Can Anti-Inflammatory Diet Reduce Eczema?

Why the Anti-inflammatory Diet helps Reduce Eczema

The anti-inflammatory diet can help in alleviating eczema symptoms because it can lower inflammation, which is an important trait in eczema.

Accordingly, this would contribute to treat this condition and reduce symptoms such as itchy, swollen and dry skin that are usually present due to inflammation.

Research and studies support these claims as it has been found that dietary factors can indeed aggravate atopic dermatitis or even cause dermatitis. This is the case especially among infants or children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis relative to other populations.

Research also suggests that foods may trigger rapid hypersensitivity reactions or may lead to late eczematous reactions. Hence, following an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding allergens can help treating and reducing eczema symptoms.

How the Anti-Inflammatory Diet works for Eczema

The anti-inflammatory diet focuses on certain types of foods that can reduce skin inflammation and provide beneficial healing effects for eczema.

These foods include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish sources among others that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibers and many other nutrients. These are known to reduce inflammation, and can help in treating and smoothening eczema symptoms.

Furthermore, certain types of foods consumed in the anti-inflammatory diet contain antioxidants that would work on reducing the level of free radicals.

These free radicals are molecules that damage the cells in the body and can lead to inflammation, if not properly controlled. 

In addition, the diet eliminates sugar, processed products, and refined food that are known to have inflammatory effects in the body and on the skin. Hence, by avoiding these elements, this would help further in relieving eczema symptoms, as well as improving overall health.

Nevertheless, it remains important to avoid any kind of allergens in the diet as these might trigger allergy response and skin reactions. Hence, this would negatively impact the skin, and might worsen eczema symptoms.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet foods for Eczema

The various food types incorporated in the anti-inflammatory diet have healing effects that can be very effective for eczema.

Below is a list of the various types of foods that are incorporated into the anti-inflammatory diet, along with a brief explanation about the healing benefits of each and how it works for eczema:

- Fish sources that include salmon, tuna, scallops, cold-water fish and anchovies contain omega-3 fatty acids, which lower inflammatory proteins in the body.

- Nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds and pine nuts are included in the anti-inflammatory diet. They contain good fats such as omega-3, plus they are good sources of protein and fiber that combat inflammation in the body.

- Colorful fruits and vegetables are important to consume as they are packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants would quench the free radicals, which are known to damage the cells of the body. Antocyanins found in red and purple fruits such as berries have anti-inflammatory effects. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits also contains anti-inflammatory effects and helps maintaining healthy joints. Vitamin K containing vegetables like kale, spinach, lettuce, spinach and broccoli also reduces inflammation in the body.

- Olive oil is a source of omega 3 and other healthy fats, in addition to oleocanthal, a polyphenolic antioxidant that has the same role as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The best source to use is non-refined olive oil.

- Beans such as red kidney beans, pinto beans and small red beans are a good source of fiber and phytonutrient that lower inflammatory markers in the blood. They are also a great source of protein. 

- Low or reduced-fat dairy products contain many nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, good fats and proteins that are beneficial for the health.  

Meanwhile, it’s important to note that full fat dairy is composed of saturated fats that can cause inflammation, and hence should be avoided. 

- Whole grain sources such as oatmeal, bulgur, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat flour are rich in fiber, and studies have shown that high fiber foods can lower inflammatory markers.

However, many of these products might contain gluten like wheat, rye, barley and oat for example. Since many people might suffer from gluten sensitivity, this would actually lead the immune system to view gluten as an enemy and accordingly attacks it, hence causing inflammation as a counter effect instead of fighting it.

It is always important to pay specific attention to any food sensitivity and monitor closely your symptoms, especially if you witness any discomfort as a result of consuming these food types.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema: Nutrition Breakdown

The food selection is mainly made to maintain health while reducing inflammation, however the daily caloric consumption varies per person, based on gender, size and activity level. 

Carbohydrates make up 40-50%, fat 20-30% and protein 20-35%. These macronutrients should be included and spread throughout each meal, if possible.
Based on a 2000 calories/day diet:

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet program for Eczema

The anti-inflammatory diet for eczema is a lifestyle change that can be always maintained, as such there is no time restriction for this diet. There is no standard type of anti-inflammatory diet that people with eczema should follow instead it should be customized based on individual’s specific needs.

Below is a detailed list of the anti-inflammatory diet showing how different food types can be consumed, along with the quantities for each. We have also included a brief explanation about the benefits of each, and how it can contribute in relieving eczema symptoms:

- Fish: consume fish at least twice per week as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which lower inflammatory proteins in the body.

- Raw cultured dairy such as yogurt or goat milk contain probiotics that help with inflammation. However, it’s important to avoid dairy containing A1 casein (usually found in cow’s milk) since it may upset the stomach.

- Nuts: one handful per day is recommended as it contains omega 3 and monounsaturated fats that combat inflammation. Nuts also contain fiber that lowers inflammation in the body.

- Fruits and vegetables: it is important to eat fruits and vegetables daily since they are rich in antioxidants and other vitamins that fight against inflammation. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, and consume around nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

- Olive oil: add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to meals per day. Olive oil is rich in omega-3 and contains oleocanthal that reduce inflammation.

- Beans: consume one cup of beans twice per week. Beans are an important source of fiber and phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. 

- Whole grains: it is recommended to consume 6 ounces of grains daily, ideally 3 out of the 6 ounces consumed per day should be whole grain. Whole grain foods are rich in fiber, and an adequate consumption reduces inflammation in the body. 

- Spices: flavor food regularly with spices such as anise, fennel, turmeric, horseradish and hot mustard that can be added to various dishes. These can be added to various dishes as they have anti-inflammatory properties.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema: Recommendations to Follow

- Consume vitamin C rich foods:  fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges, kiwi, watermelon and strawberries can help deal with the discomfort of itchiness and hives.  These are caused when the cells release histamine during an allergic response.

Vitamin C prevents the cells from releasing histamine and helps in breaking it down. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant therefore has anti-inflammatory effects.

- Consume magnesium rich foods: foods that are considered high in magnesium include wheat bran, almonds, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds among many others.

These are recommended because magnesium is a bronchodilator and antihistamine agent and possesses properties that can alleviate allergy symptoms. However it is important to make sure that common food allergens such as nuts do not aggravate the symptoms.

- Consume anti-inflammatory snacks: always carry appropriate anti-inflammatory snacks when you are on the go so you can always have a good treat of healthy food if you get hungry.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema: What you should Avoid

- Limit casein: casein is a protein found in dairy products and may cause discomfort so it is important to make sure it does not irritate the gut to avoid inflammation. If you don’t observe any discomfort, then there is no need to restrict it from the diet. 

- Limit gluten: Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. It can cause irritation to the gut and promote inflammation. If no discomfort is witnessed, then there is no need to restrict it from the diet.

- Avoid allergens: it’s important to avoid any food that can cause allergies as this might trigger allergic skin reactions, and hence would worsen eczema symptoms.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema: precautions

There are no substantial risks attributed with the anti-inflammatory diet for eczema patients. However, people with eczema are more susceptible to food allergens. It is important to rule them out if any discomfort is observed.  

Common food allergens include:

- Gluten

- Wheat

- Cow’s milk

- Nuts

- Fish and shellfish

- Spices

- Some kinds of fruits

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or treatment.

The Anti-inflammatory Diet for Eczema: side effects

No side effects have been reported about following the anti-inflammatory diet for treating eczema.