Eczema is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, and can be frustrating as it leaves skin inflamed and feeling itchy. Often linked to an overactive immune system, it can also be due to a weak gut lining which can allow germs and toxins to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Luckily, there are some easy solutions that could help towards healing the skin condition. Nutritional Therapist Claire Barnes has shared her 'Five R' approach exclusively with HELLO! Online with tips that could help strengthen the gut lining and help alleviate eczema symptoms…
There are natural ways to help alleviate eczema
1. Remove
Consider if there are any particular foods that are causing symptoms. Keep a food diary to identify and remove dietary triggers. Allergens in eczema can be triggered by foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, soy, wheat, citrus, and chocolate.
2. Replace
Replace high inflammatory foods in the diet, such as animal products and certain oils high in omega 6 fats, with high omega 3 fats found in salmon, mackerel, sardines and flaxseed oil. Add more anti-inflammatory foods into the diet, such as cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, rosemary and garlic.
Nutritional Therapist Claire Barnes has shared her 'Five R' approach with HELLO! Online
3. Repair
Adding flaxseeds and oily fish to your diet will increase omega 3 fatty acids which are known to improve skin health and reduce inflammation. Try a small amount of flaxseed oil in your bath, and rubbing it directly into your skin to add moisture and improve skin structure.
4. Rebalance
Reduce stress in your life, practise yoga and mindfulness. Also remove stress to the skin, by swapping normal household cleaners and beauty products to natural and organic products.
5. Repopulate
Long term use of live bacteria supplements have been shown to be beneficial in reducing skin inflammation and prevention of eczema symptoms in adults. Consuming more fermented foods such as sauerkraut or a daily multi-strain live bacteria supplement such as Bio-Kult could be beneficial.
For more information head to bio-kult.com