The Role of Diet & Nutrition in Eczema Suffering

There are numerous nutrients that can benefit individuals with eczema. For instance, Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve skin hydration. Vitamin D supplementation can assist those with food or aeroallergen sensitization, and those prone to frequent bacterial skin infections.^{(SCH 2016)} 

A study even found that reduced Vitamin D intake during pregnancy increases the likelihood of a child developing atopic eczema.^{(NAK 2019)} Additionally, topically applied Vitamin C may enhance collagen production, while collagen supplements, which are more bioavailable than whole foods, improve skin water retention and decrease inflammation in eczematous skin.^{(NUS 2001)(BOR 2014)(TAK 2021)(HAK 2017)}

A table detailing the benefits of various nutrients for eczema can be found below.

^{(FIS 2012)}

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the perfect diet for eczema sufferers, some foods have been found to be generally beneficial. Examples of these foods include bananas, papaya, broth, potatoes, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, mung bean sprouts, oats, linseeds, red cabbage, spring onions, beetroot, and fish. 

Your diet does not need to be limited to these ingredients, but it's worth browsing for some recipes that include them.

Here is a list of foods which are beneficial to your diet:

^{(FIS 2012)} 

Hydration is another critical factor for people with eczema. Drinking enough water helps to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Alcohol, on the other hand, can be a trigger for some people with eczema. It can dehydrate the skin and may also interfere with the effectiveness of medications or treatments. If you do choose to drink alcohol, try to do so in moderation and ensure you're also consuming plenty of water.

An elimination diet involves removing potential food triggers from your diet for a period of time, typically 2-4 weeks. During this time, you'll track your symptoms to see if they improve. After the elimination phase, you'll gradually reintroduce the eliminated foods one by one to see if they cause eczema symptoms.

Here are the steps to follow when implementing an elimination diet:

1. Identify potential food triggers: Based on your food journal or allergy testing, identify the foods that may be triggering your eczema symptoms.

2. Remove potential food triggers from your diet: Remove all potential food triggers from your diet for 2-4 weeks.

3. Track your symptoms: During the elimination phase, track your eczema symptoms to see if they improve.

4. Reintroduce eliminated foods: After the elimination phase, gradually reintroduce eliminated foods one by one to see if they cause eczema symptoms.

5. Identify trigger foods: If a particular food causes eczema symptoms, it should be avoided in the future.

Tips for success

• Work with a healthcare professional: A healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or allergist, can help you identify potential food triggers and develop a plan for implementing an elimination diet.

• Plan ahead: Meal planning and preparation can be challenging during an elimination diet, so it's important to plan ahead and have healthy, eczema-friendly meals and snacks on hand

• Keep a food journal: Keep a journal to track which foods you're eliminating and reintroducing, as well as any symptoms you experience

• Be patient: Results from an elimination diet can take time, so it's important to be patient and stick with the process.

Alternatively, a less extreme method is to cut certain foods out for specific periods of time while tracking your skin health, and use a food diary to determine which foods might be contributing to your eczema symptoms.

It is essential to maintain a balanced diet while making these changes, and remember that what works for one person may not work for everyone. Particularly in children, any dietary changes should be implemented carefully and in combination with other therapies.^{(SCO 2015)}

The eczema diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Some specific foods that are beneficial for eczema include:

• Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation
• Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that support skin health
• Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and kefir, which can improve gut health
• Fruits and Vegetables: Foods like kale, spinach, cherries, and apples are high in antioxidants and flavonoids that can help reduce inflammation and promote skin health.
• Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain bread are high in fiber and can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for managing eczema.
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, and seeds are high in healthy fats and vitamin E, which can promote skin health and reduce inflammation.

The eczema diet recommends avoiding processed foods, sugary foods, and foods that may trigger eczema symptoms. 

Some specific foods to avoid include:

• Dairy products, which can be difficult to digest and may trigger eczema symptoms in some individuals

• Gluten-containing grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye, which can trigger an immune response in some people

• High-sugar foods, such as candy and soda, which can cause inflammation and disrupt gut health