The diet for atopic dermatitis

introduction

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder that is accompanied by itchy rashes. The cause of the development is not fully understood and seems to be triggered by different factors in each person.

Some patients describe their symptoms getting worse when they consume certain foods. But which foods are suitable and which should be avoided?

How should you feed yourself with atopic dermatitis?

Neurodermatitis is a chronic disease that can worsen due to individual trigger factors. For this reason it is advisable to keep a diary. All food consumed daily should be noted here. In addition, you should write down your own physical condition (stressed, relaxed, etc.). This is the best way to find the trigger.
Alternatively, elimination diets are also suitable. Here, some foods are deliberately left out and the course is observed. An elimination diet should never be carried out independently, but always under the supervision of a nutritional treatment.

Since neurodermatitis causes inflammation on the surface of the skin, anti-inflammatory substances are particularly suitable:

• Evening primrose oil: Contains gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. These are unsaturated fatty acids that reduce the production and release of inflammatory messenger substances

• The rapeseed oil: contains omega-3 fatty acids. These are unsaturated fatty acids that also reduce the production of inflammatory messenger substances

• The linseed oil: contains omega-3 fatty acids

• The flax seeds: Contains omega-3 fatty acids

• The walnut: Contains omega-3 fatty acids (however, you should be careful with walnuts, as some atopic dermatitis sufferers cannot tolerate them)

• Fresh fish: contains omega-3 fatty acids

• Lots of vegetables: Contains various vitamins and minerals, which are important for a balanced diet.

• Grains (spelled, rye, quinoa): Contain different minerals

• Turmeric: Has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancerogenic effect. Is used successfully for other skin diseases such as psoaris and lichen planus. Some neurodermatitis patients have already benefited from the effect

Another alternative diet is taking probiotics. Probiotics are viable microorganisms that attach to the intestinal flora. Their effects are not yet fully understood, but they appear to communicate with the immune system and reduce the inflammatory response in the body. They can have a positive effect on allergies or chronic diseases such as neurodermatitis.

Read more about the topic here: The probiotics.

What should I watch out for with a baby?

Babies with atopic dermatitis are very sensitive to certain foods. These foods are very different from one individual to another. It is advisable to note the food consumed daily in order to filter out possible triggers. There is no universal diet. If certain foods make symptoms worse, they should not be eaten. Finished products that contain additives and preservatives should be avoided entirely. Other foods that can have a negative impact are dairy, soy, and wheat products. In addition, you should not give the babies sweets, as these can also have a negative effect on the disease.

It is recommended to breastfeed the baby until the sixth month and then start a meal afterwards. The milk meals should be increasingly reduced. From the 10th month the baby can also eat normal food. However, one should carefully watch which foods are tolerated and which are not.

Find out all about the topic here: Atopic dermatitis in babies.

Why should you breastfeed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for at least 6 months. Breastfeeding has many benefits for the baby. On the one hand, breast milk contains many important nutrients such as proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. In addition, digestive enzymes can be absorbed through the breast milk, which facilitate food intake. In addition, breastfeeding supports brain development and promotes learning ability and intelligence.

But why is breastfeeding so important in connection with neurodermatitis? In addition to all these positive effects, breast milk leads to a maturation of the immune system. A mature immune system is particularly important so that immune cells do not turn against the body's own cells, destroy them and trigger inflammatory reactions. In addition, the maturation of the intestinal flora is promoted. In this way, microorganisms can successfully attach to the intestinal mucosa and promote the defense mechanism of the intestine. But since this process takes time, nature has created another strategy. The infant can absorb antibodies from the mother through breast milk. In this way, infections can be successfully fought and it has been proven that diseases such as gastrointestinal infections also occur less frequently.

You will find more information on this topic here: Breastfeeding.

Are there foods that cause eczema?

The trigger factors that trigger neurodermatitis are quite different. However, there are foods that are linked to the worsening of eczema. This includes:

• Cow's milk and related products (yogurt, cheese)

• Wheat products

• Soy products

• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)

• Eggs

• Meat and sausages, especially pork

• Fish (although it contains good fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects, it can worsen symptoms in some people)

• Ready meals with preservatives and additives

• industrially manufactured confectionery

• Alcohol, especially wine

• Soft drinks, coffee, cocoa

Close observation should be used to find out which edibles are intolerant. Elimination diets can be used to determine whether the symptoms improve after omission. For this it is advisable to seek nutritional advice.

Is there an atopic dermatitis diet?

As mentioned above, there is no one universal diet. Neurodermatitis is a multifaceted disease that is triggered by individual factors. However, there are foods that have been linked to worsen symptoms. Careful observation can determine which of these foods are given to you and which are unsuitable.

Furthermore, every patient should pay attention to a balanced diet. Lots of vegetables, lots of fruit and healthy fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids) are recommended. In addition, alcohol and nicotine should be avoided if possible.

The treatment of neurodermatitis? Read more here.