Nutritional Solution For Eczema
by Olga Achou
ECZEMA is a chronic , inflammatory skin disorder that causes the skin to become sore, dry, red and itchy. Eczema is linked to reduced skin barrier integrity and immune dysfunction.
Once the skin barrier is compromised immune-system-stimulating chemicals can enter the body and cause an inflammatory reaction that produces the eczema symptoms. This sets up the “itch-scratch cycle’
FACTORS INFLUENCING ECZEMA
Genetics
The changes in the skin barrier and the increased tendency to allergies can both be traced back to genetics.
Environment
Dust mites, moulds, pollen, pets, household chemicals.
Food Sensitivity
Studies looking at eczema and diet have found that over 80% of children with eczema react to at least one food, the most common is eggs. While adults with eczema are more likely to react to cow’s milk and wheat.
Leaky Gut
Impaired barrier function of the gut lining is involved in atopic dermatitis and affects the severity of eczema symptoms. Leaky gut allows improperly digested food and bacteria to enter into the bloodstream and stimulate the immune system which has already the tendency to over-reactivity.
Essential Fatty Acid Imbalance
Studies suggest that people with eczema may be lacking in certain essential fatty acids (omegas3,6,7,9) because they are unable to properly metabolize them or have poor dietary intake.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, especially zinc and B, are also known to be factors in the severity of eczema symptoms.
Stress
Findings have shown that interpersonal stress, such as an argument with a work colleague or loved one, can actually trigger an eczema flare-up. People with eczema under the stress actually produce more allergy-fighting immune cells.
ECZEMA ACTION PLAN
1) Use Appropriate Skincare
Emollients – using natural, unscented and free from alcohol, sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens and mineral oils products. A good choice is a moisturizer containing natural oils, aloe vera, MSM and vitamins, such as E, A, B5.
Sodium bicarbonate baths – one of the best methods for reducing the itch in eczema. 1/2 of one cup should be added to each bath.
Also suitable for children.
2) Reduce Environmental Trigger Factor
Vacuum regularly, dust with a damp cloth, freeze overnight bedding and soft toys.
Do not use fabric conditioner, wash clothing using unscented soaps.
3) Nutritional Supplementation
Vitamin D3 – oral supplementation with D3 has been shown to significantly increase the production of microbe-fighting proteins.
It is best to take an oil-based capsules 2,000iu – 4,000iu.
Zinc- zinc deficiency is common in people with eczema. Remember, zinc stimulates healing of skin and body-lining surface. To boost zinc level, take 15-20 mg of a formula which has zinc and copper in a balanced ratio, so you do not upset the balance of these two minerals in the body.
Probiotics – New research shows that probiotic supplements can help the immune system and reduce eczema symptoms. In addition, probiotic intervention can reduce gut permeability.
Take one capsule of high-potency probiotic with water before each meal, on an ongoing basis.
Essential Fatty Acids – having the correct balance of omegas 3, 6, 9 and 7 help to moisturize the skin from within, as well as calming down the level of inflammation. Please remember that taking EFA supplements increases the body’s requirement for vitamin E.
Good source of EFAs include sunflower, soybean, cod-liver, flaxseed, evening primrose and borage oils.
Quercetin - this belongs to a family of plant chemicals called flavonoids. It is often used for allergic conditions because it has natural antihistamine qualities. It is also a powerful antioxidant, which makes it useful for reducing inflammation. In addition, quercetin reduces the body’s production of itch-inducing histamine.
Other vitamins – vitamin A, 15,000iu daily. It helps the zinc in healing the skin. Also vitamin E, 200iu daily. It should be taken with EFAs. Vitamin E helps to prevent free-radical formation.
Lastly, vitamin C, 500 – 1000 mg daily.
4) Dietary Considerations
An elimination diet is a way of testing which food may be exacerbating your eczema symptoms. First, you avoid all the foods that might be causing you a problem and see if your symptoms clear up, then you gradually reintroduce the foods, one by one, and monitor your reactions and experience.
By combining lifestyle changers with a personalized , low reactive diet and suitable supplements , you can expect to see dramatic changers in your eczema within 3 -4 months period.
5) Herbal Teas for Eczema
Red clover – used traditionally for eczema as lymphatic cleansing agent
Cleavers – a blood cleanser for long-term inflammatory conditions
Chamomile – an anti-inflammatory and calmative, with anti-histaminic qualities
Chickweed – cools and soothes itching
Skullcap – a nerve tonic to reduce stress-induced skin irritation
