A Question About Eczema…

Q – I have suffered from eczema on and off my whole life. Now the weather is changing I am starting to notice it flare up again. Is there anything holistically, through my food I can do to help this?

A – Great question, and a very common one that I hear in my practice often. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin with redness, scales and thickening, and most often fluid-filled blisters that can ooze and crack. There are a few key dietary steps that you can take that can help decrease the effects of eczema:

• Increase your essential fatty acids (EFA’s) – your body needs EFA’s to build new cells and repair those that are damaged. It also needs them to produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation and so will help to soothe any discomfort. Try taking a mix of omega-3 and Omega-6 in capsule or liquid form. Omega, Nordic Naturals and Udo’s are all good brands
• Increase alkalizing foods – all of the biochemical reactions in our body require a stable pH or acid-alkaline balance in the body to function normally. Sugar, caffeine, meat, alcohol, refined white flour and stress tend to push us towards an acidic state, in which eczema will flourish. Some of the best alkalizing foods to try are asparagus, onions, parsley, broccoli, garlic, okra, squash, greens, green beans, celery, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, mangoes, figs, apples and pears.
• Avoid Allergens – Any food sensitivities or allergies will compromise the immune system, creating inflammation and chemical reactions in the body that can lead to or worsen eczema. The biggest offenders are any form of cow’s dairy and wheat. Avoid them completely. I strongly recommend food sensitivity testing. If you are interested and live in York Region contact Marlene Deres for more info. vibrant_living@hotmail.com
• Ease the liver function – the liver eliminates toxins. If it is overworked, it produces excess heat, which is released onto the skin, creating inflammation, leading to eczema. Speak to qualified practitioner about a liver cleanse.

For further questions, suggestions or a more specific individual plan please contact Jenn Pike at balancingbodies@rogers.com or through her practice in Foster Family Chiropractic 905 898 8098 or visit www.fosterchiropractic.com