Eczema is a chronic skin condition that has no known cause, but is related to your body's immune system response. Although not clinically proven, some alternative treatments include targeting liver detoxification with specific herbs or cleanses. These cleanses, or flushes, are found in health food stores and online in a variety of forms, from capsules to drink mixes.
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is an inflammation of your skin characterized by dry, itchy spots that can crop up in a variety of areas. According to MayoClinic.com, it typically affects young children and infants but can continue into or manifest in adulthood. Although specific causes are unknown, medical professionals believe it is linked to a malfunctioning immune system where your body attacks its own cells. Eczema triggers include chemicals, allergens and even certain foods; avoiding your triggers is a recommended part of prevention.
Liver
Your liver is the largest organ in your body. It is involved in the nervous, immune, endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems. The liver works to neutralize toxic substances, regulate carbohydrate and protein metabolism, create bile, store vitamins and produce blood proteins. Because the liver is involved in detoxification, impairment can lead to a build-up of toxic substances, which can potentially aggravate symptoms of eczema.
Liver Cleansing
Naturopathic doctors often support liver cleansing, believing that your body naturally accumulates toxins over time. The goal of a cleanse or flush is to help clear some of the toxic load the liver is handling, thereby allowing more of the organ's energy to focus on its other functions. Naturopathic doctors like Dr. Sara Celik recommend liver cleansing for chronic conditions such as eczema
Detoxifying Substances
Many liver cleansing systems are on the market, and can be found in health food stores or online. Several companies tout formulas specific for liver detoxification. Although the products may differ in overall formulation, they may have specific ingredients in common, including milk thistle, zinc, selenium, n-acetyl cysteine, vitamin C and resveratrol.
Research
A 2006 study published in the "Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics" found that silymarin, a derivative of milk thistle, and ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, showed significant liver protection activity. Lipoic acid and resveratrol may also aid in liver function, as they both had antioxidant effects on mitochondria in rat liver cells. Zinc, selenium and n-acetyl cysteine may also be useful ingredients in a liver cleanse. "Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology" published a study in 2010 that found these substances help reduce amounts of mercury in toxically exposed rats.
Considerations
Although certain antioxidants and herbs may be beneficial for the liver, liver cleanses themselves have not been found effective in reducing signs of eczema. Talk to your doctor about your condition before trying a liver cleanse.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Eczema
- Liverdetoxification.org: Liver Detoxification
- PubMed.gov: Protective Effects of Silymarin, a Milk Thistle (Silybium marianum) Derivative on Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in Liver
- PubMed.gov: Vitamin C, Resveratrol and Lipoic Acid Actions on Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria: All Antioxidants but Different
- Dr. Sara Celik, BHSc, FIS, PTS, ND: Detoxification
