NOVEMBER 2017HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE 39ECZEMA
What is it? Eczema is a common skin condition,
with various causes, that can make skin inflamed,
red, itchy or dry, and sometimes blistered or weepy.
Atopic dermatitis, the most common form, is
typically seen in people with asthma or hay fever
in the family. Eczema usually begins in childhood,
frequently arising in skin folds and on the face.
Eczema impairs the skin’s barrier function, which
normally helps skin stay hydrated, pliable and
resistant to infections and allergies.
The food link ... Some people with eczema have
food allergies, which a health professional can test
for. If an allergy is present, an elimination diet can
help decrease eczema’s severity. It’s important for
people with food allergies to be regularly reassessed
because their allergies can spontaneously resolve.
Elimination diets are not effective for treating eczema
if you don’t have a food allergy.
SOLUTION^ Consider trying probiotics
Your skin is covered in helpful microorganisms that
protect against disease. Overuse of antibiotics can
destroy this balance, but probiotics can help.
Taking probiotics during pregnancy and also
postnatally potentially decreases the risk of atopic
dermatitis in offspring. If there is a strong family
history of eczema, exclusive breastfeeding for four
months also offers some protection. There is no
strong evidence that supplements reduce eczema.
Get a hit of the
sunshine vitamin
The sun is both the major
cause behind skin cancer
and your best vitamin D
source, so being sun smart
is a balancing act. The key
vitamin maintains calcium and
phosphorus levels, and keeps
your bones healthy and strong.
Studies show people who
use sunscreen in summer still
have adequate vitamin D levels,
and even more if they exercise
outdoors. Most Australians
get enough vitamin D through
incidental exposure to the sun.
If you’re over 50, dark-skinned,
immobile, do little outdoor activity
or cover up for any reason, you
may be at risk of deficiency. Speak
to your GP about whether you
need to take supplements.PSORIASIS
What is it? Psoriasis is a
non-contagious autoimmune
disease that results in uneven,
red and scaly skin. It starts at any
age and can run in the family.
There’s no cure, but symptoms,
if not widespread, can be treated
by applications to the skin.The food link ...
Occasionally, psoriasis is also
associated with coeliac disease.In this instance, a diagnosed
coeliac’s gluten-free diet can
help their psoriasis. Psoriasis
is additionally associated with
obesity, cardiovascular disease
and type 2 diabetes.
Diminished consumption of
alcohol — and weight loss — can
reduce severe psoriasis and
improve the way medications
work. Regular vigorous exercise
also lowers psoriasis risk and
helps keep it at bay.SOLUTION
Up the antioxidants
Antioxidants from a diet rich in
vegetables, nuts and fruits can
help people with psoriasis.
Vitamin D supplements can
assist in certain restricted cases,
but talk to your GP first.
Dark-green leafy vegies are a
great option. Their folic acid cuts
the toxicity of methotrexate — a
powerful medicine for treating
stubborn psoriasis.