Eczema and Gut Health
Ever since my son struggled with eczema and seeing how it caused him great discomfort, I have become more mindful of nutrition, skincare and overall holistic living. Living with eczema can be a daily struggle and the slightest change in diet, lifestyle, weather, product or stress can cause it to flare up in an instant.
The fact is, eczema is an autoimmune condition that can’t be cured but it can certainly be contained through practices such as: an anti-inflammatory diet, gut cleanses, a supplement routine, non toxic skincare and plant based/herbal medicine. The connectivity of the mind, body and spirit fascinates me and sharing my findings has become a passion the last 16 years with you.
Eat an Anti-inflammatory Diet
If used mindfully, food is one of the most powerful healers. Eczema is composed of inflammatory factors that cause flare ups. And though there is little scientific evidence to support the correlation between eczema and diet, we have seen many studies that substantiate a direct link. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can aid immensely in combating discomfort. Diseases are not individualistic but rather the culmination of many factors. Treating the gut and elevating immune system resilience ultimately leads to happier and healthier skin. Anti inflammatory foods consist of: colorful plants, wild caught fish, nuts and spices such as turmeric.
Drink Water, Decrease Alcohol
There is no doubt in my mind: pure, clean water is the elixir of life. It keeps your skin hydrated and glowing, flushes out toxins and hydrates your largest organ, your skin! Consuming at least half your body weight in ounces daily is crucial to your overall health. On the other side of the spectrum, alcohol, a depressant, dehydrates you, contributes to inflammation, alters your mood state and encourages an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Personally, decreasing alcohol in my lifestyle has noticeably affected every aspect of my being, most notably my mental health, digestion efficiency and skin appearance.
Consider a Candida Cleanse
I just completed another candida cleanse a year ago after I had my Breast Implants of 13 years removed and words can't explain how good I felt. One of the main symptoms of yeast overgrowth is eczema and skin conditions. The cleanse consists of eliminating yeast overgrowth for a 6 week period using antifungal and antibacterial herbs and supplements along with a supportive diet. Protocol consists of limited carbohydrate intake, eliminating triggering foods and incorporating therapeutic foods like rooibos coconut oil.
Build a Supplement Routine
Many nutrients are available in nutritious food but sometimes we need a little help. I currently follow a set protocol of supplements each day containing elements such as: zinc, Lions Mane, Glutathione, MCT Oil, Krill Oil, Greens, L-Glutamine, Magnesium, Probiotics, just to name a few.Vitamin A-D-K is also a daily must have have. The main purpose of these supplements is to support healthy immune, detoxification, intestinal microbial balance and kill bad bacteria. The supplements I’m taking are concentrated formulas consisting of natural herbs and plants.
Invest in Non-Toxic Skincare
Less is more. Here in America we have a tendency to fall into the vortex of harmful ingredients that contribute to skin inflammation. Non-toxic skincare is powerful, nourishing and rooted in Mother Earth and long standing apothecaries. I am continuously narrowing down my skin routine while incorporating products that stand for clean, pure, non harming ingredients.
Practice Free Medicine
Coined by Carly Brawner, free medicine is simple, accessible and rejuvenating. The parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes called the rest and digest system, conserves energy levels as it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. It can’t function alone. Nurturing your well being through practices like meditation, exercise, a sleep schedule and quality human connection contributes to the vitality of your parasympathetic nervous system, leading to less stress, more joy and thus a well functioning body.
Even if you don't suffer from Eczema, adapting this daily habit is a life changer ! You truly have nothing to lose by investing in your health and mindset.