Publisher's Synopsis
The relationship between food and eczema is nuanced and highly individual. Eczema is not caused by a poor diet, although some patients with the condition report that eating particular foods brings on or exacerbates their symptoms.
Some important details about the connection between food and eczema are as follows:
- Some people's eczema flares are brought on by food allergies. Cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish are among the top eight food allergies linked to eczema. An elimination diet or testing for food allergies can help determine which foods are causing reactions.
- Some people may also have food sensitivities that make their eczema worse, in addition to food allergies. Food sensitivities, unlike food allergies, do not include a reaction from the immune system. Food additives like preservatives or artificial colours, as well as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy foods, are common allergens. It may be helpful to identify and then avoid certain foods.
- An elimination diet entails avoiding foods that may aggravate eczema for a set amount of time (usually 2-6 weeks) before reintroducing them one at a time. In this way, you can learn which foods may be aggravating your problem.
- Evidence is mounting that the state of one's digestive tract may have an effect on the severity of eczema. Eczema sufferers may have an unbalanced microbiota, according to some research. Supporting a healthy gut flora with probiotics, prebiotics, and a high-fiber diet may help alleviate eczema symptoms in some people.
- Different people have different triggers, so it's vital to keep that in mind. The things that help one person may not help another. You can learn which foods set off your eczema by keeping a food diary and consulting with a medical expert, like an allergist or dermatologist.
Dietary adjustments for eczema should be undertaken under the supervision of a healthcare provider or qualified dietician. As part of effective eczema management, they can offer individualized recommendations, assist in creating an elimination diet plan, and guarantee that your nutritional requirements are satisfied.
