A breath we are in before the Eastera time that beyond its religious significance signifies the change of season – the coming of spring. Today is the feast of hope with the symbolic, traditional dishes rich on the table. But this day is difficult for those suffering from eczema.
Lots of Easter foods and sweets, such as the lamb and the warm buns, They are likely to cause their symptoms to rise. It is comforting that there are others that are more friendly or even beneficial to atopic skin. For pediatric patients, Easter day is even more difficult, since family and friends give them Chocolate eggs. Milk chocolate, as well as the eggs that are very happy, are known allergens that can aggravate the symptoms.
“Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, prickly inflammatory skin disease that usually occurs in early childhood. It can also insist on adulthood and greatly affect the patient’s quality of life. Although it has a strong genetic background, there are scientific elements that indicate the role of nutrition and lifestyle choices in its development, ”explains Dermatologist – Aphrodisiologist Dr. Christos Stamou.
“The traditional Easter menu and the following days can aggravate the condition, especially if pollen levels in the atmosphere are high. The most vulnerable are the ones who will spend these holy days in the countryside and leave the tasty enjoyment of the brightness of the brilliant.
Fats, salt and sugar consumed in greater quantities than usually can cause deterioration of eczema, itching, redness and edema, and increase the risk of complications, including staphylococcal infection, “he adds.
Obelia is the number one “enemy”since it contains large amounts of sodium and fat. A study conducted by researchers at the University of California with data from the United Kingdom confirmed the findings of previous studies on the negative effect of salt on atopic skin. According to Jama Dermatology, finds, an increase of 1g in the 24 -hour sodium excretion in urine was associated with increased chances of developing atopic dermatitis, active atopic dermatitis and deterioration of the severity of the condition. The findings were confirmed by the same researchers, this time with data drawn from national health and US health research.
Fat is also harmful to people with eczema, since these patients have reduced metabolism of basal fats. In addition, excessive intake of fatty acids causes inflammation, a key factor in development and deterioration of the disease. “Forbidden” is sugar, as well as processed carbohydrates, as they increase insulin levels, which in turn promotes inflammation.
The eggs, Like other foods that often cause allergies, they can also trigger the rise of eczema symptoms. According to indications, the opposite is true: that eczema is what is sometimes responsible for the development of food allergies.
But there are also beneficial foods at the Easter table, with dominant slice and Tzatziki, because of the probiotics they contain. These contribute to the development of a healthy digestive and immune system and protect against the appearance or deterioration of eczema.
The garlic It also has a beneficial effect in tzatziki. It acts as a prebiotic as it “nourishes” beneficial probiotics in the intestine and contributes to their population growth. It fights the pathogenic bowel bacteria very effectively.
The onion Missing from any rustic or lettuce, is rich in fructo-oligosaccharides, who support the intestinal flora and enhance the immune system. It is rich in quercetin, which has excellent antioxidant properties and is particularly effective because it reduces the release of histamine by enhancing the skin’s ability to fight infections.
Probiotics are good bacteria that preserve bowel flora and prebiotic forms of carbohydrates that are a food for probiotics. Some studies show that probiotics, prebiotics and their combination support bacterial intestinal flora and help reduce the inflammation that causes the eczema symptoms.
In general a diet rich in antioxidants It can help reduce inflammation and thus the symptoms of the disease. But there is no specific diet that suits all those who suffer from eczema.
“On Easter’s festive days patients are good to remain focused on a nutritional diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, Healthy fats and lean protein, excluding any food that has proven to worsen their symptoms.
Sun exposure can relieve the symptoms, increasing the production of vitamin D. Although it is still investigated whether increased intake of rich foods is equally beneficial, it is certainly beneficial to bone health and the overall functioning of the immune system.
If, despite their application, the eczema worsens, there are many treatment options for its recession, including local and systemic medications and phototherapy, “concludes Dr. Stamou.