ECZEMA PART 1: SUPPLEMENTS

Originally published: JANUARY 15, 2019

This is the season when anyone that suffers from skin imbalances such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or super dry skin- starts to really feel it. I can’t tell you how many clients we have that come asking for relief from their itchy + dry skin. We want to help! We do have products that will serve you some relief, and of course, natural is always best. The chemicals found in other store-bought products, can cause more trouble on your already aching skin. From a Holistic Nutritionist stand-point, these imbalances almost always start on the inside. Which is why at Lunah, we are big on asking about food, stress, sleep + other lifestyle factors.  There is no one single cause of eczema but there are numerous underlying factors that can cause eczema and/or worsen the condition. Because there is a lot to cover, we will chat about over a few, consecutive blog posts. Today, let's focus on wise supplement choices.

I’m not big on supplementing unless it's necessary, at least for a short while.

EFA’s: Essential fatty acids help keep the skin moisturized, fight systemic inflammation, and aid in nervous system homeostasis. Stress is a huge factor in this skin condition, and a good essential fatty acid is like giving your nervous system a big ol’ hug! When selecting a quality supplement from this category, please consult with your neighbourhood health store (they know so much!) Avoid high heat purified, molecularly distilled fish oils, and instead look for companies using the whole fish, which means you get all of the omegas plus naturally occurring vitamin D.

Probiotics: Research has shown that the more strains of healthy bacteria we have in our bellies, the better off our bodies are to fight disease, power up your immune system , and decrease inflammation. Three key factors in the development of eczema.  It also helps to create vitamins and minerals that are made in the gut.  (We will cover prebiotic and probiotic rich foods in the next segment).

Vitamin D: Supplementation with this vitamin is very necessary for healing the skin from within.  Research has shown people who have eczema have lower levels of vitamin D, most of us are deficient here in Canada! Vitamin D helps the immune system reduce levels of inflammation and strengthens the skin barriers.

Digestive Enzymes with HCL:  A lack of one or both of these things can cause a lot of imbalances. If you do lack the factors to help break your foods down, they are not being assimilated, absorbed, and used to their best abilities! There are a few options here to increase your stomach fire, which leads to less symptoms of indigestion, as well as decrease inflammation. You can pop over to your local health food store and inquire about which HCL supplements they carry to increase stomach acid. Or digestive enzymes to help break down either carbs, proteins or fats. You could also start with some cheap and easy solutions like there:

1. Stimulate HCl with the juice from a fresh lemon and 500mL of water first thing in the morning before breakfast.
2. Consider digestive bitters. Take 1-1.5 ml (30-45 drops) 3 times daily, in a little water, on an empty stomach. Take 15-60 minutes before meals.
3. Drink less fluids with meals if possible. 
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: add about 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to  1/4 a cup of water, and consume with a meal. You can use either raw (unpasteurized) or regular, if you are sensitive to fermented foods.

*The information here is not intended to treat or cure. Please consult your trusted health care provider before going ahead with any new program.