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A healthy diet combined with anti-inflammatory supplements may help reduce eczema flare-ups.
It is well established that food allergies and eczema (atopic dermatitis) are interlinked with each other. Having a food allergy doesn’t always mean that you have life-threatening reactions to food. Insidious rash and skin breakouts are more common forms of food intolerances.
Researchers believe that avoiding certain foods such as dairy and gluten can reduce eczema flare-ups. It is not easy to determine which food is responsible for eczema flare-ups because the onset of flare-ups from food reactions takes time to show the symptoms, and this delay of manifestation makes it super hard to identify the culprit.
5 foods and supplements that help improve eczema
Certain foods should be avoided to help improve, but not cure, eczema. A healthy diet combined with anti-inflammatory supplements may help reduce flare-ups.
A balanced diet improves the well-being of all organ systems, including the skin.
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be included in the diet.
- Colorful fruits and vegetables have antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in some fish and flaxseed oils, are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dark chocolate may satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing antioxidants.
- Studies report that supplements of probiotics and prebiotics help with eczema in newborns and young children. However, it's advisable to consult your physician before beginning any supplements to ensure you're doing it safely.
7 foods to be eliminated from diet to reduce eczema flare-ups
Although you may not have documented food allergies, you might observe flare-ups of eczema after eating certain foods. This might be a food sensitivity rather than an allergy. It's worth paying close attention to how your diet affects your eczema to see whether avoiding certain foods will help.
Seven foods that you should eliminate to reduce eczema flare-ups include:
- Cow’s milk: Cow's milk is one of the most often mentioned causes of eczema flare-ups in young children. However, experts warn that parents should not habitually remove milk or milk-based items from their children's meals. When dairy products are fully eliminated from the diet, the child may develop vitamin deficiencies and other problems. Children who have a milk allergy will ultimately outgrow it.
- Peanuts: Peanut allergies are quite frequent if you have eczema. If your child appears to have acquired allergic symptoms, such as eczema flare-ups, after eating peanuts or any other peanut products, you should get the child tested for peanut allergy.
- Gluten: Gluten or wheat might aggravate eczema flare-ups. Gluten may be found in a variety of foods, including gummy sweets, soups, and sauces. If you believe gluten is causing your eczema, search for the “gluten-free” label on packaged items or carefully read the ingredients list before eating.
- Fish: Some experts believe that fish species, such as salmon, sardines, and herring, are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help your body combat inflammation. However, others warn that fish is on the list of foods that frequently induce allergic responses. You should use caution until you know how your body reacts.
- Eggs: Eggs are another typical cause of eczema flare-ups in infants and young children. If you're trying to avoid them, it's simple to avoid scrambled or fried eggs, but watch out for foods such as bread and other baked products that may include eggs. Some children with egg allergies outgrow them as well.
- Soy: Soy allergies are connected to eczema, and some people claim that foods that contain soy aggravate their condition. If you wish to avoid soy, begin by carefully reading labels because soy may be found in a variety of food products, including tea and even chocolate.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are juicy and sweet, and they are high in vitamin C. Unfortunately, they also contain the allergen balsam of Peru, which can be problematic for certain people with eczema.
