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I hear it over and over again: Good skin health comes from the inside out. In other words, slathering on ointments and creams will only get you so far. To truly improve your skin you need to avoid eating foods that can exacerbate your skin issues AND you need to eat foods that will help heal your epidermis. That's especially true when it comes to eczema. That stubborn skin condition may need more than topical treatment. These 7 foods can also help fight off the red and scaly.
What not to eat? Your doctor will probably want to do an elimination test with you. Gluten and sugar are believed to worsen eczema, but it's a good idea to find out what your specific triggers are. As for foods you should eat, the list is long and delicious!
1. Cold water fish like salmon, cod, and halibut are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce symptoms of eczema flare-ups.
2. Nuts and seeds, especially flax seeds, are also high in Omega 3s.
3. Buckwheat is rich in quercetin and is a great gluten-free alternative -- gluten is believed to be a possible trigger for eczema.
4. Apples are rich in quercetin, which is also a key ingredient for fighting eczema. It's an anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine agent. Also rich in quercetin are berries, citrus, and broccoli.
5. Eggs and oatmeal have something important in common: Zinc. The mineral helps fight off eczema.
6. Bananas are rich in histamine-lowering Magnesium and Vitamin C.
7. Chicken stock can help rebuild your skin.
If you want to find out more about fighting eczema with food, check out Karen Fischer's book, The Eczema Diet.
Are there any foods you recommend eating -- or avoiding -- to fight eczema?
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