Eczema, which is sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory disorder that results in itchy, scaly and irritated patches of skin. The patches can manifest anywhere on the body, however, they are most often found on the face, between the knees and in the bends of the elbows. There are many possible causes of eczema, and the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, states that a proper diet can play an important role in treating this skin disorder.
Food Allegies and Eczema
Phyllis Balch says in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that eczema tends to most often affect allergy-prone individuals. CSNN notes that food allergies and sensitivities may cause or worsen eczema because consuming foods that you are not able to tolerate overwhelms the body and makes it more sensitive to irritants. As such, the school recommends eliminating the most commonly allergenic foods for three weeks.
Allergy Elimination Diet
The most common food allergens are dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, eggs, red meat, sugar, yeast, strawberries, citrus fruit, mushrooms, tomatoes, peanuts and soy. After three weeks, you reintroduce one food item per day and monitor closely for a return or worsening of eczema symptoms. Should none occur, then that food is considered safe for consumption. If symptoms do worsen, eliminate that food for at least three months to give your body a break. Balch adds that gluten and dairy intolerance are both very common in eczema sufferers and recommends being especially attentive to symptoms when adding gluten and dairy products back in your diet.
Foods to Eat and Avoid With Eczema
Animal products contain a substance called arachidonic acid, which promotes inflammation in the body and can worsen eczema; as such, CSNN recommends reducing your intake of all animal products. CSNN advises eating a whole foods diet that emphasizes the following immune system-boosting foods: fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, fresh fish, flaxseed oil and extra virgin olive oil. Essential fatty acids found in evening primrose oil or borage seed oil may also be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties, and CSNN suggests taking 2 to 3 g total of these oils daily.
Vitamin A and Beta Carotene Rich Foods
Vitamin A and the vitamin A derivative beta carotene are two powerful antioxidants that are helpful for inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema. CSNN recommends eating foods daily that are rich in these nutrients, including egg yolks, liver, carrots, squash, pumpkin, apricots, peaches, dandelion greens, spinach and kale.
Fiber
Finally, fiber is important to promote regular bowel elimination. An adequate fiber intake helps to keep the colon clean and thereby decrease circulating toxins. CSSN advises aiming for between 30 and 50 g of fiber daily and notes that you can take 5 grams of a flaxseed or psyllium husk fiber supplement three times daily to help you meet your fiber requirements.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
