Vitamin D: A Natural Remedy For Psoriasis

Did you know that Vitamin D has been known for many years to help alleviate psoriasis symptoms? Vitamin D can be found in the food we eat and most naturally, the sun itself.

How can I test my Vitamin D levels?

The next time you visit your dermatologist, ask to have your Vitamin D levels tested. Due to the link between Vitamin D deficiency and psoriasis, some insurance providers will deem the test as medically necessary and cover the cost of the test.

If your Vitamin D levels are significantly low, your doctor will explore different treatment options with you. There are Vitamin D supplements and dietary changes that can increase your Vitamin D levels.

How can I increase my Vitamin D levels?

Vitamin D is very accessible on a bright and sunny day. If you live in the sunshine state or anywhere with a warmer climate, you are in luck because the sun is very prevalent where you live.

What types of food are high in Vitamin D?

However, there are many other ways to get Vitamin D other than the sun. There are many types of food you can consume that contain vitamin d. Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon are all rich in Vitamin D and omega 3. Fish oil, egg yolks, raw milk, and mushrooms are all examples of Vitamin D rich food items also.

When my dermatologist told me that my vitamin levels were low, I decided to try fish oil supplements. This was a great alternative for me because I wanted to be certain I was consuming enough Vitamin D, but I did want to rely solely on dietary changes.

It is important to keep in mind that just as low Vitamin D levels can be detrimental, high levels of Vitamin D can also cause serious side effects. The side effects include high calcium levels, nausea, and vomiting. It is very important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any Vitamin D supplements or dietary changes.

Does psoriasis improve with sunlight?

Natural sunlight has been debated for years on its safety as a cure for psoriasis. On one end, natural sunlight helps alleviate symptoms of psoriasis but exposing your skin to high levels of UVB light for a prolonged period of time can also damage your skin.

The summertime is my favorite time of year because I am able to get a lot of natural sunlight. Natural sunlight works wonders for my psoriasis.

I have found that during the colder months when the sun is not as prevalent, my skin is a lot drier and flares more often. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage your sun exposure.

Topical treatments of Vitamin D

There are topical ointments and cream that contain Vitamin D that can be applied directly to the skin. Calcipotriene is a topical ointment available that must be prescribed by your dermatologist.

Calcipotriene contains synthetic Vitamin D3. It can be applied directly to the skin in effort to flatten your psoriasis plaques. Additionally, you can find Vitamin D oils at your local health food store, which can also be applied directly to the skin.