In Part 1 we reviewed the research into diet and the various ways in which ones diet can impact on one's health and the development of diseases such as psoriasis and arthritis. Part 2 will concentrate on certain foods that can have a positive impact on one's health and assist in the repair/healing processes. It is known that throughout life, environmental conditions and dietary compounds influence gene expression. Only recently it has been observed that exposure to specific phytochemicals can affect gene
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Scratching is the natural response to itch (Pruritus) and, by definition, inseparable from it. The act of scratching not only diminishes itch, but it has been found to be rewarding and addictive. The itch-scratch cycle is a complex phenomenon involving sensory, motor and emotional components. The urge to scratch can be remarkably intense because the reward provided by scratching brings such intense relief and may also be associated feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. Recent studies have shown that rating scratching
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Tobacco smoke contains numerous chemicals that exert inflammatory effects on the human body. Recent studies suggest that cigarette smoking may trigger the development of psoriasis through oxidative, inflammatory and genetic mechanisms. Smoking initiates formation of free radicals that stimulate cell signalling pathways active in psoriasis. Smoking damages the skin by increasing formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreasing the gene expression of antioxidants. Nicotine also stimulates innate immune cells integral to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This perpetuates a cycle
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Atopic dermatitis may be caused by genetic predisposition and environmental conditions, including hereditary factors, allergens, and neurogenous (arising from the nervous system, or from some lesion of the nervous system) and immunological factors. However, the major contributing cause remains unknown. AD may cause psychosocial problems such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, emotional excitability, stigmatization, social isolation, and discrimination and on the other hand, all of these factors may also contribute to and exacerbate the symptoms of AD. Of the many
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There are a number of challenges in trying to link chronic dehydration and fluid consumption to various diseases and health outcomes:- Only a limited number of good studies have been  conducted to date. More long-term studies are needed.  Larger patient numbers need to be included in future studies. There are difficulties in assessing patient daily fluid  intake and compliance is difficult to monitor. Hydration status constantly changes and hydration can be difficult to measure in some patients especially when daily fluid requirements
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