The theory is that an eczema diet may reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flares.
This article discusses the benefits of an eczema diet.
Foods That Trigger Eczema
Around 30% of people with eczema have some kind of food allergy.
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This response can trigger or worsen an eczema flare.
If a food allergen is discovered, it can be eliminated from their diet.
This can relieve eczema, but the amount of relief varies from person to person.
Elimination Diets
Elimination diets work by gradually cutting out foods you suspect may be causing symptoms.
Your goal is to find a link between a food in your diet and your eczema symptoms.
Using afood diaryto keep track of what you eat and your symptoms can be especially helpful.
For this reason, you should eliminate a single food for at least three days at a time.
It’s important to double-check you’re still getting enough nutrition during the process.
However, research findings are mixed as to whether certain foods or supplements can help relieve eczema.
That said, there is little evidence to support specific dietary changes.
They said:
All of these items are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Diet Duration
Your eczema diet plan can last as long as you want or need it to.
Many people find it helpful to organize recipes they like into a set schedule.
Your food and symptom journal will come in handy as you find your rhythm.
Use it to write down favorite recipes, log your symptoms, and discover a meal plan that works.
Any time you have questions or concerns, write those down, too.
Bring your journal along when you visit your doctor or a registered dietitian.
This is a great opportunity to tweak your diet plan and bring you closer to your desired results.
Working with a dietitian is especially important when designing an eczema diet for a child.
This will confirm the child gets the nutrients they need.
Foods to Eat
When making your grocery list, include foods that reduce inflammation.
These foods can boost your immunity and potentially improve your symptoms.
It will include nutritious foods you like, and exclude foods that trigger your eczema symptoms.
Whole foods are those that are minimally processed and closest to how you would find them in nature.
Look for non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Omega-3s are a healthy bang out of fat that your body needs but does not produce on its own.
A healthy gut contains a balance of"good" and “bad” bacteria.
These are all signs of an unhealthy gut.
One way to keep your gut bacteria balanced is to take probiotic supplements or consume probiotic foods and beverages.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that promote healthy digestive function.
They are sometimes called “friendly bacteria” because they are safe and healthy to consume.
Probiotics are also safe for infants and pregnant or lactating women.
If you are interested in trying probiotic supplements, discuss them with your physician.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin.”
That’s because your body produces it naturally when you are in the sun.
Your body needs it to absorb calcium, making it necessary for protecting your skin and bones.
Getting enough vitamin Dis also essential for keeping your immune system strong.
Note thatvitamin D3comes from animals and vitamin D2 comes from plants.
Your body uses both types of vitamin D the same way.
Whether you have eczema or not, the amount of vitamin D you need depends on your age.
Taking vitamin E supplements may also keep your immune system from overreacting to food allergens.
This immune response leads to inflammation and is believed to play a role in triggering eczema flares.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your body needs omega-3 fatty acids to maintain healthy skin.
Research suggests that people who don’t get enough may be more likely to develop eczema.
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils may reduce inflammation in your body and relieve eczema symptoms.
Some types of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, particularly fish oils, contain high levels of vitamin A.
Excessive vitamin A can be toxic, so you should talk to your doctor before getting started.
Recap
Foods and supplements that fight inflammation may relieve your eczema symptoms.
But before you begin any supplements, you should always discuss it with your physician.
Cooking Tips
Treating your eczema can be overwhelming at times.
Recipes made with whole foods are both healthy and require few steps to reach your plate.
Remember, the less processed a food is, the more nutrients it has to offer.
They also recommend limiting saturated fats,trans fats, sugars, and sodium.
This will ensure that you are still getting all the nutrients you need.
A dietitian can help you find a substitute for any nutrient that is missing from your diet.
A diet that is too complicated or more restrictive than necessary can be difficult to keep up.
If you find yourself feeling tired or burnt out, consider seeing a dietitian.
Their job is to help you find ways to stick to your diet goals.
Flexibility
In terms of whole foods, you have a lot of flexibility.
Your food allergy requests should be taken very seriously.
One way to find them is by visiting your local farmer’s market.
it’s possible for you to also save money by purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables.
On the other hand, supplements can be pricey.
But you may be able to save money by buying your supply in bulk.
By choosing foods that fight inflammation, you may find relief from your eczema symptoms.
Probiotic, omega-3 fatty acid, and vitamin D supplements may also be helpful.
Before starting yourself or your child on supplements, discuss it with your physician or pediatrician.
A dermatologist may be able to help you manage eczema flare-ups without dietary changes.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
