Tag: #chronicillness

Coffee, Yay or Nay for Psoriasis?

On By Todd BelloIn #psoriasisLeave a comment

Coffee is the most consumed beverage around the world. But is it good to drink coffee when you’re diagnosed with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis? To answer that question I searched the internet. What I found interesting from this article is that they suggest coffee can actually improve psoriasis. Being that it’s a stimulant because it contains caffeine, I thought it should be avoided. It turns out coffee actually has anti-inflammatory properties. However you might want to curtail how many cups you consume a day. Don’t take my word for it, please read it for yourself.

24th May 2023

Coffee is one of the most consumed liquids, regardless of geographical region. According to the evidence, only water and tea are more frequently consumed. Importantly, coffee is a pharmacologically active fluid.

There are many biologically active substances in its composition, the most studied of which is caffeine.  Among other properties, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may suggest that it could be of benefit in psoriasis. However, the evidence is somewhat contradictory. Some studies have shown that increasing coffee consumption is associated with a worsening of psoriasis, whilst others have shown that coffee may increase the efficacy of some drugs (methotrexate and sulfasalasine) used in the treatment of psoriasis1.

A recent study showed that the effect of coffee on psoriasis is dose-dependent. Regular moderate consumption (up to 3 cups per day) alleviates symptoms and has an anti-inflammatory effect, whereas higher coffee consumption (more than 4 cups of coffee per day) makes symptoms worse2. 

Comment

The observation that moderate coffee intake improves psoriasis symptoms, whilst higher levels of consumption make symptoms worse, is difficult to explain.  However, if these finding were replicated in other studies, this could be of considerable importance from a public health perspective.  In the meantime, it seems safe to say that moderate coffee consumption is not likely to be of any harm to people with psoriasis. 

References

  1. Garbicz J, Calyniuk et al. Nutritional Therapy in Persons Suffering from Psoriasis. Nutrients, 2022;14: 119
  2. Barrea L, Muscogiuri et al. Coffee consumption, metabolic syndrome and clinical severity of psoriasis: good or bad stuff? Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:1831-1845

Please Like and Subscribe

#psoriasis #psoriaticarthritis

If your not already a member of our community please consider joining http://www.Facebook.com/groups/psowhat thank you.

Comorbidity and Psoriasis

On By Todd BelloIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Some of the misconceptions about psoriasis is that it’s just a skin condition. By the looks of it, many believe it’s contagious. Thanks to marketing most people now understand psoriasis is not contagious. But most still don’t know that psoriasis is more than skin deep. Psoriasis can have severe consequences if not followed up by a professional. Fortunately the comorbidity’s of psoriasis can be addressed with medications and perhaps a procedure.

Tony Crimmins, the CEO of Abundant Natural Health, had a close call with his overall health. He was experiencing tingling in his left arm and wasn’t feeling up to par. He decided to go to the hospital. After many tests they discovered he had a ninety five percent blockage in one of his arteries. They were able to clean it up and put a stint in place.

If Tony didn’t take his symptoms seriously, he may of had a heart attack. I feel all of us need to understand the importance of the situation. We are all subjected to adverse health conditions due to the elevated inflammation throughout our bodies. It’s a good idea to get checked out each year.

Tony Crimmins is a chemical engineer by profession. He has psoriasis. Because of his knowledge in biochemistry he was able to develop products for his psoriasis. He successfully cleared his psoriasis with an all natural cream he invented. He later developed these products and put them into production. The products were reviewed by the National Psoriasis Foundation and determined beneficial. His products are recognized by the NPF. I love the products and use them everyday.

You can view his products on his website http://www.AbundantNaturalHealth.com. They have many products for many areas of the body that are psoriasis specific. I highly recommend taking a look.

You can have a listen to Tony and I in my support group Overcoming Psoriasis at http://www.facebook.com/groups/psowhat . Wishing you all health and wellness. #psoriasis

Celebrities Living With Psoriasis, From Jonathan Van Ness to Cyndi Lauper

On By Todd BelloIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly skin, affects 7.5 million Americans. Here are celebrities who live with the skin condition. Living with psoriasis—the chronic autoimmune disease that causes scaly, red, and inflamed skin—isn’t easy, but it helps to know that there are plenty of people out there, celebs included, who are dealing with the same frustrations and struggles.
— Read on www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/celebrities-living-psoriasis-jonathan-van-151200611.html

VTAMA by Dermavant Review

On By Todd BelloIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

VTAMA (tapinarof) is a non-steroid prescription cream by Dermavant. FDA approved for psoriasis in May of 2022. Also seeking approval for Atopic Dermatitis in the near future. Tapinarof works by supporting the skin barrier proteins on the surface of the skin. Tapinarof increases the antioxidant activity while decreasing the oxidative stress levels in your skin. The active ingredient in VTAMA helps fix the imbalance in your immune system by supporting the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR).

Most of us with Psoriasis would agree when the doctor prescribes another topical prescription we would roll our eyes. Because we know it’s not going to work, and if it does work after prolong use it makes matters worse. Well I’m here to tell you from my experience this prescription medication VTAMA, has been delightful. It has always been my mission as an advocate to inform others about successful treatment options. This treatment is a 10 plus in my view. From my rating perspective it covers all the bases. It’s super safe and very effective. I only applied a little amount each day for about eight days and my spots disappeared. And they stayed that way after I stopped treatment. It’s been almost two months. You read that right. Now I’ve had psoriasis for over 30 years and no product has ever produce these results that fast with lasting results. And absolutely no side effects. It behooves you to ask your doctor about this wonderful new product made available to you by Dermavant.

Now you might be thinking I’m being sponsored by the company to say this, I’m Not! This has been my personal experience. I’m committed to our community and I will continue until there’s a cure. Psoriasis stole a large part of my peace, and this is my way of winning it back. Hope my experience helps you. #psoriasis

Psoriasis

On By Todd BelloIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Living in the shadows of life. Avoiding social situations and activities. Staying out of relationships. Never wearing dark clothes. Deep depression and low self esteem. Changing careers or even choosing unemployment all because we fear what others will think. It’s all very hard to understand if your not actually living with the disease.

Maybe you’re newly diagnosed or you’ve had this disease for years, some of those situations might be your reality. I’ve experienced all those feelings and more. Years ago I literally had to “hang up my hat”.

Former Fireman/EMT Lieutenant Hook & Ladder. Fireman of the year 1995

The good news now is that this situation can be avoided. Due to the fact that we have so many treatments available. I can only speak from my experience. Still to this day, there isn’t a cure for psoriasis. But there are new and FDA approved prescription medications that are safe and effective. I know from what I read in the many support groups I’ve started that people are very concerned with side effects. I’m well aware of these concerns. I educate myself about each medication before I consider using it in order to control my disease. Most of you are aware that these drugs have to go through vigorous clinical trials and be evaluated before they are approved for use to the general public. I’m hoping my testimony helps you decide to seek help from your dermatologist or rheumatologist.

I was diagnosed with psoriasis when I was 28, over 30 years ago. My psoriasis was relentless, it took over my entire body. I felt helpless and it got to the point I felt worthless. I was at the lowest point of my life. Nobody could say or do anything to make me feel better. My psoriasis consumed me. I had a family to support and things got so bad it turned out they had to support me. Not something I would wish on anybody.

Then by some miracle I got a phone call about a clinical trial. I asked what it was all about and they explained. I didn’t know what to think or to say. I really didn’t have a choice, my disease took over my life. I was miserable. So much pain and embarrassment. I elected to volunteer for one of the first trials using an immune suppressant drug.

Just because I had my back against the wall didn’t mean I didn’t do my homework. I’ve read that this form of treatment was very promising. I sign the paperwork and started the medication. For the first time in years after many failed treatments my psoriasis was under control. I was extremely excited. I thought for sure this was the answer. But before I could celebrate a year later they withdrew the medication due to serious consequences for four patients in the trial. I rebounded from head to toe. I was hospitalized.

But I wanted that control back. I knew it was achievable and so did the scientists. They never gave up, they knew they were onto something. And they were right. Thanks to science we now have several immune suppressant biological medications that work extremely well. The safety profiles are stellar and their efficacy are exceptional. What’s great about these medications is that they target a specific pathway of the disease leaving the immune system intact. The medication blocks that pathway preventing the progression of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Unfortunately for me these drugs came a little late to the game as far as my careers were concerned, but I’m not complaining cause I’m practically 100% better. If I was newly diagnosed I wouldn’t hesitate to seek professional help. But don’t take my word for it, join one of the many support groups I’ve started and listen to others that have chosen this path.

Severe Plaque psoriasis of my back on the left from several years ago. The image on the right is a current photo of me using prescription medications.

I just wanted to add that I also apply topicals both prescribed and over the counter. I am also somewhat active with fitness and I educated myself about nutrition. Essentially I believe you can achieve these results too. Psoriasis is a serious autoimmune disease and needs to be addressed. If left untreated it can cause irreversible damage. We are at greater risk for several life threatening diseases. I’m encouraging you to come out of the shadows and live your life to the fullest.

#psoriasis #psoriaticdisease #overcomingpsoriasis #psoriaticarthritis #overcomingpsoriasis #dermatologist #skin

Outstanding Leadership Award

On By Todd BelloIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award Finalists

image
Todd Bello center

Volunteers are those who find the courage to transform the challenges and frustrations of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis into positive action. Volunteers are the faces and voices of the National Psoriasis Foundation’s work.

At our National Volunteer Conference, the Foundation recognizes several outstanding volunteers. These individuals bring creativity and commitment to fulfilling our mission. The result: Deep community impact that cannot be measured by numbers or dollars alone.

Please join us in celebrating these volunteer leaders. Their extraordinary efforts symbolize the thousands of other volunteers who embody the mission of the National Psoriasis Foundation, and who give us all hope that one day we will find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

NPF Volunteer Finalist Todd Bello
Todd Bello

image

Long Island, New York

Todd works tirelessly to create awareness for psoriatic disease and help those affected. He runs a psoriasis support page on Facebook called “Overcoming Psoriasis.” He dedicates his time to reaching out to others and provides information, support and experience in dealing with all the challenges of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. His smile can lighten anyone’s day and his positive attitude is truly inspirational.

Todd also assists others with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis through his participation in the Psoriasis One to One mentor program. He has become a fixture of the National Psoriasis Foundation New York Community Division and all its events, including fundraisers and educational seminars.

Todd has taken initiative to help in any way he can let others know about NPF resources. Todd’s passion and enthusiasm is contagious and he lifts the spirits of everyone he comes into contact with. Todd is a born leader who volunteers out of a deep passion for helping others and alleviating suffering.