the two:
Inflammation: A healthy gut microbiome helps maintain a balanced immune response and reduces inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is a key driver of cardiovascular disease, contributing to the development of conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Metabolism: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients and regulating energy balance. Disruption of the gut microbiome, such as through an unhealthy diet or antibiotic use, can lead to metabolic dysfunction, including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Certain beneficial bacteria in the gut produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the fermentation of dietary fiber. SCFAs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease.
Microbial Metabolites: Gut bacteria produce various metabolites, including trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. TMAO is formed from the breakdown of certain dietary compounds, such as choline and carnitine, and has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Hormonal Regulation: The gut microbiome influences the production and metabolism of hormones involved in cardiovascular health, such as serotonin and bile acids. Alterations in these hormonal pathways can affect blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular function.

Immune System Modulation: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in training and regulating the immune system. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, can lead to immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation, which are detrimental to heart health. You are what you eat, goes a common saying. Additionally, fresh studies continue to imply that this theory might be true each year. Scientists have recently directed their attention toward a possible connection between heart and gut health. Physicians already advise patients to consume heart-healthy foods, and experts in the field concur that the gut microbiome including its composition and the toxic byproduct it produces during the metabolism of some foods plays a major role in the relationship between gut health and heart health.

Every expert we spoke with agreed that heart health can be significantly impacted by the gut microbiota. The human digestive tract, particularly the large intestine (colon), is home to a complex community of trillions of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Depending on what we feed them, these microorganisms can be either healthy or unhealthy. Any number of our body’s systems could malfunction if they are unhealthy. The microbiome depends on humans for health, just as we do for its own. It is becoming more and more clear that maintaining the health of our microbiome is crucial for all of our organs, including the heart and arteries. We now know that inflammation, particularly in the heart, may be the primary cause of a great deal of health issues these days. One important factor in reducing inflammation is the microbiome.

There’s more and more research coming out that there is a connection between the composition of someone’s gut flora and the microbiome. There’s a connection between the type, distribution, and relative composition of gut bacteria that someone has and an association with their risk factors for heart disease that includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, [and] obesity

Another way in which the gut microbiome can potentially have harmful effects on the heart is through the production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). When gut microbes feed on choline found in red meat, poultry, eggs, [and] certain fish they make trimethylamine(TMA), which is absorbed into the body and goes to the liver where it is changed into TMAO, Dr. John P. Higgins, a sports cardiologist at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) explained. TMAO is bad because it is associated with cholesterol and artery-narrowing plaque in important arteries in the body, especially the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. So people with high levels of TMAO are at increased risk of heart attacks or stroke.

Studies have associated TMAO with aspects of inflammation and blood vessel dysfunction, Dr. Chen added. It also promotes foam cells in the blood vessels. All of these different things end up promoting different types of heart disease, such as atherosclerosis, and they can also lead to different aspects of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure. A study published in October 2019 linked TMAO to disease severity and mortality rate in people with peripheral artery disease. Research published in March 2023 reported an increase of TMAO in blood plasma was an independent predictor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in people who experienced acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-and-why-does-gut-health-influence-heart-health
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/can-your-gut-health-affect-your-heart
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/healthy-gut-healthy-heart
https://www.modernheartandvascular.com/the-relationship-between-your-gut-and-heart-health/

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One of the most upsetting and misunderstood signs of eczema is itching. A recent study examined the condition’s propensity to cause itching using human tissue, animal models, and nerve fibers. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus may play a significant role in the puzzle, the researchers concluded. They anticipate that their research will eventually result in a variety of skin conditions being treated. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a prevalent skin condition that impacts approximately 223 million individuals worldwide. Itching is one of the main symptoms. Scratching can temporarily ease the pain, but it can also aggravate inflammation, damage the skin, and raise the risk of skin infections. Carsten Flohr, a professor at Kings College London and a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, said that scratching has a significant impact on the quality of life for those who suffer from eczema. It affects how well people sleep as well as how much they sleep. It also has an impact on children’s enjoyment of school and adults’ social and professional lives. People who have eczema often experience itching as a constant problem, according to National Eczema CEO Andrew Proctor. One of the most challenging aspects of having atopic eczema for the millions of affected children and adults is the constant itching. where the skin is damaged and becomes more itchy as a result of scratching to relieve the itch, increasing the temptation to scratch.

The skin is considered to be the largest organ of the body and plays a myriad of vital roles. It protects against pathogens, dehydration, mechanical damage, and ultraviolet light. It also carries receptors that provide sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch. Importantly for eczema, it also contains receptors called proprioceptors, which produce the sensation of itch.

Like many other parts of the body, the skin is home to a thriving microbial community the skin microbiome, which contains vast numbers of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. Although there is growing interest in the human microbiome, scientists have a long way to go before they understand its complex roles in health and disease. Your skin bacteria and skin immune system talk to each other and they talk to the bacteria in your gut. Just like with your gut, having a diverse balance is the key to a happy microbiome. Understanding how bacteria interact with each other as well as the skin and the immune system may one day help treat various skin conditions.

When S. aureus was first applied to mice’s skin, the researchers claimed that this increased the animals’ risk of developing dermatitis. Moreover, compared to mice without S. aureus, these mice scratched a lot more. Next, by concentrating on the enzymes that S. aureus produces, researchers aimed to comprehend how the bacteria could cause this itching response. The ten proteases that S. aureus produces were the scientists’ main focus. Protease V8 was eventually found to be the main trigger of the itching response; mice that received V8 injections alone began to scratch. The researchers also demonstrated that eczema-affected skin patches had higher V8 levels than unaffected skin.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/skin-diseases-such-as-eczema-can-cause-sleep-disturbances-study-finds#The-link-between-skin-disease-and-sleep-disturbance
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/bacteria-therapy-improves-eczema-children
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20231127/common-bacteria-may-be-cause-itchy-skin-study
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema

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