5 Nutrition-Based Changes for Managing Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition in which one experiences itching, rashes, inflammation, red spots, and dry skin. The condition can affect both children and adults. While the cause of the disease is not clear, genetic and environmental factors may be responsible for increasing the risk of eczema. One of the best ways to manage this skin disease is to make better food choices and avoid allergens and triggers.
Follow an elimination meal plan
Many people dealing with eczema may have to follow strict nutritional plans, as certain foods can trigger eczema symptoms and flare-ups. So, it is important to recognize triggers and find safer alternatives by following a regimen where potential triggers are removed and reintroduced to meals. Dairy products, for example, are a common food trigger. So, if one is sensitive to certain proteins in dairy-based food, they should avoid milk or cheese products. Also, one may have to avoid food items like soy, nuts, and eggs if they suspect symptom flare-ups after eating any of these items. While they are generally healthy additions to meals, for those with eczema, such foods can cause discomfort. Eliminating gluten from meals can also help. However, one has to be extremely careful about elimination meal plans, as, without the right guidance, drastic changes to food regimens can lead to side effects like a lack of essential vitamins or minerals. The type of products that one can eliminate without any side effects are ultra-processed, packaged foods. These foods can lack the necessary nutrients and have additives that trigger flare-ups.
Choose anti-inflammatory foods
This is an extremely important category of food that one should add to their daily meals. According to research, most diseases are a result of inflammation in the body, so being careful of what one eats is crucial for lowering the risk of health issues. Here are the top foods one can consider:
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent anti-inflammatory foods, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They also help the skin get natural oils.
- Most fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, are great additions to meals when it comes to anti-inflammatory nutritional regimens. Most plant-based foods contain a compound called quercetin—a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powerful antioxidant also responsible for giving plants and vegetables their vibrant colors. Some foods that are rich in antioxidants include apples, broccoli, pepper, green tea, grapes, and berries.
- A few nuts, seeds, and herbs one can add to meals are ginger, turmeric, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Ginger and turmeric have been traditionally used as remedies to help relieve inflammation in the body. A compound called curcumin, found in turmeric, is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Add probiotics
Probiotic-rich food is responsible for improving gut health and strengthening the immune system. The gut is loaded with millions of bacteria, and feeding them the right kind of food is absolutely essential to keep them thriving and not create an imbalance in bodily functions. Probiotic-rich food like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut are all great options here. Those dealing with eczema symptoms also tend to have poor gut health, so it is important to address these issues when trying to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. However, before excessively adding probiotics to food, one should consult a nutritionist or doctor to understand what may work best for their specific needs. Certain supplements may also help meet daily nutrient requirements, but one should opt for supplementation only after consulting a doctor.
Avoid allergens
In addition to following an elimination meal plan, it is also important to skip foods that may not directly cause symptom flare-ups but may trigger food allergies that worsen the symptoms. Many people are allergic to specific foods. So, when dealing with atopic dermatitis, it is important to understand what triggers the allergy and how it may affect the skin. Some nuts, like peanuts or tree nuts, may cause inflammation or rashes on the skin, but those with eczema may find these symptoms to be more serious. It is important to speak to an allergist and determine the foods one may need to avoid. When an allergy is confirmed, one can develop a meal plan that skips such foods and includes safer alternatives to allergens.
Stay hydrated
As one of the symptoms of eczema is dry, patchy skin, it is crucial that one avoids dehydration. This can worsen the symptoms and lead to additional discomfort and pain. Drinking enough water is a must, but one can have more soup and water-based foods in the meals. While 8 glasses a day is a popular benchmark, this may or may not be true for everyone; the ideal intake can vary, depending on factors like body mass, activity level, and the climate of the region where one resides. So, one should speak to a doctor to understand how much water they require in a day.
Preventive measures and remedies
Some DIY remedies and preventive measures can help one prevent eczema flare-ups.
- One should stay moisturized all the time. It is important to keep the skin hydrated inside out to relieve dry patches.
- Soaking in an oat bath is one of the best ways to deal with flare-ups that are painful and itchy. Here’s how it works: One can fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add a cup or two of colloidal oatmeal. Once mixed, one can see that the color of the water bath will change to milky. Now, one can immerse themselves in the bathwater and find some relief from itching. One should stay in the bath for about 10 mins. If one is unsure about this remedy, they should consult a doctor and see if they need to make changes to the procedure.
- Gently applying coconut oil to moisturize the affected regions can help relieve skin irritation.
