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Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, at least seven million people in the U.S. and more than 100 million worldwide suffer from psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. This book outlines Dr. Pagano's natural, drug-free treatment regimen. "Healing Psoriasis" outlines a healthy diet and lifestyle and includes case histories, photos, recipes, and a chapter on eczema.
Say goodbye to the pain, scales, itching, and self-consciousness--naturally.
No more drugs, steroid creams, tar baths, or ultraviolet treatments! Now there is another way to achieve a cure. In Healing Psoriasis, you'll discover how to alleviate, control, and even heal this agonizing condition without dangerous drugs or treatments.
This life-altering guide presents a proven, all-natural, safe, and healthy program for healing psoriasis. In simple, straightforward language, Dr. John Pagano explains why psoriasis must be viewed from the inside out; reveals the importance of diet, detoxification, and mental attitude in overcoming the disease; and offers a clear, step-by-step regimen that has helped many people worldwide win their battle with psoriasis.
Say goodbye to the pain, scales, itching, and self-consciousness--naturally.
No more drugs, steroid creams, tar baths, or ultraviolet treatments! Now there is another way to achieve a cure. In Healing Psoriasis, you'll discover how to alleviate, control, and even heal this agonizing condition without dangerous drugs or treatments.
This life-altering guide presents a proven, all-natural, safe, and healthy program for healing psoriasis. In simple, straightforward language, Dr. John Pagano explains why psoriasis must be viewed from the inside out; reveals the importance of diet, detoxification, and mental attitude in overcoming the disease; and offers a clear, step-by-step regimen that has helped many people worldwide win their battle with psoriasis.
- GenresHealthNonfiction
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
About the author
John O.A. Pagano
8 books11 followersA chiropractor by trade, Dr. Pagano became interested in psoriasis when a patient who suffered from this disease come through his door for chiropractic treatments. Dr. Pagano noticed the extend of psoriasis that the patient was suffering from and told the patient what he's heared about Edgar Cayce's unconventional methods and ideas about healing psoriasis. Having nothing to lose, Dr. Pagano and the patient agreed that they would apply the Edgar Cayce methodology to curing the disease and see what was to follow. To their astonishment, the patient quickly recovered.
In his book, Healing Psoriasis, Dr. Pagano shares his experiences healing psoriasis over several decades. He also published a complimentary cookbook for those struggling to adjust the to diet.
In his book, Healing Psoriasis, Dr. Pagano shares his experiences healing psoriasis over several decades. He also published a complimentary cookbook for those struggling to adjust the to diet.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 27, 2024
September 22, 2022
My dad found me this book after my onset of it, and I'll say that it has given me great hope. I'll perhaps come back and comment in on my journey.
Update: October 28, 2022
After having fully followed this regimen for now about 2 months, I have seen great improvement. The lesions on most parts of my body are no longer scaly, I'm no longer itchy, the redness has now mostly turned pink, and I see many signs of healthy skin coming through the patches. My arms and face still need to time, but overall, they have also shown signs of healing. I am taking additional supplements outside of his diet, but overall, Dr. Pagano's advice is what I am following.
Update: December 4, 2022
Now 3 full months after following his regime, it is truly what allowed me to practically fully recover. I had psoriasis all over my body, most devastatingly and most severely on my face. I had almost given up on my face and arms, as they had practically covered 95% of those surfaces, but it was within less than a week that the scaling and peeling on my faced ceased. The tightness was gone, and I could also absorb moisture on my face. My arms also stopped cracking and bleeding. It was then I found the first kind of true relief in months.
Now, what's left on the rest of body is some hyperpigmentation from where the patches used to be, but that will go away. I am truly lucky to have found this book before having followed the doctor's suggestions on using steroid creams or immune suppressants, as I know from past skin issues it would not have worked on me.
This regime takes patience, hard work, and perseverance, but it truly pays off. It was a scary process as it seemed to get significantly worse before getting better, which was likely that I had the worse end of the stick on the herxheimer's reaction like described in the book. But it truly was, in the end, the sign that it was working, as for months, I was in a limbo of not getting significantly worse, but also not improving. I had a similar case to one that was brought up in the book, in where it spread out a lot, but flattened and became less scaly, before actually looking like it was healing.
I had almost every type of psoriasis, guttate, scalp, the one under skin folds, facial, and even pustular at one point at its worse. But it all ceased eventually, in which I am truly grateful.
My dad found me this book after my onset of it, and I'll say that it has given me great hope. I'll perhaps come back and comment in on my journey.
Update: October 28, 2022
After having fully followed this regimen for now about 2 months, I have seen great improvement. The lesions on most parts of my body are no longer scaly, I'm no longer itchy, the redness has now mostly turned pink, and I see many signs of healthy skin coming through the patches. My arms and face still need to time, but overall, they have also shown signs of healing. I am taking additional supplements outside of his diet, but overall, Dr. Pagano's advice is what I am following.
Update: December 4, 2022
Now 3 full months after following his regime, it is truly what allowed me to practically fully recover. I had psoriasis all over my body, most devastatingly and most severely on my face. I had almost given up on my face and arms, as they had practically covered 95% of those surfaces, but it was within less than a week that the scaling and peeling on my faced ceased. The tightness was gone, and I could also absorb moisture on my face. My arms also stopped cracking and bleeding. It was then I found the first kind of true relief in months.
Now, what's left on the rest of body is some hyperpigmentation from where the patches used to be, but that will go away. I am truly lucky to have found this book before having followed the doctor's suggestions on using steroid creams or immune suppressants, as I know from past skin issues it would not have worked on me.
This regime takes patience, hard work, and perseverance, but it truly pays off. It was a scary process as it seemed to get significantly worse before getting better, which was likely that I had the worse end of the stick on the herxheimer's reaction like described in the book. But it truly was, in the end, the sign that it was working, as for months, I was in a limbo of not getting significantly worse, but also not improving. I had a similar case to one that was brought up in the book, in where it spread out a lot, but flattened and became less scaly, before actually looking like it was healing.
I had almost every type of psoriasis, guttate, scalp, the one under skin folds, facial, and even pustular at one point at its worse. But it all ceased eventually, in which I am truly grateful.
December 19, 2012
Update #2 (19/12/12): It's been a while since I last updated it so here goes. The method absolutely works. Open a new tab right now and get this book off of Amazon (and the cookbook too!). Seriously! Here are my results so far.
80-85% remission of lesions from all over my entire body. The biggest lesion I used to have was about the size of 3 palms of my hand. Now the biggest one that remains is maybe 1 to 1.5 cm long (about half an inch)- tiny in comparison. The other few that are left are smaller than that. The healing is slow, but steady. I expect to be fully healed sometime within the next year. This disease no longer has a hold over me and I no longer fear winter! Thank you Dr. Pagano, wherever you are! :)
Update #1 (21/04/12): I have to say that after 3 months there has definitely been an improvement. Although there has not been complete regression, the lesions are losing their centres and dissolving from the middle, creating rings of psoriasis (as John Pagano says will happen at first). There have also been about 8 more new ones, also as Pagano stated, but they are minuscule in comparison and most of them began to fade already :). As I have 2 types of psoriasis (lucky me) I can definitely say that the type that lingers in skin folds definitely improves the most and the fastest. I will update this review again in a few months with further progress. Please don't hesitate to try this method :) I don't even follow it 100%, for example I don't pay that much attention to the ratio of root to leafy(above ground) vegetables, and I'm not into collonics at all. I am not constipated so I don't need it. I do follow the basics of the diet and it's easy. Don't eliminate stuff, just substitute. For example, if you can't have hamburgers, get vegetarian or soy burgers. Try a few brands and find one you like. :) I also use some herbs to clean my insides. I don't overcomplicate... I did find slippery elm but couldn't find American Saffron tea. No biggie, I found much cheaper more accessible herbs locally that more or less do the same thing. I'm also using glutamine (if you try this, start with really small doses as at first I had an allergic reaction to it).
Anywho, REALLY Recommended!
Original Review: I got it from the library and just finished it. Feeling very positive about it. I will update this review once this method was given some time. Let's say a few months. Cheers!
80-85% remission of lesions from all over my entire body. The biggest lesion I used to have was about the size of 3 palms of my hand. Now the biggest one that remains is maybe 1 to 1.5 cm long (about half an inch)- tiny in comparison. The other few that are left are smaller than that. The healing is slow, but steady. I expect to be fully healed sometime within the next year. This disease no longer has a hold over me and I no longer fear winter! Thank you Dr. Pagano, wherever you are! :)
Update #1 (21/04/12): I have to say that after 3 months there has definitely been an improvement. Although there has not been complete regression, the lesions are losing their centres and dissolving from the middle, creating rings of psoriasis (as John Pagano says will happen at first). There have also been about 8 more new ones, also as Pagano stated, but they are minuscule in comparison and most of them began to fade already :). As I have 2 types of psoriasis (lucky me) I can definitely say that the type that lingers in skin folds definitely improves the most and the fastest. I will update this review again in a few months with further progress. Please don't hesitate to try this method :) I don't even follow it 100%, for example I don't pay that much attention to the ratio of root to leafy(above ground) vegetables, and I'm not into collonics at all. I am not constipated so I don't need it. I do follow the basics of the diet and it's easy. Don't eliminate stuff, just substitute. For example, if you can't have hamburgers, get vegetarian or soy burgers. Try a few brands and find one you like. :) I also use some herbs to clean my insides. I don't overcomplicate... I did find slippery elm but couldn't find American Saffron tea. No biggie, I found much cheaper more accessible herbs locally that more or less do the same thing. I'm also using glutamine (if you try this, start with really small doses as at first I had an allergic reaction to it).
Anywho, REALLY Recommended!
Original Review: I got it from the library and just finished it. Feeling very positive about it. I will update this review once this method was given some time. Let's say a few months. Cheers!
January 23, 2014
My wife has psoriasis, and I read this book to learn more about her disease and how to deal with it. She has been to several dermatologists, including one of the "foremost psoriasis experts in the world." Do you know what all of them did (even the "foremost expert")? They prescribed her a bunch of drugs and topical creams, because that's what a lot of doctors do. They give you drugs because it's quick and easy.
We haven't yet tried the methods in this book, so I can't attest to whether they work or not. However, I am almost certain that this process will work. This book is full of easy-to-understand explanations and methods. I found it to be very enjoyable and educational. I liked it so much, I have pretty much adopted the psoriasis diet that he describes in the book, just because it's healthy. And I already have more energy from eating right. I would recommend this to anyone with psoriasis (any type of the disease) or if you are a loved one of someone with the disease and you would like to learn more.
We haven't yet tried the methods in this book, so I can't attest to whether they work or not. However, I am almost certain that this process will work. This book is full of easy-to-understand explanations and methods. I found it to be very enjoyable and educational. I liked it so much, I have pretty much adopted the psoriasis diet that he describes in the book, just because it's healthy. And I already have more energy from eating right. I would recommend this to anyone with psoriasis (any type of the disease) or if you are a loved one of someone with the disease and you would like to learn more.
January 16, 2018
An incredibly difficult diet to follow, but I'm trying. There are a lot of other things that I don't think are absolutely necessary, colonics and chiropractic adjustments, but for the most part, I think doing an alkaline diet, addressing leaky gut syndrome and trying to heal my psoriasis patches without yet more meds that don't work, is a good thing and certainly worth a try. But it is very, very strict.
April 30, 2021
Great ideas but be sure to take it with a grain of (metaphorical salt) and read between the lines. Starts off slow but lots of good material in the middle and end. Good luck!
May 30, 2023
My father bought me this book about 12 years ago, when my psoriasis first flared up in my early 20s and I had lesions all across my body. I followed the diet part (not the colonic and chiropractic parts) for 6 months and it did clear most of my psoriasis. What was left (my elbows and scalp) remains even today.
A word of caution is due though because this book and the extremely restrictive diet within it formed the basis of what eventually turned into an eating disorder for me. I had lost 20 pounds I didn't have to lose when I started the psoriasis diet in my 20s and—because of our skinny-obsessed culture—I got so many compliments from friends and family and strangers that I just kept going with the restrictions and never eating out (I'd bring a tupperware with food for myself to parties and restaurants).
Despite sticking to this diet (including the saffron and slippery elm bark teas every morning and night), my digestion never normalized (i suffered from chronic diarrhea from ages 16-24) and the psoriasis never FULLY cleared from my elbows or scalp. I became obsessed with running and working out and despite living what many people would label from the outside a "super healthy" lifestyle, I was suffering inside, obsessed with making my body smaller and smaller, while using my skin as the excuse for all my obsessive behaviors.
12 years later and in recovery from disordered eating, I am managing my psoriasis with traditional chinese herbs, avoiding nightshades, and topical treatments that soothe my scalp psoriasis. I reread this book to see what tidbits I could use today and plan to focus on bringing more alkaline foods into my diet and being better about avoiding the nightshades.
In reading others' reviews, I realize many other folks brought a more balanced approach to the diet in this book than I had initially, taking what they could reasonably integrate and leaving the rest. For folks who have more obsessive tendencies and/or with a history of disordered eating, please approach this book with a LOT of caution and external support for how you will find balance in healing psoriasis without harming yourself.
A word of caution is due though because this book and the extremely restrictive diet within it formed the basis of what eventually turned into an eating disorder for me. I had lost 20 pounds I didn't have to lose when I started the psoriasis diet in my 20s and—because of our skinny-obsessed culture—I got so many compliments from friends and family and strangers that I just kept going with the restrictions and never eating out (I'd bring a tupperware with food for myself to parties and restaurants).
Despite sticking to this diet (including the saffron and slippery elm bark teas every morning and night), my digestion never normalized (i suffered from chronic diarrhea from ages 16-24) and the psoriasis never FULLY cleared from my elbows or scalp. I became obsessed with running and working out and despite living what many people would label from the outside a "super healthy" lifestyle, I was suffering inside, obsessed with making my body smaller and smaller, while using my skin as the excuse for all my obsessive behaviors.
12 years later and in recovery from disordered eating, I am managing my psoriasis with traditional chinese herbs, avoiding nightshades, and topical treatments that soothe my scalp psoriasis. I reread this book to see what tidbits I could use today and plan to focus on bringing more alkaline foods into my diet and being better about avoiding the nightshades.
In reading others' reviews, I realize many other folks brought a more balanced approach to the diet in this book than I had initially, taking what they could reasonably integrate and leaving the rest. For folks who have more obsessive tendencies and/or with a history of disordered eating, please approach this book with a LOT of caution and external support for how you will find balance in healing psoriasis without harming yourself.
February 5, 2024
I read this book because of my mom, who has suffered from psoriasis for many years, but doesn't speak English. My dad had skimmed the book before and given her some basic guidelines - no nightshades, no red meat, etc, which had been met with some (slow) improvement. Right now some of the lesions on her arms are slowly clearing up, but once she starts following the diet more strictly, I'm sure it'll go better.
The book explained everything really well, and I felt that it wasn't too technical. Pagano seemed like a very positive, likeable person, and that really shone through. I enjoyed the examples he gave of his successful patients. However, a lot of it was very repetitive; some information was redundant, especially because of the detailed appendixes. Otherwise, it was very readable and interesting, and my mom will be putting the diet to a test!
The book explained everything really well, and I felt that it wasn't too technical. Pagano seemed like a very positive, likeable person, and that really shone through. I enjoyed the examples he gave of his successful patients. However, a lot of it was very repetitive; some information was redundant, especially because of the detailed appendixes. Otherwise, it was very readable and interesting, and my mom will be putting the diet to a test!
July 20, 2014
Wonderful! So helpful! John Pagano makes connections between psoriasis and liver health, spinal adjustments, intestinal health, and emotional health. This book outlines all steps that need to be taken to cure psoriasis on any area of the body. The book also includes some compelling before and after photos.
(Some of the information is out-dated, as we now know all grains must be eliminated from the diet to heal the intestines, where this book still subscribes to the necessity of whole grains for optimal health.)
(Some of the information is out-dated, as we now know all grains must be eliminated from the diet to heal the intestines, where this book still subscribes to the necessity of whole grains for optimal health.)
April 20, 2015
Encouraging!
I have barely begun to implement J Pagano's treatments but what he is saying parallels and further explains what other doctors have written and elaborates s specific regimen to follow. I am already experiencing less irritation with my psoriasis based on eliminations of foods that trigger the condition. So few doctors seem to know how to treat this condition without prescribing drugs that have worse side effects than the disease they are supposedly treating
I have barely begun to implement J Pagano's treatments but what he is saying parallels and further explains what other doctors have written and elaborates s specific regimen to follow. I am already experiencing less irritation with my psoriasis based on eliminations of foods that trigger the condition. So few doctors seem to know how to treat this condition without prescribing drugs that have worse side effects than the disease they are supposedly treating
February 11, 2018
A must-read for everyone suffering from psoriasis. It gave me more or less holistic understanding of the disease. It's written for nearly all types of psoriatics and remedies and regimen that Dr. Pagano is talking about is applicable to everyone.
He uses a simple language to explain rather complex stuff like for example spinal adjustments. So, it's not like a college textbook.
The most important takeaway from this book is that I have an idea where and how does a person get psoriasis and what should an individual do in order to cure or lessen the effect of the disease.
Lastly, there are some topics discussed in the book, which wasn't really useful for me, again, spinal adjustments for example. But for people having a severe case of the disease, all the things discussed by Dr. Pagano will be used for curing or at least having a more holistic understanding around the topic.
He uses a simple language to explain rather complex stuff like for example spinal adjustments. So, it's not like a college textbook.
The most important takeaway from this book is that I have an idea where and how does a person get psoriasis and what should an individual do in order to cure or lessen the effect of the disease.
Lastly, there are some topics discussed in the book, which wasn't really useful for me, again, spinal adjustments for example. But for people having a severe case of the disease, all the things discussed by Dr. Pagano will be used for curing or at least having a more holistic understanding around the topic.
February 22, 2024
Pagano seems a bit quacky for sure. I've been trying his elimination diet for 4 days and feel so hungry! As a vegetarian, having to cut out nightshades, saturated fat, and flour has left me wondering what to eat.
It's hard to say if it's working since it's early days. I'm not sure I can keep it up, I really can't live a normal life on this diet. For example, we're having neighbors over for breakfast this weekend, wtf would I eat? We stopped at subway on a road trip and I could only eat lettuce with olive oil. The joy of meals has been sucked away.
His advice in parts seems vague, and comes across like "maybe don't eat strawberries, maybe don't eat peanuts". I appreciate his holistic attempt, but not sure I'm getting the calories I need to live a healthy life with this many exclusions.
It's hard to say if it's working since it's early days. I'm not sure I can keep it up, I really can't live a normal life on this diet. For example, we're having neighbors over for breakfast this weekend, wtf would I eat? We stopped at subway on a road trip and I could only eat lettuce with olive oil. The joy of meals has been sucked away.
His advice in parts seems vague, and comes across like "maybe don't eat strawberries, maybe don't eat peanuts". I appreciate his holistic attempt, but not sure I'm getting the calories I need to live a healthy life with this many exclusions.
September 14, 2023
Great book. Very helpful for curing my psoriyasis
It touches all the parts deeply like spinal adjustments.following the method , suffron tea and slippery elm definitly cure psoriyasis
It touches all the parts deeply like spinal adjustments.following the method , suffron tea and slippery elm definitly cure psoriyasis
September 20, 2020
If you suffer from psoriasis I think this is a must read. Really informative and easy to take in the information.
December 7, 2023
Gives a holistic and practical approach to heal psoriasis.
May 26, 2015
As someone plagued with psoriasis since I was a child, I quickly came to accept the fact that this was going to be something that I would likely deal with the rest of my life. And then, last year, after having talked to my sister, who's very much into holistic medicine, she suggested that my condition might be related to my diet. Upon stumbling upon this book, I'm starting to believe that is the case.
John Pagano has written a thorough account of why psoriasis occurs and what a sufferer can do to combat it. I'm only a couple weeks in, but am starting to see some improvement after adopting parts of his regimen. It may be too early to tell, but I feel that there might be hope that I can clear my condition.
Regardless, the information in this book makes a lot of sense. He also explains the link between psoriasis and eczema and arthritis. It's a bit long and boring in areas where he reviews his case studies. The book could definitely be condensed to at least 2/3 of it's current length, however, the information, I believe, is invaluable towards people trying to improve the health of their skin by adjusting their diet.
John Pagano has written a thorough account of why psoriasis occurs and what a sufferer can do to combat it. I'm only a couple weeks in, but am starting to see some improvement after adopting parts of his regimen. It may be too early to tell, but I feel that there might be hope that I can clear my condition.
Regardless, the information in this book makes a lot of sense. He also explains the link between psoriasis and eczema and arthritis. It's a bit long and boring in areas where he reviews his case studies. The book could definitely be condensed to at least 2/3 of it's current length, however, the information, I believe, is invaluable towards people trying to improve the health of their skin by adjusting their diet.
August 27, 2020
I found helpful information and unorthodox approaches. The alternative approach has helped me keep the psoriasis (vulgaris, in my case) contained to the scalp since 1987. Familiar already with the benefits of Oregon grape root, sarsaparilla and probiotics, I was introduced with a few new supplements and teas (slippery elm and American saffron) to try. The recommended diet is not as rigorous as the AIP protocol but follows some strict rules that require some adjustment in the way one thinks about food. Grains are not off the table but nightshade definitely forbidden. Found some parts repetitive, however for those in need to get relief it’s a worthwhile read.
November 1, 2011
Solid good information about natural healing for Psoriasis. However, it goes to the extreme. As a Psoriasis sufferer, following diet guidelines to eliminate chemicals and preservatives only makes sense. However, I disagree with the author's fascination with colon cleansing.
Good recipies, but I'm afraid of you follow it to the letter, this diet approach will make you crazy!
Really positive aspect of this book is case histories, with pictures.
Good recipies, but I'm afraid of you follow it to the letter, this diet approach will make you crazy!
Really positive aspect of this book is case histories, with pictures.
October 2, 2013
I didn't follow all the instructions in this book. I feel that some of the suggestions were abit out there. But overall a very interesting book with advice and recommendations that most medical professionals I met have overlooked.
February 13, 2020
I read this for eczema and it is probably better for Psoriasis. Many AIP diets are more advanced, but he is quoting Edgar Cayce's suggestions and many do help with eczema as well. Gelatin, certain teas, elimination of particular foods........
May 12, 2008
So I'm reading this and it makes complete sense. I'm gonna give it a try when I'm done reading.
August 22, 2009
The author makes a good case for how to heal psoriasis, although I never fully healed! His recommendations do prove to be moves in the right direction and lead to a much healthier lifestyle.
August 4, 2023
A helpful book for people with psoriasis.
February 26, 2021
Very non medical very alternative and 100% effective. My psoriasis is completely gone!!!!!! This is the Bible for this disease!!!!!!
January 13, 2013
This is an interesting book and well worth a read from psoriasis sufferers.
May 29, 2018
This is a three star book, but it gets an extra star because Pagano is so honest. I really liked that he was so comfortable owning just how much we don't know about our bodies and healing. This book was very interesting. I wish he had written a book "12 case studies in Psoriasis" instead, just telling twelve different stories with all the idiosyncrasies of each one (and the pictures of course). Otherwise, this book could have been more organized and less repetitive.
Interesting take on the disease. Should be called Healing Psoriasis and Eczema as he considers them basically the same thing. Interesting where his ideas, well, Cayce's ideas, were the same as and different from the GAPS diet -- both diets want to "heal your gut." GAPS made more sense to me than this one, common sense wise.
I wish Pagano would have been more clear about what were Cayce's ideas and what were joined with modern ideas. His whole "no saturated fats ever!" seemed a little 1990's and so I am curious to know if that was part of Cayce's regime or Pagano's own addition.
Note: If you have eczema, he says no strawberries or citrus. That was the first time I had read that so I thought worth sharing.
Interesting take on the disease. Should be called Healing Psoriasis and Eczema as he considers them basically the same thing. Interesting where his ideas, well, Cayce's ideas, were the same as and different from the GAPS diet -- both diets want to "heal your gut." GAPS made more sense to me than this one, common sense wise.
I wish Pagano would have been more clear about what were Cayce's ideas and what were joined with modern ideas. His whole "no saturated fats ever!" seemed a little 1990's and so I am curious to know if that was part of Cayce's regime or Pagano's own addition.
Note: If you have eczema, he says no strawberries or citrus. That was the first time I had read that so I thought worth sharing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews