4 Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Healing Naturally

Learning is always a bumpy road, and as most of us try to do this alone - we end up in the same potholes on our journey to better health. I have been trying to heal naturally since I was 17 and there are some potholes I am still vulnerable to falling into. I'm sharing these with you in the hope that you don't fall into them too - and if you do fall repeatedly - then you know you are not alone!

1. There is no magic pill

It's so easy when we hear stories on Facebook and in the media about someone who used Childs Farm Moisturiser and it cured their psoriasis or who took a vitamin D supplement, and their stubborn elbow psoriasis cleared and to think that if we bought these products then we would clear too.

It's so easy - I have been so desperate for something to work. I have a cupboard in my house full of supplements that I can't bear to open. I would Marie Kondo it, but I'm not sure how I would thank the embarrassing amount of supplements and creams I have stashed in there.

It's also important to remember we are dynamic beings. This means we are forever changing. I know many people who have cleared using one thing, only to find months down the line their psoriasis is creeping back. A supplement may correct a nutritional deficiency, but you may develop another deficiency down the line- and then you need to address those changes.

You may also find psoriasis creeping back because of stress or infection. This happens to me all of the time. When people tell me they have found their cure, I am always nervous for them because we are never cured- only in remission. Plus- what works for you, probably won't work for me.

2. Real healing takes time

Have you heard of Deliciously Ella? She is a great vegetarian cook and natural health advocate. While I find the cost of some of her meals frustrating, she gained a lot of respect from me as I read her story.

She healed her chronic health challenges using diet and lifestyle. She also clearly stated in her book that it took 18 months for her lifestyle changes to make a real difference. 18 months! Sometimes I only stick at something for 18 days before writing it off.

We are so used to fast solutions (and thank goodness painkillers work so flipping fast) but in a condition like psoriasis, where it may have taken years and years and years of accumulating damage before the symptoms started - is it realistic to think that taking Glucosamine supplements for three weeks is going to give you total clearance?

I recommend seeing a qualified specialist to identify nutritional deficiencies and then accept that the journey is long, but there are multiple smaller wins on the way. When I cut out dairy, I had a massive lift in mental fog and energy levels after only nine days, but an improvement in my skin took much longer to show. Keep checking in that you're on the right path, and celebrate the small wins on your journey.

3. Get naked with the truth

There are lots of psoriasis triggers, and you need to get intimate with all of them. You need to be more honest with yourself than you have ever been before. Some reflections are simple- have I taken Lithium-based medication? No - sorted.

Do I manage stress effectively? I have found this is MUCH HARDER to be honest about. Just because you are successful and coping, does not mean you are handling stress well. I find acknowledging stress as a trigger has a similar challenge as accepting bread to be a factor (but the bread story is easier to accept because we talk about it more).

Me: Gluten may be a problem. You need to cut out wheat products.

Most Humans: I can't live without bread. It's not a problem for me. No. Just no. Nooooooooo. No. (it can't be can it?) I'd rather give up everything else. Can I do that? It's not bread.

Stress is supposed to be a short term tool. Short term as in you're stressed for thirty minutes while you're preparing for a presentation or a meeting or whatever it is. For greater clarification, stress was designed to help you escape from predators or catch prey. Being chased by a lion wouldn't last for 23 or 24 hours a day.

If you wake up and experience stress for no one specific reason- you can implement stress management techniques (it's not like I'm telling you to give up bread - or your job). If you're waking up and working on a Sunday morning, or find yourself 'just sending a quick email' after you return home from work- chances are your body is experiencing extended periods of stress on some level. If you just said 'I thrive on stress' then you're in denial and need to employ a therapist. BE HONEST.

4. It's not all about diet

I know it's so easy to get caught up in the diet. I spent over 15 years obsessed with it. This is for many reasons which include the fact that it is empowering; we love talking about food and diets, people love selling us stuff about food and diets and its an easy recommendation if you ask for help.

Joe: I am struggling with my psoriasis. What can I do?

Annie: Avoid nightshades, sugar and alcohol

Sam: Go vegan

Terry: It's all about leaky gut and gut inflammation. Cut out all grains and drink kombucha.

No one tells you to sleep more.

I know - How boring is that! Go away, Gemma...

But hear me out.

It's not sexy. I get it. It does, however, help your body heal; it helps reduce internal inflammation. It helps us manage stress more effectively and manage food cravings. It does all of the things we need living with psoriasis. If I offered you reduced inflammation, reduced food cravings, glowing skin, more energy and better hormonal regulation as a tablet, you would provide me with thousands of pounds or at least ask me where on earth you can get them on insurance. It's not sexy, my friend, but it is essential. Just promise me you will think about it.