There is no cure for your Eczema but there are foods that could help you clear Eczema naturally.
You can’t create the absent skin barrier that sets all Eczema sufferers apart from everyone else. But there is an alternative to the treatment and healing of Eczema symptoms that does not require conventional prescriptive drugs.
What you eat plays a huge role in how your skin behaves. It’s safe to say that eliminating certain foods can change the condition of your skin. But including certain foods can also add beneficial nutrients that improve the quality of your skin and assist with how your body responds to the inflammatory reactions that cause the symptoms of Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis.
Below is a list of Eczema-friendly foods – and why they’re good for you – to include in your meal plan or existing recipes.
Use these to inspire you to try a non-conventional approach to treating and healing Eczema symptoms.
Foods that can help you clear Eczema naturally – include it in your recipes or enjoy on its own:
These vegetables are rich in carotenoids, especially carrots which are loaded with Beta-Carotene, a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant. The effect of these antioxidants reduce inflammation where there is an Eczema patch on the skin.
Kale nutrition
It’s dark and leafy in color and shape but even richer in nutrients and minerals. It contains vitamins C and K. And it has anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
Kale contains double the amount of Vitamin C than Spinach and is also lower in a plant compound called Oxalate (Oxalic acid) that can inhibit the absorption of minerals and nutrients3.
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
One cup of kale contains more than your daily recommended intake of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, and iron.
Carrot nutrition
It’s a good source of Potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. This carotenoid-rich vegetable does this by reducing inflammation.
Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. And it’s high in Fiber, which can help promote satiety and support digestive health.
Carrots overall are excellent for weight loss and I eat it daily in a carrot and red lentil soup.
It’s a well-known plant-source of provitamin Vitamin A and contains Beta Carotene, a powerful antioxidant which helps prevent free radical damage to cells.
It’s also got Vitamin C that boosts immunity by helping the process of wound healing.
It contains Vitamin K1 which plays a significant role in blood clotting, important during injury for stopping blood flow. Fat-soluble Vitamin K1 is important for heart and bone health.
Both Vitamins C and K1 have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
Another benefit of carrots is its insoluble fiber content which promotes regular bowel movement.
Mango nutrition
These gorgeous fruits are high in antioxidants and it contributes to the production of Collagen which gives skin it’s structure. Hydrolyzed collagen is known to contain antibacterial properties which is great for Eczema skin as it can be susceptible to infection.
Mango also contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that has appeared to reduce inflammation5. It contain Vitamin A and C which are both antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Spinach nutrition
Spinach is rich in Vitamin C which is an antioxidant and helps prevent the oxidation of cells. Cancer is also brought on by free radical damage in cells, so it’s crucial to get as many antioxidant benefits (which prevents it) from these ingredients.
It also helps reduce inflammation.
Spinach also facilitates the production of collagen in the body, L-Carnitine, and some neurotransmitters2. Water-soluble Vitamin C helps absorb minerals such as Iron which is beneficial if you are anaemic or have an iron deficiency.
Spinach contains Vitamin K, also known as Phytonadione, It’s essential for blood clotting and it’s also important for bone and heart health. The vitamin is referred to as K1 and can be found in plant foods like dark, leafy greens such as Broccoli, Kale, and Spinach.
Clear Eczema naturally by adding nutrient-rich Kale, Carrots, Mangoes, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach and Red Cabbage to your recipes
Red cabbage nutrition
Red cabbage is rich in antioxidants and other compounds that can help fight inflammation.
It’s also high in Vitamin C, an antioxidant, so it helps protect against oxidative stress. It has been reported that a deficiency in Vitamin C can aggravate atopic dermatitis1 symptoms, something to keep in mind if you have this particular type of eczema2.
Red cabbage, like many red and purple fruits and vegetables, contain flavonoids called Anthocyanins. It plays an antioxidative role in fighting chronic inflammation.
Celery nutrition
This fragrant and versatile fresh ingredient is high in potassium and is beneficial for suppressing inflammation. Its leaves add an extra layer of flavor and work well as a herb replacement.
If you wondered what gives Celery its famous smell, it’s a chemical called Coumarins. Celery is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It also contains Vitamin A which is beneficial for skin health.
Sweet Potato nutrition
Sweet Potatoes are rich in carotenoids that have an antioxidant effect which reduces inflammation.
It’s are also rich in Vitamin C which reduces the levels of histamine and is an antioxidant that protects the skin from allergic reactions. The orange coloured sweet potatoes are even more nutritious as they contain a concentrated amount of the antioxidant Beta-carotene which is powerful for maintaining skin health.
Heal Eczema Naturally with these two Superfoods – Garlic and Ginger
Ginger nutrition
This centuries-old medicinal food reduces inflammation and contains essential oils that interrupts the chemical reaction that occurs when inflammation occurs. Great for the healing and prevention of an Eczema ‘flare-up’.
Ginger is an antimicrobial food that can be used to treat infections. It contains a potent anti-inflammatory that reduces inflammation and red swelling, an effect of psoriasis and eczema.
It also contains Gingerol, a potent anti-inflammatory that has an antioxidant effect2. Antioxidants reduce the effects of free radical damage ie. the oxidative stress on cells.
Garlic nutrition
This flavour powerhouse contains an anti-inflammatory compound Diallyl Disulphide. Garlic is best eaten raw or lightly cooked to get the maximum benefit of this nutrient.
Garlic also has great antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which can help boost the immune system. It’s packed with Vitamin C, B6, and Manganese – all important nutrients for your overall health.
Omega 3-rich Fish such as Salmon, Mackeral, Herring and Fresh Tuna can suppress inflammation in Eczema
Salmon nutrition
You can eat any cold water fatty fish. The idea is to get as much Omega 3 and Omega 6 benefits from it. So try mackerel, herring, cod, sardines, and pilchards also. These fish contain Polyunsaturated fats.
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease.
It also contains magnesium which can provide a mood boost and many other brain and mental health benefits. Magnesium helps reduce anxiety during an Eczema flare up thereby reducing the urge to scratch and aggravate the skin.
Salmon has a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids which can actually turn off the inflammatory reaction.
Recipe: Want a fast and Easy Salmon and Lentil Salad? Try out this fuss-free recipe.
Bell pepper nutrition
This delicious and versatile vegetable contains Quercetin and Vitamin C which both reduce the levels of histamine that induces the allergic reactions in the skin.
Bell peppers, in particular red ones, have much more antioxidants than their yellow and green counterparts. It contains Quercetin (the yellow and green ones also have it), a natural antihistamine that can reduce the chronic inflammation induced by allergies, for example, Eczema.
Bear in mind that these peppers contain a moderate amount of amines and salicylates, which are natural chemicals found in the skins of certain vegetables.
Some people are allergic or sensitive to this. So, get yourself tested for it or do a simple elimination-and-reintroduction test at home.
Cannellini Beans nutrition
These beans contain a powerful antioxidant called Ferulic acid that enhances the effect of carotenoids and prevent free radical damage.
Cannellini beans are a good source of Folate. These beans contain a powerful antioxidant called Ferulic Acid that enhances the effect of carotenoids and prevents free radical damage in skin cells.
It also enhances the effects of Vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant. Cannellini beans are rich in Zinc, which is good news if you suffer from very dry or too oily skin because it will correct the imbalance. Zinc is highly beneficial in the recovery process as it helps with wound and tissue healing – good for Eczema patches are exposed, bleeding or ‘weeping’.
Avocado nutrition
Rich in the anti-inflammatory Omega 9 fatty acid known as ‘Oleic Acid’. Find it in Olive and Avocado Oil.
Avocado is delicious anytime of the day, at any meal time.
It is rich in Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids that are essential to heart health as they reduce inflammation and protect blood vessel walls. They help with the normal contractions of blood vessel walls.
Avocados contain Vitamin E that is essential for skin health as it maintains and improves the condition of elastin in the skin (keeps skin supple) and helps protect the skin barrier.
It also contains Potassium, another micronutrient is essential for heart health and can help lower blood pressure.
Avocados are high in antioxidants. These compounds are most famous for its cancer-fighting benefits. It’s important to include as many into every meal you consume.
Apricot nutrition
Contains Catechins (flavonoids) that suppress the activity of substances that switch on inflammation.
Apricots contain Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that is essential for maintaining skin health. Beta-carotene helps repair skin tissue and reduces inflammation, perfect for Eczema.
Prawn nutrition
If you have seafood sensitivities, then this food will not be an option for you.
Prawns are high in Zinc which is beneficial for wound and tissue healing – perfect for cracked and ‘weepy’ Eczema patches.
The nutritional constituents help to modulate inflammation by regulating the body’s immune responses and so reduces the aggravation of an eczema flare-up.
Pear nutrition – Choose a fruit that’s the most alkaline for eczema
This is the most alkaline fruit you can eat. It is good for skin health, particularly if you have eczema or psoriasis, because it’s the lowest in amines and salicylates.
Pears contain a high level of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which benefits cannot be overestimated.
This fruit is the lowest in Salicylates which is a natural compound found in foods which can induce sensitivity reactions.
Pears are delicious and very alkaline, making them gentle on skin conditions and beneficial for the health of skin in general .
Conclusion – How Anti-Inflammatory Foods Can Help You Clear Eczema Naturally
So when conventional methods for treating your Eczema don’t work or are just breaking the bank, try changing your nutritional intake instead, by incorporating more of these eczema-friendly foods
A constructive approach is to include the right foods for your skin condition into your diet. Don’t just follow a process of elimination. Embrace a process of inclusion to create balance and maximise your nutritional intake to treat and possibly heal your Eczema symptoms for the long term.
Also, don’t negate the medicine / treatment. If you suffer from chronic eczema, keep applying your treatment during flare ups as per doctor’s orders, but explore what the foods are about (alongside that) especially during remission. See which ones you like, are able to cook with and which ones you don’t have any allergic reactions to – remember the amines and salicylates factor.
Always consult your doctor / healthcare practitioner before embarking on any dietary changes.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is not offered as professional medical advice, but is merely nutritional insight that should be followed with discretion and/or in consultation with your healthcare practitioner or physician. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any dietary changes if you are suffering from chronic Eczema. Use the information provided at your sole discretion. See our Legal Policies for more details.
