We cannot underestimate the power of food when it comes to our health. The foods we eat have the power to heal our bodies and reduce our symptoms, but they also have the potential to cause them, and this is especially true when it comes to eczema. These are some foods that you should avoid if you are suffering from eczema problems, and some that you can include in your diet.
Causes of eczema and atopic dermatitis
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a medical condition that causes red, itchy skin. In fact, it is a chronic health condition, according to some sources, and it tends to "flare up" at times. Officially, no single cure has been found.
There are other types of eczema, including dyshidrotic eczema, which causes itchy blisters on the fingers and toes and the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Contact dermatitis (an itchy skin rash caused by an allergic reaction or direct contact with a substance) and seborrheic dermatitis, which causes dandruff, are other types of eczema that people experience.
Experts say the specific cause of eczema "remains unknown," presumably because it is probably different for everyone. Everything from soap and detergent to mold, food, stress, and hormones can all play a role in causing eczema.
How to treat eczema with food
Conventional eczema treatment focuses on a combination of prevention techniques and medical therapies, including "bleach baths" (yes, that's what you're thinking), immunosuppressive medications, corticosteroids, and keeping the skin hydrated.
Holistic and intuitive health care approaches to treating eczema include adjusting your diet to eliminate the most common allergens that could be causing your eczema, one of the techniques is knowing the foods to avoid, in other words an elimination diet, and another is, what foods to incorporate into your diet.
While this diet is not for everyone, it can be helpful for those who do not know the cause of their eczema. You can do the test before trying to eliminate different foods, as this can be very helpful in identifying causes and triggers of eczema.
It's unrealistic to assume that food would be the cause of everyone's eczema, so it's important to consider other triggers, such as stress and environmental factors. However, let's not forget that these two factors can lead to intestinal leaks (leaky gut), which can lead to allergies and food intolerances.
9 foods to avoid that can make eczema worse
So now that we have a better idea of what eczema is, its conventional treatments, and possible holistic approaches to treating the problem, here are nine foods to avoid when considering when evaluating the cause of eczema or its triggers.
1. Eggs
Eggs can appear anywhere, especially in processed foods, and many people react to them. In fact, experts say that 2% of children have an egg allergy.
2. Cow's milk
Milk is present in many products, and anything that contains cheese or tastes like cheese is usually a product made from milk. An allergy to cow's milk is the most common allergy in young children and babies.
3. Soy
Soy is the number one genetically modified crop in the world and is present in a large number of processed foods. If you like soy, consider choosing a non-GMO version!
4. Gluten
Gluten is a protein that is present in wheat, barley, and rye, so while all wheat contains gluten, not all gluten comes from wheat. Gluten intolerance has been linked to many health disorders and conditions, including skin conditions such as dermatitis.
5. Fish
Some people react to certain types of fish, although this type of allergy is not as common as milk or eggs. Symptoms can include hives, nausea or indigestion, asthma, and headaches.
6. Seafood
Seafood includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, although people with this allergy may also need to avoid oysters and mussels.
7. Walnuts
A nut allergy is another common type of allergy and may consist of an allergy to nuts, seeds, and peanuts (which are actually a type of legume, in the same class as beans). People might react to cashews, walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, or even coconut.
8. Foods to avoid if you suffer from eczema and that are rich in sugar
Refined sugar can have an inflammatory effect on the body, especially if consumed frequently or in high doses, and it can have different effects on the gut that could even lead to leaky gut.
9. Foods rich in nickel
Foods high in nickel could trigger dyshidrotic eczema and include foods like beans, black tea, chocolate, nuts, peas, seeds, shellfish, and soy (which are many foods on this list)002E
Foods that can help eczema
There are certain foods that have the potential to help improve skin from eczema, including foods rich in quercetin, which is a flavonoid (a type of phytonutrient) that can help reduce inflammation. Foods include fruits like apples, blueberries, and cherries, and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale.
If you don't have a fish allergy or intolerance, fish is a powerful source of omega-3s. While natural foods are the best way to get essential omega-3s, supplementation is also an option.
Vegan supplements are available that can provide helpful EPA / DHA omega-3 fatty acids, such as seaweed oil.
Foods rich in probiotics, since they are not made from milk, especially if you are intolerant, can benefit your body. Plant-based sources include miso (which is soy, so be careful), kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, and water kefir.
Supplementation is also a viable route, but make sure they are dairy free or any potential allergens you may be trying to avoid.
Final notes
Diet can help you with eczema. You can also work alongside a proper diet with your natural healthcare provider to test for food intolerances or potentially try an elimination diet.
Food is a fundamental part of our diseases, both to accentuate it and to mitigate it, even to disappear it.
For that you must know the foods that you should avoid in your own case, and as we have mentioned, look for those that will give you the necessary nutrients to improve your health condition.
For those who have dyshidrotic eczema, it can help to avoid contact with nickel (yes, this includes jewelry).
A diet focused on nutrient-dense foods can help, but remember that food is not the only culprit, and we are all different. Learn to know your body.
Normal blood levels may range slightly depending on what blood tests are used, and your doctor may have, but the variances are small. In addition, what are “normal” ranges for nondiabetics are not the same for diabetics; it is generally accepted that target blood sugar measurements for people with diabetes will be slightly higher than those without diabetes. Gluco Shield Pro