Eczema This is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin characterised by red scaly patches which are often itchy. Eczema is associated with allergies and goes hand in hand with other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. New findings Although naturopathy has traditionally connected gut disturbance with skin conditions medical science has been slow to link the two. Recent scientific evidence has demonstrated that gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting were more common in individuals with eczema and that their symptoms were caused by the ingestion of specific foods. Other studies have shown that increased intestinal permeability, the so-called ‘leaky gut’, was more prevalent in patients with eczema. It was thought that increased intestinal permeability may be caused by allergies to certain foods. Finally, modern medicine is starting to substantiate theories that naturopathic medicine has long embraced. Diet Dairy, eggs, wheat and salicylate rich foods such as yeast extract, tomato, pineapple and oranges are most commonly linked with eczema. Gluten which is most commonly found in wheat, rye, oats and barley is often the culprit behind leaky gut. Avoiding gluten will allow your gut to recover and may be of therapeutic benefit. A high fibre diet keeps your bowel clean. Essential fatty acids promote lubrication and reduce the inflammation of your skin. Flaxseed oil, soybeans, walnuts and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of essential fatty acids. Tests Aside from food allergies, grass pollen and house dust mite have been shown to cause eczema. A comprehensive allergy test would provide specific information with regard to your sensitivities. Testing for ‘leaky gut’ is also of considerable importance especially if you have any gastrointestinal disturbance. There are laboratories to where your health practitioner can send various tissue samples to assess fatty acid imbalances which would be very useful to know if your skin is dry and slow to heal. Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies Eczema can occur as a result of biotin deficiency. Biotin is found in soya beans, egg yolk and bean sprouts. The essential fatty acids mentioned earlier, vitamins A, B and E and the minerals selenium and zinc repair damaged skin and encourage the growth of healthy cells. The herbs yellow dock, golden seal and pau d’arco which are internal cleansers and gastrointestinal regulators can be used to alleviate eczema.
The Well Woman | Acne | Eczema | Premenstrual Syndrome | Depression and Fatigue | The Well Woman Summary
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