Dietary Guidelines for Eczema Management

Eczema can be caused by food allergies, which trigger an immune system reaction that affects our bodies and can cause a range of symptoms. These can include rashes, itchiness, swelling, dry skin and flaking of the skin. Some can occur within minutes (30-60) of eating the food and others can take 1-2 days after eating the food.

As much as identifying triggers can be difficult, consider these tips to manage your eczema flare ups:

Tip #1: Identify and avoid foods that cause symptoms. Keep a record of foods and beverages to help to pinpoint which foods are bothersome. These can include:
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Fish and seafood
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream or yogurt.
- Whole grains such as wheat products.
- Some sugars in fruits like tomatoes, oranges, pineapple and mango.
Tip #2: Avoid eating new foods when you have symptoms. When the skin is really inflamed, many things can set it off. It can also be harder to identify food triggers. Once you get better, you can try to reintroduce other foods, to see if they affect you in any way.
Tip #3: Do not eliminate protein. Most of the allergy causing foods are protein from animal sources. Make sure that you are getting enough protein in your diet, by including plant sources like a variety of beans, ndengu, lentils (kamande), and plant-based milk products such as soy or almond milk.
Tip #4: Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C which is an antioxidant which helps to protect our body from allergic responses. Foods rich in Vitamin c are: oranges, kiwi fruit, broccoli, mango, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes and grape fruit.
Tip #5: Eat anti- inflammatory foods. Eczema is considered to be an inflammatory condition, eating anti- inflammatory foods is believed to help manage inflammatory symptoms. Example of anti inflammatory foods: omega 3 found in fatty fish, probiotic foods ( sauerkraut, yogurt and kombucha), foods high in flavonoids ( tomatoes, citrus fruits and berries).
Tip #6:Hydration. Adequate hydration is crucial for skin health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep the skin hydrated from the inside out.
Tip #7:Limiting processed foods. Processed foods often contain additives and preservatives that may exacerbate eczema symptoms. Eat a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods.

Tip #8:Potential triggers. It’s important to recognize that triggers can vary widely among individuals. Work with our Nutritionists to identify specific trigger foods through methods like elimination diets or food diaries.

Tip #9:Food preparation methods. How food is prepared can also impact its potential to trigger eczema flare-ups. For example, frying or roasting foods at high temperatures can create compounds that may trigger inflammation in some individuals. Embrace methods like steaming, boiling, or baking instead.
Tip #10:Consistency. Consistency in dietary habits is key for managing eczema. Stick to an identified trigger-free diet and be patient, as it may take time to see improvements in symptoms.

Let your Antara Nutritionist know if you are having any difficulties or challenges in managing your diet. Book a session with an Antara Nutritionist through the Antara App or by clicking here.

Dietary Guidelines for Eczema Management

As much as identifying triggers can be difficult, consider these tips to manage your eczema flare ups:

Tip #1: Identify and avoid foods that cause symptoms. Keep a record of foods and beverages to help to pinpoint which foods are bothersome. These can include:

Eggs

Nuts

Fish and seafood

Dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream or yogurt.

Whole grains such as wheat products.

Some sugars in fruits like tomatoes, oranges, pineapple and mango.

Tip #2: Avoid eating new foods when you have symptoms. When the skin is really inflamed, many things can set it off. It can also be harder to identify food triggers. Once you get better, you can try to reintroduce other foods, to see if they affect you in any way.

Tip #3: Do not eliminate protein. Most of the allergy causing foods are protein from animal sources. Make sure that you are getting enough protein in your diet, by including plant sources like a variety of beans, ndengu, lentils (kamande), and plant-based milk products such as soy or almond milk.

Tip #4: Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C which is an antioxidant which helps to protect our body from allergic responses. Foods rich in Vitamin c are: oranges, kiwi fruit, broccoli, mango, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes and grape fruit.

Let your Antara Nutritionist know if you are having any difficulties or challenges in managing your diet. Book a session with an Antara Nutritionist through the Antara App or by clicking here.