Happy Monday!! I had a request to blog about a very common skin disorder, the oh so evil Eczema. Over the last few weeks I have been building on my knowledge through research on this inflammatory condition, gaining a greater insight to it’s annoying red, itchy and scaly presence that shows its face on so many people. I am excited to share with you, why this condition shows on some people and not others, how to reduce it’s symptoms and also how to equipped the body to avoid future breakouts.
So lets get right into it…
If you remember my blog post Time To Take a Gut Check, I discussed how our bodies are made up of predominatly bacteria, at a rate of 10:1 bacteria to cells in the body. These bacteria or bugs that populate our gut, mucosa and skin at such an incredible rate and are our first line of defence at protecting our internal environment from the external world. At a young age our developing immune system contains and potentially selects which microbes or bugs will inhabit the skins surface (1).
Some key factors can determine which microbes are introduced to the body as an infant, which can be directly related to the risk of developing eczema:
- Birth mode – Cesarean section
- Babies that are not breastfed
- Not having older siblings
These factors also contribute to a less diversified bug species, which is directly related to a weak immune system. “Those with a weak immune system harboured microbes that were not found on healthy individuals” (2).
How does this less diversified bug species directly relate to Eczema??
Currently, the most common way to treat Eczema is to suppress the immune system and control inflammation with drugs; Immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. The research shows that these therapies do not get to the heart of the disorder but instead only manage symptoms (3).
While your first reaction to managing Eczema may be a topical cream, “like many skin disorders – is not merely skin deep. While what happens at the skins surface is important, Eczema does not begin or end there” (4). Immune cells are most heavily concentrated in the gut, as are our bodies microbes, so the food and drink we consume can directly effect a flare-up.
“There is a balance between the ecosystem of the skin and the immune system”. When there is a disruption in this balance, the result is the exacerbation of a skin disorder or infection. Correcting this diversity of bug species could be the best way to treat Eczema (5).
Here is a list of recommendations that can help reduce or eliminate Eczema’s symptoms:
Replenish Healthy Bugs: Healthy bacterias and yeast communicate with the immune system of the body. The communication with nearby cells, allows them to work together and thrive. Beneficial microbes may help soothe away inflammation, seal a leaky gut, and balance the immune system. The good news is that beneficial microbes are found in fermented foods and probiotics such as sauerkraut and Kombucha tea. These superfoods can restore the microbial ecosystems of the body.
Remove Triggers: The immune system plays a pivotal role in skin and health and by reducing foods that excite your immune response through inflammation, you can reduce flare-ups. Foods such as nightshades; potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, chili pepper, and bell pepper, as well as eggs and nuts have an inflammatory effect on the body (6). Also by incorporating a higher concentration of healing foods such as fruits and vegetables, you can also reduce the bodies inflammation response and ultimately Eczema symptoms .
* (If you struggle with fruit and vegetable intake, I recommend some products that can have the same effect on the body, contact me for more info tara@nudemushroom.com)*
Use Natural Skin Products: Avoid the use of skin creams that contain harsh chemicals; these can damage the skins good bacteria. Choose all natural homemade creams or see your local health food store for alternative options.
See my up and coming video blog post for all natural skin care options, straight from products found in your kitchen cupboard!!
- Chehoud, C., Rafail, S., Tyldsley, A. S., Seykora, J. T., Lambris, J. D., & Grice, E. A. (2013). Complement modulates the cutaneous microbiome and inflammatory milieu. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(37), 15061-15066.
- http://bodyecology.com/articles/eczema-is-gut-health-to-blame
- Kong, H. H., Oh, J., Deming, C., Conlan, S., Grice, E. A., Beatson, M. A., … & Segre, J. A. (2012). Temporal shifts in the skin microbiome associated with disease flares and treatment in children with atopic dermatitis. Genome research, 22(5), 850-859.
- Chehoud, C., Rafail, S., Tyldsley, A. S., Seykora, J. T., Lambris, J. D., & Grice, E. A. (2013). Complement modulates the cutaneous microbiome and inflammatory milieu. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(37), 15061-15066.
- http://bodyecology.com/articles/eczema-is-gut-health-to-blame
- http://bodyecology.com/articles/eczema-is-gut-health-to-blame
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