Fact 1. Psoriasis is classified as an autoimmune disease, by the CDC and most other medical organizations. WebMd describes autoimmune diseases as, “… when your body thinks its own tissues are foreign invaders that must be attacked.”
Fact 2. The term comorbidity is defined as the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions. Psoriasis patients often experience multiple health conditions linked to a malfunctioning immune system. It is very common for people living with psoriasis to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions like cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and obesity.
Fact 3. The most common autoimmune diseases associated with psoriasis are:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chron’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Lupus
Fact 4. You can strengthen your immune system with regular exercise, by eating leafy greens, and a diet rich in ingredients that reduce inflammation including olive oil, fatty fish, nuts, turmeric, ginger, certain fruits, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Fact 5. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases. Not all affect the skin as psoriasis does; many diseases affect the whole body. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the disease affects more than 8 million people in the U.S.