Psoriasis and eczema in Belgium: two inflammatory skin diseases
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and T-cell-mediated inflammation (primarily Th17/TNF-α/IL-17 axis). Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a Th2-polarized immune response, itching, and epithelial dysfunction (barrier defect).
Common exacerbating factors for both: cortisol-naturel">stress, infections, and diet — including sugar.
Sugary drinks and skin inflammation
IGF-1/insulin: keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis
Sugary drinks increase insulin and IGF-1. In keratinocytes, IGF-1 activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, increasing cell proliferation — a central driver of epidermal hyperproliferation in psoriasis. Psoriasis patients often have elevated IGF-1 levels. Insulin resistance (a comorbidity of psoriasis) is exacerbated by chronic sugar consumption.
Sugar → NF-κB → TNF-α and IL-17 in ginger skin
Sugar activates NF-κB in keratinocytes and dermal cells, increasing the production of TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6 — the cytokines central to psoriasis pathogenesis and the targets of modern biological therapies (adalimumab, secukinumab).
Th2 activation by sugar: worsening of eczema
Sugar disrupts the gut microbiome, reduces regulatory T cells (Treg), and enhances Th2 polarization — the immunological profile of atopic eczema (IL-4, IL-13, IL-31). Gut microbiome dysbiosis is strongly associated with atopic eczema in children.
| Drink | Sugar/100 ml | IGF-1 effect | Skin impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | 10.6 g | ❌ IGF-1 ↑↑ | ❌ Psoriasis + eczema worsened |
| Fanta Orange | 10.6 g | ❌ IGF-1 ↑↑ | ❌ Skin inflammation ↑ |
| Lipton Ice Tea | 8.8 g | ❌ IGF-1 ↑ | ❌ NF-κB ↑ |
| GIMBER diluted (4 cl/200 ml) | ~7 g | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ ginger shot sugar-free + cane sugar |
| INTI diluted (4 cl/200 ml) | <2 g | ✅ IGF-1 stable | ✅ NF-κB ↓ TNF-α ↓ IL-17 ↓ |
INTI for psoriasis and eczema: active mechanisms
6-gingerol: NF-κB and TNF-α inhibition in keratinocytes
6-gingerol inhibits NF-κB in keratinocytes, thereby reducing the production of TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6. These are precisely the mediators inhibited by biological therapies for psoriasis (adalimumab/TNF-α, secukinumab/IL-17). At dietary doses, the effect is more modest but cumulatively significant compared to daily sugar intake.
Curcumin: Th17/Treg balance and STAT3 inhibition
Curcumin modulates Th17 (psoriasis: inhibitory) and Th2 (eczema: regulating via Treg↑) through STAT3 inhibition. STAT3 is the signaling hub for both IL-6-mediated Th17 differentiation (psoriasis) and IL-4/IL-13-mediated Th2 activation (eczema).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — INTI, psoriasis, and eczema
Can INTI replace biological therapies for psoriasis?
No. Biological therapies (adalimumab, secukinumab, dupilumab) have clinically proven efficacy for moderate to severe psoriasis and eczema. INTI is a dietary supplement to support a low-sugar diet.
Is ginger safe for eczema? Can it trigger an allergic reaction?
Ginger allergy is rare but exists. Caution may be advised for known cross-allergies (birch pollen). Start with small amounts (1-2 cl diluted) to test for reaction.
INTI contains black pepper — can this be irritating for sensitive skin?
At dietary doses for oral consumption (the piperine in diluted INTI), skin irritation is unlikely. Piperine increases curcumin bioavailability (20x), which enhances the anti-inflammatory-science-utilisation">anti-inflammatory effect of ginger.
INTI: less than 4 g of sugar/100 ml. Organic ginger (NF-κB ↓ TNF-α ↓) + turmeric (STAT3 ↓). Available at inti-drink.com and in pharmacies in Belgium.
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