In the four years since I first was diagnosed with psoriasis, I feel like I have tried every remedy and treatment for psoriasis out there.  I know many others can relate when I talk about how excited I would get when one of the new “experiments” would work for a short while, my skin would clear up a little bit, only to have it go back to the way it was before a few weeks later.  It seems like all of the treatments would work just a little bit, but not long-term.  Just recently, I came across people claiming zinc was a big help in clearing up their skin.

I am not one for saying that people aren’t being truthful when they say things like zinc have cleared up their skin, but I think they are just ill-informed or exaggerating.  One supplement alone is not going to heal you.  Clearing up your skin is a long process with many components.  To look more clear on the outside (our skin), we need to be diligent about the stuff we are putting inside of our bodies.  For those of you not familiar, zinc is a metallic chemical element that is:

• An essential mineral naturally present in many common foods, such as oysters, chickpeas, almonds, lobster, pork tenderloin, and more
• Available as a dietary supplement
• Included in most over-the-counter daily vitamin and mineral supplements

I firmly believe that a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet full of vegetables and fruits is the best way to live.  You are NOT going to magically clear up your skin just by taking a zinc supplement.  Of course, if you are in fact zinc-deficient, getting more zinc in your diet is necessary.  But just taking large amounts of it in the hopes of getting better is silly and foolish.  Improve your lifestyle – diet, exercise, and balance in your life will go a long way to clearing up your skin.  I know my skin is much better when I am eating well and exercising often, so I have no reason to think you won’t be the same way!  If you are worried about your zinc levels, schedule an appointment with your physician and I am sure they will get you all squared away.

So, to answer the question posed in the title – Zinc can help psoriasis if your zinc levels are below the normal range.  Taking zinc supplements when you already have normal zinc levels has a better chance of harming your body than helping it.  As always, check with your doctor before making any changes in your diet.