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EczemaEczema is a troublesome but common skin disorder that affects up to 15 percent of the population. In its acute form, eczema causes inflamed red, dry, and itchy skin. Some patches may blister and weep, and eventually, these areas may crust over. If the eczema is a chronic problem, the skin will continue to itch but may thicken and take on a leathery consistency. Usually, dry scales develop, and the skin’s color may change. Most acute cases are brought on by an allergic response. Sufferers may be allergic to a certain food or to other substances; in either case, it’s quite possible to have a reaction from ingesting the allergen or just from touching it. If you can identify the irritant and remove it, the eczema will usually disappear. But if the skin continues to be exposed to the irritating factor, the rash may spread and develop into a chronic condition. Stress may aggravate acute eczema and keep it from resolving. Eczema can appear in infancy or early childhood and most often develops on the face and the head or in the folds of the elbows, the knees, or the groin. In some cases, it will disappear as childhood progresses and wither stay away for good or recur in adolescence or adulthood. Chronic eczema is a complex condition that usually involves a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever; difficulty handling stress; or food sensitivity. It has also been linked to abnormalities of the immune system, as well as to candidiasis and low levels of essential fatty acids and deficiencies of other nutrients that help keep down inflammation. Poor digestion and detoxification can also be at the root of eczema. Like most complicated ailments that involve the whole body and lifestyle, holistic treatment is the best approach for both relief and resolution. Conventional therapy for chronic cases is usually quite frustrating for the patient, as it generally just suppresses the skin problem and causes further spreading or intensifies the symptoms. Treating the root cause(s) with natural therapies, as described in this section, is, in our opinion, a superior way to help resolve this aggravating condition.
TREATMENT Diet Recommended Food Eat a diet of basic, whole foods to encourage a healthy internal balance and a balanced immune system. You should consume essential fatty acids every day. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are great sources; use the oil in dressings or sprinkle the seeds on cereal or salads. Flaxseeds and their oil change with heat, so do not bake with them or expose them to high temperatures. Cold-water fish, especially salmon, mackerel, and herring, are also good sources of EFAs. Eat pumpkin or sunflower seeds daily. They are excellent sources of zinc, a mineral that encourages the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids. Drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours to flush out toxins and to encourage skin health. If you’re constipated, your body will have to find another way to get rid of wastes—and that usually means that toxins are expelled through the skin. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. They’re full of fiber and will keep your digestive tract clean. Vitamin A and beta-carotene are necessary for good skin health, so eat your green leafy and orange-yellow vegetables. Their nutrients are best delivered to your body when the food sources are raw, juiced, or lightly cooked. Candidiasis is a possible cause of eczema, so eat cultured or sour products every day to stimulate the growth of “good bacteria.”
Eliminate all additives from your diet. Not only are additives likely to cause a direct reaction, they contribute to a toxic internal environment that can manifest in the skin. Determine whether you have an allergy or a sensitivity to any foods. Common food triggers of eczema are dairy, citrus fruits, tomatoes, soy, shellfish, eggs, wheat, and gluten. Do not eat saturated fat or solid fats, such as shortening or margarine. They interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids. Stay away from inflammatory foods, especially sugar, spicy foods, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol. Sugar and caffeine also contribute to anxiety and stress, so you have an extra reason to avoid these substances. Detoxification Skin problems are usually a sign that the body is poisoned, perhaps from allergenic substances, toxic foods, or emotional stress. The following suggestions will help you release those poisons. In cases of chronic eczema for adults, undertake a three-day juice fast once a month to sweep away toxic build-up. Green drinks with barley, spirulina, or blue-green algae detoxify the blood and are especially supportive of an eczema fast. Children over the age of five may use these green drinks under the guidance of a nutrition-oriented doctor. Other Recommendations
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Please consult your Doctor before taking any supplements. |
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LifeSource Nutrition • P.O. Box 7336 • Beaverton,
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