7 Foods to Manage Eczema

7 Foods to Manage Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema causes dry and itchy skin. The condition is often caused by inflammation. Therefore, it is essential to have a diet that avoids inflammation-causing foods and has foods that fight inflammation. So, here are the foods to eat to help manage eczema.

1. Foods rich in quercetin
A plant-based flavonoid, quercetin is responsible for giving several vegetables, fruits, and flowers their color. Besides, quercetin is also an antihistamine and an antioxidant. This makes the flavonoid an effective remedy against inflammation and histamine in the body. There are several food items that one can eat to increase the quercetin in the body and fight eczema. These include:

  • Kale
  • Cherries
  • Broccoli
  • Blueberries
  • Apples
  • Spinach

2. Foods rich in probiotics
One of the essential foods to eat to manage eczema are the ones loaded with probiotics. Foods such as yogurt are loaded with live cultures that help in building a robust immune system. This reduces any flaring-up of the symptoms of eczema and prevents allergic reactions. To eat a more probiotic-rich diet, one can include the following foods:

  • Yogurt
  • Miso soup
  • Kefir
  • Naturally-fermented pickles
  • Gouda and other soft cheeses
  • Unpasteurized sauerkraut
  • Sourdough bread
  • Tempeh

3. Foods rich in potassium
Potassium fights inflammation and, thus, reduces the symptoms of eczema. To add more potassium to the diet, one can include the following foods:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Acorn squash
  • White beans

4. Omega-3 fatty acids
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce dry skin, a common symptom of eczema. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods such as:

  • Flaxseeds
  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Soybeans

5. Foods that can protect and build the skin
Foods such as buckwheat, green onions, and oats are considered good for people with allergies, and they are loaded with essential vitamins such as vitamin C and E. Therefore, these foods have properties to protect as well as build the skin. One can introduce them to their diet to fight eczema.

6. Rice milk
Rice milk has low chemical content and is less allergic. Therefore, it is considered safe for people who have eczema. To prevent any flare-ups, one can include rice milk in their diet.

7. Green tea
Green tea comes with antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation. Studies show the benefits of green tea in improving eczema when consumed internally, applied in moisturizers, or used in baths. However, one must remember that green tea contains caffeine, which can disrupt sleep. One can drink it up to six times a day to fight eczema effectively.