ENCORE: An Integrative Approach to Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, Part 1

Integrative rheumatologist Jill Weintraub MD explains how hi-tech medicines can be supported by lifestyle measures—including diet, stress reduction, and specific supplements. She’s the co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Everything You Wish Your Doctor Had Told You," where she offers comprehensive recovery plans with patient vignettes. She first details conventional options now available for autoimmunity, including the new biologic drugs. Dr. Weintraub discusses how diet can be deployed to reduce dependency on medications; the Mediterranean, Paleo, and vegan diets have been found helpful, as has intermittent fasting. Supplements like curcumin, omega 3s, and Boswellin may help tamp down inflammation; Adaptogens may counter the effects of stress; and probiotics and “gut-sealers” may address altered intestinal permeability. Androgens—especially DHEA—have proven helpful in lupus. A particular focus for Dr. Weintraub is patients who have signs of autoimmune susceptibility prior to formal diagnosis, who are ideal candidates for early intervention with natural modalities to forestall the development of full-blown disease.