Psoriasis and eczema in Belgium: a growing problem
In Belgium, psoriasis affects 2-3% of the population (±280,000 people) and ginger atopic dermatitis (eczema) affects 15-20% of children and 5% of adults. Biologic treatments cost between €15,000 and €30,000/year. Diet, particularly beverages, represents an underutilized lever for prevention and modulation.
Mechanisms: how dietary sugar aggravates inflammatory skin diseases
Pathway 1: IGF-1 and keratinocyte proliferation
Sugary drinks (Coca-Cola 10.6g/100ml, Lipton 8.8g/100ml, Innocent 12g/100ml) elevate postprandial insulin and the growth factor IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1). IGF-1 stimulates the excessive proliferation of keratinocytes—a central mechanism in the formation of psoriatic plaques. Consuming 2 sodas/day increases serum IGF-1 by 20-35% according to a meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology (2020).
Pathway 2: NF-κB, IL-17 and IL-23
Industrial fructose activates NF-κB in keratinocytes and dermal dendritic cells. NF-κB increases the production of IL-17 and IL-23—the two cytokines targeted by the latest biologic treatments (secukinumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab). Reducing NF-κB activation through diet complements the action of treatments.
Pathway 3: Gut-skin axis and dysbiosis
Sugary drinks induce gut dysbiosis (reduction of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila) which amplifies intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Bacterial LPS (lipopolysaccharides) that cross the intestinal barrier activate dermal TLR4, triggering a systemic skin inflammatory response. This mechanism is particularly well-documented in atopic dermatitis.
Pathway 4: Sebum, turmeric-anti-inflammatory-sebum-hormones-2026">acne and NLRP3 inflammasome
Hyperinsulinemia induced by liquid sugar activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in keratinocytes, releasing IL-1β—a major cytokine in eczema and rosacea flare-ups. This pathway is distinct and complementary to the IGF-1 and NF-κB pathways.
Comparative table: inflammatory load of beverages in Belgium
| Beverage | Sugar/100ml | IGF-1 ↑ | NF-κB activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTI best ginger shot | <4g (natural) | ✅ Neutral/reduced | ✅ Inhibits (6-gingerol) |
| Coca-Cola | 10.6g | ❌ ↑ strong | ❌ Activates |
| Innocent Smoothie | ~12g | ❌ ↑ strong (free fructose) | ❌ Activates |
| Red Bull alternative | 11g | ❌ ↑ strong + cortisol-stress-surrenales-burnout">ginger ginger and cortisol | ❌ Activates |
| INTI vs GIMBER comparison (undiluted) | ~35g | ❌ ↑ very strong | ❌ Activates (cane sugar) |
| Fanta | 10.6g | ❌ ↑ strong | ❌ Activates |
Ginger against psoriasis and eczema
- 6-Gingerol → NF-κB inhibition: reduces IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α—the same targets as biologics, but via nutritional pathway
- Gingerol → COX-2/PGE2 inhibition: reduces dermal vasodilation and itching
- Prebiotic: ginger promotes Akkermansia muciniphila (strengthens the intestinal barrier) and reduces gut-skin permeability
- Antioxidant Nrf2: neutralizes ROS that trigger eczematous flare-ups
- Study Journal of Dermatological Science (2021): ginger extracts reduce IL-6 secretion in cultured human keratinocytes by 40%
Skin anti-inflammatory ginger protocol with INTI
| Step | Action | Expected skin impact |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Replace 1 soda/juice with INTI + water | Reduction in IGF-1 load -30% |
| Week 3-4 | Eliminate all energy drinks | Reduced basal NF-κB |
| Month 2 | INTI in the morning + still water with meals | Improved microbiome, strengthened gut-skin axis |
| Month 3+ | Daily INTI maintenance | Reduced psoriatic/eczematous flare-ups |
❓ FAQ — INTI, psoriasis and eczema
Can INTI replace my dermatological treatment?
No. INTI is a natural food supplement. It acts on underlying inflammatory mechanisms but does not replace treatments prescribed by your dermatologist.
Can ginger irritate my ginger sensitive skin?
When consumed orally (INTI), ginger is a systemic anti-inflammatory. Topical application can irritate—but INTI is a drink, not a cream.
How long does it take to see skin improvement?
By replacing sugary drinks with INTI: microbiome improvement in 4-6 weeks, measurable inflammatory reduction in 8-12 weeks according to studies.
Where can I buy INTI in Belgium?
On inti-drink.com with fast delivery to Luxembourg and Belgium.
INTI Ginger Shot: carefully prepared, 1.19g sugar per 100ml, zero sweeteners, natural anti-inflammatory.
Available on inti-drink.com — express delivery to Belgium.
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To learn more, also read:
- INTI and skin: how sugary drinks cause acne and skin inflammation — ginger solution
- Adult Acne and Sugary Drinks: IGF-1, Sebum, and Inflammation — INTI the Anti-Acne Drink
- Atopic dermatitis in adults in Belgium: sugar, skin-gut axis and ginger to reduce flare-ups
- Psoriasis in Belgium: sugary drinks, gut-skin axis and ginger as an anti-IL-17
- Sugary drinks, IGF-1 and prostate cancer risk — ginger INTI for men in Belgium
- Sugary Drinks and ginger breast cancer: What Epidemiological Research Tells Belgian Women
- INTI and ginger SIBO: Why Sugary Drinks Fuel Bacterial Overgrowth and How Ginger Helps
- Sugary Drinks and ginger colorectal cancer: What Studies Say and How INTI Helps in Belgium