What are the Most Important Foods to Avoid with Eczema?
If you have eczema, you know that it can be a frustrating and even painful condition. And while there is no cure, there are things you can do to help lessen the symptoms. One of the most important things is to watch what you eat. Certain foods can trigger eczema flare-ups, while others can help heal the skin. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the link between diet and eczema, and give you some tips on what to eat (and avoid) if you suffer from this condition.
The link between eczema and diet
There is a strong link between diet and eczema. Certain foods can trigger eczema flare-ups, while others can help heal the skin.
There are two main types of eczema: atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, and it is often linked to allergies. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant, such as a chemical or an allergen.
Eczema food triggers
Certain foods can trigger eczema flare-ups in both atopic and contact dermatitis. Common triggers include dairy products, eggs, soy products, wheat, peanuts, and shellfish. These triggers vary from person to person, so it is important to figure out which foods cause your eczema to flare up.
Dairy products are a common trigger for eczema flares. Milk proteins can cause inflammation in the gut, which can lead to skin irritation and inflammation. If you have eczema, you may want to avoid dairy products or eat them sparingly.
Eggs are another common trigger for eczema flares. Eggs contain a protein called ovalbumin that can cause an allergic reaction in some people with eczema. If you have egg allergies or sensitivities, you should avoid eating eggs or use cooked eggs instead of raw ones.
Soy products are another common trigger for eczema flares. Soy contains plant estrogens that can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body and cause inflammation. If you have eczema, you may want to avoid soy products or eat them sparingly.
Wheat is a common trigger for eczema flares. Wheat contains a protein called gluten that can cause an allergic reaction in some people with eczema. If you have wheat allergies or sensitivities, you should avoid eating wheat or use gluten-free substitutes.
Peanuts are another common trigger for eczema flares. Peanuts contain a protein that can cause an allergic reaction in some people with eczema. If you have peanut allergies or sensitivities, you should avoid eating peanuts or use peanut-free substitutes.
Shellfish is a common trigger for eczema flares. Shellfish contains a protein that can cause an allergic reaction in some people with eczema. If you have shellfish allergies or sensitivities, you should avoid eating shellfish or use shellfish-free substitutes.
There are a few different theories on why diet may affect eczema, but the most likely explanation is that certain foods can either promote inflammation or help to heal the skin. For example, sugary or processed foods can trigger inflammation, while omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and chia seeds, can help to reduce it. Additionally, some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain foods, which can also trigger eczema flare-ups.
Sources for relief
Certain foods may also help to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness, which can be a trigger for eczema flare-ups. Foods like avocado, coconut oil, and aloe vera are all great for keeping the skin hydrated. If you think that diet may be affecting your eczema, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor or dietitian to figure out which foods may be triggering your symptoms.
Delfina Skin Oil is recommended for those looking for the most effective treatment for eczema. In terms of treatment options, it is totally unmatched. This cutting-edge moisturizer penetrates the skin's layers to promote moisture and nutrition, restoring the skin and making sure it stays nourished.
Probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish support the immune system, which can help minimize symptoms. There are also several foods to avoid with eczema.
The challenge is that different foods cause flare-ups in different patients. You may experience a strong reaction to dairy while someone else can eat a tub of ice cream without aggravating their symptoms.
To determine which foods to choose and which to avoid, talk to your doctor first and foremost. Your doctor knows your medical history and can guide you safely through an elimination diet.
An elimination diet is a technique for determining which foods to avoid with eczema. The process involves a highly strategic method of adding and eliminating foods gradually. With each new adjustment, you monitor your symptoms for up to six weeks. Any food that triggers a flare-up when added to your diet is a food to avoid. It is also worth noting if eliminating a food causes a reduction in your symptoms.
So, suppose your doctor does encourage you to follow an elimination diet. Which foods will he or she ask you to eliminate?
Again, it depends on the individual. But here are the most common foods to avoid with eczema.
Allergenic Foods to Avoid with Eczema
Many of the most common eczema triggers are also typical food allergies. In fact, while your doctor works to determine which foods cause your flare-ups, he or she may order allergy testing. An allergy test can determine whether you have a definite allergy or sensitivity to specific foods. It’s a fairly easy way to figure out which foods to avoid with eczema.
Common culprits include:
- Gluten
- Wheat
- Dairy
- Soy
- Nuts
- Shellfish
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Cloves or cinnamon
Foods to Avoid with Eczema and Oral Allergy Syndrome
Sometimes eczema coincides with oral allergy syndrome, or OAS. This is a seasonal food allergy that manifests in the throat and mouth. Also known as pollen-food allergy, OAS is not caused by the food itself, but by the remnants of pollen remaining on fruits and vegetables.
If you have both oral allergy syndrome and eczema, the same foods that cause an OAS reaction may trigger an eczema flare as well. You should avoid foods such as:
- Hazelnuts
- Almonds
- Pears
- Celery
- Fennel
- Carrots
- Cherries
- Apples
Consider Avoiding Foods High in Nickel
If you have dyshidrotic eczema, you may be especially vulnerable to foods containing nickel. This type of eczema results in itchy blisters on the hands and feet. Many individuals who suffer from dyshidrotic eczema experience worse flare-ups after consuming nickel-containing foods such as:
- Black tea
- Chocolate
- Beans
- Canned meats
- Lentils
- Seeds
- Nots
- Shellfish
Stay Away from Foods that Promote Inflammation
Dry, itchy skin is—in the simplest terms—a consequence of inflammation in the body. It follows then that some of the most important foods to avoid with eczema are those that promote inflammation. Processed foods and refined sugars are among the worst culprits. You should also stay away from:
- MSG
- High fructose corn syrup
- Artificial sweeteners
- Artificial colorant
- Trans fats
It will take some experimentation to determine which diet is best for soothing your own eczema. Each body is different, and each condition is different. But with a little patience and medical guidance, you can begin to cut out some of the triggers you never knew were there. Be aware that while dietary changes may help you minimize your triggers, they may not eliminate your eczema altogether.
Pay attention to your food
Now that you have a general understanding of the types of foods that have been shown to trigger eczema flare-ups in some people, we recommend for you to avoid these trigger foods and eat more anti-inflammatory foods that can help heal your skin.
Even if you do not wish to implement dietary changes, it is important to be mindful of the common eczema triggers such as dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, and seeds.
Dairy products contain a protein called casein that can cause inflammation in the gut and trigger an immune response that leads to eczema flare-ups. Eggs are another common allergen that can trigger eczema symptoms.
Soy contains isoflavones that can mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt hormone balance, which has been linked to eczema flares. Wheat and gluten can also cause inflammation in the gut and trigger an immune response. Nuts and seeds are common allergens that can also trigger eczema flares.
If you have eczema, it may be helpful to avoid these common triggers and eat more anti-inflammatory foods that can help heal your skin.
Food that can help heal Eczema
If you're looking for foods that can help heal your eczema, here are a few options to consider:
- Omega-3 rich foods: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and other fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including flare-ups of eczema. You can also get omega-3s from flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
- Probiotic-rich foods: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep our gut healthy. When our gut is healthy, it's better able to fight off inflammation and skin problems like eczema. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso soup in your diet.
- Foods high in vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Foods high in vitamin E include spinach, kale, almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe eczema flare-ups. It's also hydrating and can help lock moisture into the skin.
The bottom line
If you're one of the millions of people suffering from eczema, you may be wondering if there's anything you can do about it through diet. The good news is that there are certain foods that can help heal eczema and some that you should avoid to keep flare-ups at bay.
Eczema is a condition that's thought to be caused by inflammation in the body. And while there's no cure, following a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce symptoms and promote healing.
Foods to include in your diet if you have eczema include fatty fish like salmon, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt. On the other hand, trigger foods for eczema flare-ups include dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, sugar, and artificial additives.
If you're struggling with eczema, give these dietary changes a try. You may find relief from your symptoms and start on the road to healing by also considering products that provide relief from eczema.
Thousands of people use Delfina Skin Oil as a remedy for eczema as it has been proven to be the most effective method combating eczema. The active ingredients in this revolutionary product penetrate the top layers of skin and enhance the body's internal capacity to create more moisture. You can read success stories and testimonials given by customers of Delfina Skin Oil.
