Eczema Diet

Following the eczema diet is a vitally important part of a comprehensive eczema management strategy. To date there is no known cure for this fairly common skin condition, which can manifest anywhere on the body in dry, red, scaly, itchy, red skin rashes. In over 50% of cases eczema and diet are closely interrelated, since a considerably large percentage of sufferers have developed a particular food allergy. Therefore making specific dietary changes in those cases will definitely improve the condition of the skin.

Cut Down on Inflammatory Foods

Cutting back on foods that are known to stimulate the inflammatory response of your body is beneficial when you are trying to treat eczema. These foods include meats, acidic foods, sugars and saturated fats. When you follow the eczema diet, you don’t need to completely exclude these foods from your menu. However, many eczema sufferers find that their condition dramatically improves, by reducing the intake of these foods and replacing them with vegetable based proteins, complex carbohydrates and high fiber foods.

Sugar and conventional sweeteners are known to exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions. Replacing them with stevia – which is has a strong, sweet flavor and an excellent source of antioxidants – you are likely to experience an improvement.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Generally all fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties. An effective eczema diet should include at least 7 to 8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Herbs, such as garlic or aloe vera have potent anti-inflammatory attributes, which should also be consumed on a daily basis either fresh or in a supplement form. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants are the best choices of anti-inflammatory foods, which include the following:

• Tomatoes
• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Papaya
• Plums
• Cantaloupe
• Bell peppers
• Brussel sprouts

Experiment with Dairy Products

Casein, which is a protein present in milk and dairy products is known to aggravate conditions that result from improper immunity mechanisms. If possible, try reducing your intake of dairy products and see if your condition improves. When you follow this approach however, it is important to include more calcium rich foods in your eczema diet, such as leafy green vegetables and nuts. Alternatively you can take a good calcium supplement.

Beta Carotene and Vitamin A Rich Foods

Dandelion greens, apricots, carrots, pumpkin, kale and spinach are all rich in these two powerful antioxidants. People following the eczema diet should consider increasing vitamin A and beta carotene foods, since they are known to reduce the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and other types of chronic or acute dermatitis.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in the natural treatment and prevention of eczema, because they have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.  They work by inhibiting the body’s production of prostaglandin, which leads to the development of skin flare-ups. Therefore eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids or taking a good fish oil supplement is especially important when treating any type of inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis.

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Tags: eczema and diet, eczema diet

Category: Diet, Eczema, Skin