Food as Medicine: 5 Foods That Reduce Eczema Symptoms

Eczema is a frustrating skin condition that can cause dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Like many other maladies, eczema doesn’t have a defined cure. However, in addition to your doctor’s treatment, there are some ways to help alleviate symptoms. As you already may know, food and nutrition are crucial to living a healthy life—but did you know they can also help you combat your conditions as well? 

In this article, we’ll go over foods you can incorporate into your diet to potentially get relief from your symptoms. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are often taken for their anti-inflammatory properties. You can find omega-3s in salmon, mackerel, sardines, flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.

These foods may help you combat the inflammation that comes with eczema.  

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Vibrant fruits and vegetables

Colorful, bright fruits and vegetables often contain vitamins and nutrients that can add to your overall health and well-being.

These foods include leafy greens, blueberries, oranges, avocados and broccoli. Their nutritional makeup is known for helping to improve overall skin health.

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Probiotics

Foods that are rich in probiotics can help balance your body’s processing and may alleviate your symptoms.

These foods include yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and kefir.

You can also take probiotic supplements—just be sure they are a reputable brand. 

Turmeric and ginger

These herbs are often used for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Try to include turmeric and ginger in your cooking to spice up your next meal. You can also have them in the form of tea to drink. 

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H20

Water is essential for our bodies, and is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Eczema can leave you feeling dry and irritated.

Drinking lots of water and having foods high in H20 content can help keep your body balanced. Add strawberries, cucumbers and watermelon as ways to boost water into your diet.

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While these foods and additions to your diet can help relieve your eczema symptoms, you may want to consider foods that are actually triggering your symptoms and making them worse.

While you don’t have to avoid all your favorite foods, being aware of their effect can help you stay mindful of your body and what helps vs. hurts it. 

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Avoid common allergens

Eczema can often flare up as a result of allergens. Everyone is different, so each body may respond differently to common food allergens.

These foods may trigger your body to release I cells and immunoglobulin-E, which can worsen inflammation in the body. 

Some foods you may want to consider avoiding include:

• dairy (like cheese, milk)
• gluten and wheat (like breads and pastas)
• eggs
• certain spices such as cinnamon and vanilla

In conclusion

While there’s no simple and easy fix to cure eczema, there are plenty of ways you can adjust your lifestyle to help find some relief from your symptoms. In addition to your doctor’s treatment plan, adding healthy, nourishing foods to your diet and avoiding triggering foods can help you feel better.