Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes skin rashes, scales, itching, inflammation, irritation, and sometimes blisters that ooze and skin patches that appear leathery. Commonly found in children under the age of two, eczema can affect older children and adults as well. The skin disorder is a type of atopic dermatitis. Certain foods can trigger or reduce eczema symptoms, which means eating an eczema diet will greatly improve the condition:
1. Omega rich foods
Foods rich in the omega-3 fatty acids are great anti-inflammatory foods. Good sources of this are fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, trout, tuna, and mackerel. These “good” fatty fish can be eaten at least three times per week. Other sources of the omega 3s are nuts such as almonds and walnuts.
2. Quercetin-rich foods
Foods that contain quercetin, which is a plant based flavonoid that helps give fruits and vegetables their rich color, may also relieve eczema symptoms. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is found in foods like apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, spinach, and kale. All of these are also powerful anti-inflammatory foods.
3. Probiotics
Foods that contain probiotics, like yogurt, help to reduce eczema flare ups by supporting a healthy and strong immune system (or gut). Foods rich in probiotics include sourdough bread, miso soup, naturally fermented pickles, kombucha, and unpasteurized sauerkraut.
4. Anti inflammatory
Foods such as tomatoes and walnuts will help with the symptoms of eczema because they contain natural anti-inflammatory properties. These foods can help relieve the itching and rash outbreaks. Walnuts are also known to be a source of good fatty acids.
5. Whole grains
Whole grain foods should be eaten by eczema sufferers instead of white breads and rice. Brown rice, whole grain breads, quinoa, and whole grain pastas are the best choices to make if eczema flare ups are common and affect your daily life.
6. Eczema trigger foods
Foods that are known triggers for eczema include dairy products and eggs, foods that contain gluten, tree nuts, citrus fruit, peanuts, and soy products. In addition, processed foods; artificial ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, MSG, trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and artificial colorants should also be avoided when a person has eczema. Additives may also upset the digestive system as well as the immune system, and they trigger inflammation, which can lead to an eczema flareup.
