Tips to help treat Eczema - Naturally
A common skin disorder, eczema causes dry, irritated, red, itchy skin that can be very painful for some. Eczema is generally caused by an allergic response to foods, chemicals, or other substances such as perfumes or soaps but most importantly, eczema can be caused by poor digestion, inflammation and conditions like Leaky Gut syndrome ( Blog to come on leaky gut)
If Eczema is a condition driven by the likes of inflammation in the gut, we need to look at ways to switch off that inflammatory marker and create a healthy gut environment for healthy skin.
Here are some tips i have put together to help your skin irritations such as eczema.
#1 Fish Oil
We all hear fish oil is good for us, but why? Most of the health benefits of fish oil are because it is one of natures’ richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) and (EPA). Fish oils are well known for their anti- inflammatory properties and in the case of eczema, great for the treatment of irritated, red, inflamed skin.
#2 Probiotics
A healthy gut means a healthy individual. The first and most overlooked reason why our digestive tract is critical to our health, is because 80 percent of your entire immune system is located in your digestive tract! Supplementing with “good bacteria” to populate your gut and fight off bad bacterial strains will naturally reduce gut damage, inflammation and turn down an overactive immune system.
#3 Vitamin D - Very simple, has antibacterial properties and boosts immunity. We all know we get our Vitamin D source from the sun, yet Vitamin D deficiency is fast becoming one of the most serious health threats for the Western world. A huge 89% of Australians are deficient. Apart from this Vitamin being essential for Bone health, it plays a key role in prevention of mental health disorders such as depression and is essential for cancer prevention and our longevity.
#4 Glutamine Powder - Glutamine is known to improve our gastrointestinal health because it is a vital nutrient for the intestines to rebuild and repair mucous membranes which line our gut. In a case of a digestive system which is inflamed, irritated , damaged and causing skin disorders such as eczema, a gut healing powder such as Glutamine would be perfect on a daily basis.
#5 Slippery Elm Powder - A powder very well known to be beneficial for digestive issues such as IBS and inflammation. In addition to it's ability to soothe and protect the digestive system, slippery elm also contains antioxidants, making it a great remedy for wounds, burns, boils, psoriasis and other external skin conditions such as eczema.
#6 Coconut Oil - Coconut oil protects the skin and has many antioxidants that make it ideal for the treatment of eczema. In addition to it's antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is made up of three particular fatty acids, two of them (Caprylic and Lauric) are known to reduce inflammation internally and externally, making it ideal for healing the skin.
#7 Tumeric - This herb is well known for it's vibrant yellow colour and very well known for it's anti-inflammatory properties. Adding Tumeric to your food daily will work wonders to improve an inflamed digestive tract or can simply be taken as a cancer fighting agent. Tumeric capsules are also available from your health food store and can be taken in acute or chronic situations if suffering from inflammatory skin flare ups.
Below is our eczema healing smoothie you can try at home . Also an easier way of helping your little ones eczema.
Choc Coconut
Eczema Healing Smoothie
- 250 ml Coconut Milk
- 1 Cup of water
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 2 grams Glutamine powder
- 1 tsp Probiotic powder
- Ice
(Cinnamon & Coconut flakes to taste)
Blend ingredients until smooth, serve immediately.
