The Eczema & Nutrition Connection
If you suffer from eczema and have yet to find the underlying cause, the answer may be laying in the foods that you eat! This is true for both babies and adults. Parents of young children may notice that certain foods trigger their children eczema, like dairy or processed foods. While in adulthood, those same foods may still be problematic, but other foods can cause issues as well.
How Diet Plays a Role in Eczema
How exactly do the foods we eat impact skin health and eczema flare-ups? Since eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, it makes sense that diet would play a role here. There are also some common food allergies that are associated with eczema including cow’s milk, eggs, soy, nuts, fish, and gluten. All of these happen to be the most commonly seen food allergens, and it has been found that many people who have been diagnosed with eczema have also have diagnosed food allergies.
The Worst Foods for Eczema
While there may not be one specific food that causes a flare-up for everyone dealing with eczema, if you have a known food allergy or sensitivity, it is essential to stay away from those foods as they can make this skin condition worse.
Consuming inflammatory foods like dairy and sugar are often commonly associated with skin health issues, so avoiding these as much as you can may also be beneficial. Caffeine, alcohol, and soda can also be big trigger items for those suffering from eczema.
Foods to Enjoy for Skin Health
The good news is that there are plenty of foods you can enjoy that are eczema friendly. These foods are known to help support skin health, but overall wellness as well.
- Foods for Gut Health: Supporting the gut is key to supporting skin health. The healthier your digestive system, the better you may be able to manage your eczema symptoms. You may want to consider adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet such as unsweetened full-fat coconut yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, or kimchi. All of these foods contain beneficial bacteria for the gut.
- Fatty Fish: Things like wild-caught salmon or sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are excellent for skin health.
- Foods Rich in Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid, antioxidant, and natural antihistamine which can all be beneficial at keeping eczema flare-ups at bay. Some foods rich in quercetin include blueberries, cherries, apples, and pineapples.
- Other Anti-inflammatory Foods: Other anti-inflammatory foods like dark leafy greens can also be beneficial for skin health. Adding more of these nutrient-dense foods to your diet and less processed foods can certainly make your skin look more radiant.
Many people who suffer from eczema are able to eventually pinpoint which foods cause a flare-up for them and which foods work best. Many people also find that following a more whole foods and clean anti-inflammatory diet works well. Plus, not only is a cleaner way of eating great for skin health, but it is great for your entire body as well! Remember that skin health starts from within, and the better you support your body, the better your skin will look and feel.
Resources:
How to Create an Eczema Friendly Diet. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/eczema-diet#diet-plans-to-try
About The Author
Rebecca Jacobs N.C is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, specializing in digestive and women’s health. She doesn’t believe in dieting but rather making lifestyle changes, and believes that healthy eating must be delicious. Rebecca is also a recipe developer and creates healthier alternatives to traditionally unhealthy foods.
