Are you suffering from frequent flare-ups of Eczema all through the season? There’s no reason to be alone.
More than 31 million Americans suffer from atopic dermatitis. It is the medical term that refers to Eczema. Over 50% of them suffer from moderate to severe symptoms. ( 1 ) Eczema can be described as an inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, and thickened skin, usually seen on the flexors of your physique (crooks at your elbows or the knees’ back). ( 2 ) The condition isn’t only an irritant skin condition but significantly affects your life quality and mental well-being. ( 3 )Ways to Reduce Eczema
There isn’t a cure for Eczema. However, there is a myriad of treatments that can be highly effective in reducing itching and preventing future breakouts. Let’s have a look.
Remove Food Allergens and Additives
Skin is the biggest organ in your body, and the food you consume significantly influences your skin’s health. Food intolerances and allergies are very common among people suffering from Eczema. The research suggests that most allergies are caused by cow’s milk, eggs of hens (not the goose or duck), wheat, peanuts, and soy. Most of the offending food items mentioned here aren’t Paleo; therefore, using the traditional way of life and eliminating these foods that trigger allergies can dramatically alleviate symptoms of Eczema. ( 7 ) To make specific diet changes, consider an Autoimmune Paleo diet (AIP) or an elimination diet that lasts 4 to 12 weeks, and evaluate your progress. If the symptoms worsen when reintroducing a food, it could indicate intolerance to the food. You can try the AIP or elimination program to determine whether peanuts, milk, soy, or wheat contribute to eczema-related symptoms. [/tweet_quote]Food additives such as tartrazine monosodium glutamate, sodium benzoate, sodium metabolite and tyramine could cause eczema-related symptoms to worsen. Eliminating these additives in your food (i.e., eliminating all processed or packaged food items) has been found to improve the appearance of Eczema after 10 months significantly. (8)
Swap Coffee for Oolong Tea
The daily cup of Joe may be delicious. However, coffee beans are one of the world’s most heavily sprayed plants and may worsen an already overactive immune system. Switch to Oolong tea to reduce inflammation and increase your immune system and eczema symptoms. The study found that the benefits of oolong tea were evident in 63 percent of patients non-responsive to traditional treatments. ( 9) The researchers believe that the positive effects were due to the polyphenols in the oolong tea. To get the most benefit, you need to steep the tea bag with 10g for five minutes in one Liter of water. Then, consume three equal portions during the day between meals.
Add More GLA
If you’re a frequent PaleoHacks reader, then you’re probably aware that the modern diet has an overwhelming amount of omega-6 fats that are pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. One of the key players within the omega-6 family is the gamma-linoleic acids (GLA). Studies suggest that people suffering from Eczema cannot convert Linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) because of an imbalance in the enzyme delta-6-desaturase that causes deficiency and creates a barrier for the skin to weaken. ( 10) Remember that essential fats such as GLA are derived through your diet; however, even when you are on a Paleo lifestyle, GLA is not easy to find. The highest concentrations of GLA are in evening primrose, borage, and hemp oil which can be easily added to salads or over vegetables (do not cook using hemp oil). If you suffer from long-term and persistent Eczema, you might want to think about taking supplements with GLA.
Add Supportive Probiotics
The gut of your body is the home of billions of bacteria. More “good” probiotic bacteria have more beneficial effects on your digestive system, which is the source of all inflammation. The digestive tract is the home of more than 80percent of the body’s immune and the first reaction to any foreign invaders or injuries is to create inflammation. Eczema is an ongoing inflammatory condition, so ensuring your digestive tract is healthy is an important component of the puzzle.
Probiotics can help reduce the absorption of allergens that cause Eczema. Probiotics play an essential role in keeping the integrity of your gut barrier, decreasing leaky gut and preventing the absorption of allergens that cause Eczema. Probiotics can be found in natural sources, such as fermented foods such as sauerkraut, the kimchee or Kombucha tea. Probiotics supplementation can be highly beneficial for those who struggle with chronic Eczema. So, search for strains that are high in Lactobacillus rhamnosus. (11)
Boost Your Zinc and Vitamin D Intake
Zinc is essential for proper functioning of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase discussed in the previous paragraph (#3 GLA). The deficiency of zinc is known to cause symptoms of Eczema. A Paleo-based diet is the best way to maximize zinc intake since meat is the most potent source of zinc. Make sure you are eating darker cuts of meat, such as bison, beef, venison or lamb, and include more seafood such as oysters, mussels and others.
Low Vitamin D levels are also linked to a higher chance of developing atopic allergic dermatitis. Vitamin D supplements can aid in treating Eczema for those with a deficiency which is something to think about should you reside in a place with an actual winter climate. (12)
Lavender and Coconut Oil Cream (Home-Made)
There are ingredients for an effective anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ointment within your home. The oil of coconut is a nutrient-dense mild emollient that could be applied to the skin following a shower to keep the skin’s moisture. ( 13) Add lavender essential oil in a 1:5 ratio with coconut oil to create a potent as well as a soothing natural ointment that can be used for irritations to the skin.
Reduce Stress Levels
Stress isn’t only having your hair pulled out due to the fact that you are unable to manage; it’s also “being busy” from morning until after dark. Stress is a fact of our modern-day world, and there’s a positive correlation between stress and the increased incidence of Eczema. ( 14) Techniques to reduce stress, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi or yoga coloring (yes, coloring book!), and singing can stimulate the brain’s vagus nerve. This helps the body relax and reduce stress.
Maintain Your Ideal Body Composition
Nowadays, more than two-thirds of the population of America is obese or overweight. If you are struggling with weight loss, studies show that it can increase your chance of getting Eczema. ( 15) A low-carb, Paleo-based diet, which incorporates exercises for strength and high-intensity interval training (high-intensity interval training), is a fantastic method of reducing body fat and getting the ideal body composition.
Quit Smoking
It is clear that there’s a significant correlation between smoking cigarettes or exposure to smoke and Atopic skin dermatitis. ( 16) The answer is easy to quit smoking.
Detoxify
The condition can worsen when exposed to allergens or irritants like perfumes, soaps, and laundry detergents. Use a mild detergent to wash your clothes without bleach dryer sheets or fabric softener. Choose a scent-free, delicate, skin-friendly, hypoallergenic detergent free of fragrances, dyes and harmful residues.
Bottom Line
Eczema isn’t only annoying and infuriating; it negatively affects your overall well-being and health. The chronic and inflamed skin condition can be treated by removing the aggravating food items that cause irritation from the diet. It can also be treated by enhancing digestion, fixing deficiencies in nutrients, and reducing inflammation. Find the best remedies for your body and get rid of that dry, itchy, and sensitive skin that keeps you from feeling at your best.
