This is an anonymous review and summary of Dr John O. A. Pagano's book, "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative" _________________________________________________________________ I will attempt to paraphrase the basic ideas of the Pagano diet for you, but keep in mind that it is over 300 pgs, so you are getting a summarized and INTERPRETIVE version. This is going to be a pretty long email! You should also know the following: -You should talk to your doctor and/or do ample research before beginning any serious diet changes, don't just "take my or anyone else's word for it" -I'm following it about 90% of the time, but have occasional transgressions such as coffee, and didn't follow all parts of the diet/regimen. -My P is not as severe (about 3%) these days as some people's; although I have been pretty severe (probably 30%) in the past--so I know what it feels like to be covered. I attribute this to more mild weather and my diet before beginning the Pagano diet, We have no way of knowing for certain, do we? -No health care practitioner recommended the diet to me. Since I was getting frustrated with rotational therapies with the meds, and worried about potential long term effects (my father suffers side effects from a lifetime of breathing meds), I sought alternatives (no matter how far fetched) I found out about Dr Pagano's Book on the internet, and ordered it from Amazon.com books. I still use my remaining supply of meds very sparingly (Dovonex and Ultravate) -Before I got it, I didn't feel that the $24 I spent on it was too steep, even if I was to read it and decide it was a sham. I have spent thousands on Dr. appointments and meds since I got P. Some people on the NG (with justifications in many cases) are wary of people charging even modest amounts of money for this information. -I read it and a lot of it made common sense, despite some skepticism before reading it. -It has only been about 3 weeks and despite very encouraging improvements, I am not ready to recommend it whole-heartedly yet because I know that P is very adaptive and persistent, having had it for about 10-11 years. I will take a wait and see attitude for the next 3-6 months. My diet in the last year has been pretty healthy already, although I drank a lot of coffee and ate some fast food. -Health food stores and restaurants in this area (San Francisco) offer me relatively more options which conform to this and other healthful diets, and most of my friends are pretty healthy eaters, so what's possible here may be difficult for others. -lastly, as I mentioned earlier, I took a can't lose attitude, since the diet would help improve my overall health regardless of skin results. OK HERE GOES: -The book begins with an explanation of the history of Pagano's research and thinking and some basic medical information about buildup of toxicity in the intestinal tract (stressing that most people can efficiently process these toxins, but Psoriatics have trouble doing this, which results in expelling toxins through secondary systems, such as the skin, resulting in P--Keep in mind, I have really simplified this chapter). The book emphasizes frequent "eliminations" (bowel movements) at least once a day or more. The diet and teas are purported to help this. -The diet starts out with a 3 day apple (red or yellow delicious) diet-as many as you want or need to sustain, accompanied by a professional colon cleasing and/or home enemas (I didn't do the colon cleansing or enemas but did eat a lot of apples and other fruits). It says if you are sensitive to apples you may substitute grapes or other low-acid fruits. After that the diet begins: -Drinking of 6-8 or more 8 oz glasses of pure water a day in addition to other liquids ingested. Stressed thorughout the book as very important -Eating a diet high in alkaline foods and low in acidity 80%/20% balance -Eliminating red meats, processed meats (pepperoni, sausage, etc) although lamb is acceptable -Eating small portions (4 oz portions) of poultry, fish and other proteins such as tofu at meals. The diet also says "white" varieties of fish are good but to avoid shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, etc.) and dark-fleshed fish. Tuna and water-packed fish are also ok. Broiling, baking, poaching and other low fat ways of preparing are recommended, stir-frying with a very little oil is ok; and do not deep fry or bread the fish (or other foods such as chicken). -Eliminating fried and fatty foods -Eating lots of greens and fresh fruits fresh (best) and cooked (good) but staying away from canned -Drinking fresh juices if possible. The book recommends carrot celery every day. Book generalizes fruit as cleansers and veges as builders. Around here, a 5 lb bag of carrots costs about $3 and lasts about a week. -Eliminating coffee, caffeinated drinks, carbonated regular and diet sodas, and alcohol. If absolutely necessary, up to 3 cups of decaf coffee ok, but not recommended. -Avoid white bread and products with white flour -Whole grains are good but not to be overeaten since they are "acid-formers". Provides vitamins and fiber. Belongs to acceptable 20% acid part of diet. Recommended: Whole Wheat breads, cereals, pastas, brown rice, etc. --Dairy in low quantities and stick to low/non fat varieties of milk, eggs, butter, cheese, yogurt. -Avoid sugar and products made with cane sugar. Honey is substitute. -Avoid Nightshades--these are tomatos and derivatives, potatos, tobacco, eggplant, peppers (black pepper is fine) and paprika. Another interesting thing is that when I told a friend I was cutting out Nightshades, he told me that his former roommate (a guy in his 30s with severe arthritis), was told to eliminate nightshades and his Arthritis "went away" in a short period after he eliminated them. There is a tiny chapter in the book entitled "The Arthritic Connection" . I also know that some cancer patients change their diets to combat certain cancers as well. -Do not eat any known allergy causing foods even if they are permitted -Avoid processed and artificially flavored/colored foods -Olive oil is recommended in foods/salad dressing and alone (good for intestines) -Do not over eat -Drinking Herbal teas; recommends Slippery Elm Bark Tea in the AM and Saffron Tea in the evening; says Mullein and Camomile are also good. (I am chewing Thayers Brand Slippery Elm Bark Lozenges instead of the tea, which the book says is OK. I am drinking camomile tea each night with a couple strands of Saffron in the pot--I couldn't find "Saffron Tea" and didn't want to go to the trouble of making it). The teas are purported to aid and stimulate rebuilding, cleasing and proper digestion in the intestinal tract. -In the book, Dr. Pagano says that the time it takes to show results varied widely among those he treated (weeks to many months), so he emphasized patience. Also note that he said many patients' psoriasis "got worse" for a short time before getting better, due to the diet doing it's work of forcing the toxins out of the body. Dr. Pagano also emphasizes lifelong dietary change and attitude about taking care of the body, and gives the example of how others, such as diabetics or food allergy-prone people, must maintain a strict diet as a fact of life in order to keep control of their health. -The Book recommends drug free external applications (too many to list and most are already discussed here on the NG) to relieve symptoms but stresses that while providing relief during the diet, these topical treatments do not eliminate the causes -The book recommends professional chiropractic spinal adjustments to aid in "aligning and correcting" digestive processes (I haven't seen a chiropractor) -The book emphasizes positive thinking (about the diet and in general) and eliminating negative influences when possible. (I am somewhat open to the mind/body approach, although five years ago I wouldn't have touched this kind of book with a ten foot pole). Whew! That is the gist but I have by no means covered it all. If you are still interested in the book after reading all these notes, I recommend checking it out for yourself.