Some Natural Eczema Natural Treatment Options You Should Consider

By Anna Lewis


Eczema is a fairly common skin condition that is estimated to affect one in every five infants that are born in the United States. The good news is that in a majority of them, the condition resolves spontaneously before they reach their twelfth birthday. Allergens that may provoke the inflammatory response seen on the skin are widely distributed in the environment and in the foods that we consume. Apart from avoiding the responsible allergens, relief can also come from using several eczema natural treatment modalities available.

The underlying problem in this condition is an abnormally functioning immune system. Bear in mind that one of the places with the highest concentration of immune cells is the gut. The cells here are organized into lymphoid tissue to form what is also known as gut associated lymphoid tissue (or GALT). Stabilizing these immune cells helps avoid most of the problems that are associated with eczema.

Having a property diet is the first step towards having a properly functioning immune system. A proper diet means that you provide the body with useful nutrients and you keep it away from potentially harmful foods and allergens that are likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Increase your intake of raw foods and cut down on processed foods, dairy, sugar, caffeine and gluten as much as possible.

There are several vitamins and minerals that have been shown to have beneficial effects. Vitamin B12, zinc and magnesium are but just a few examples. These improve the function of the immune system. Vitamin C and E help in protecting cells from attack by free radicals. In addition, vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Many of these vitamins are found in fruits, vegetables, seeds and fish.

Probiotics should also be included in the diet. These help by increasing the concentration of normal gut flora (beneficial bacteria). The presence of normal flora suppresses the growth of harmful microorganisms that may cause disease. Taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy is said to reduce the risk of eczema in newborns. Probiotics are available commercially as cultured foods.

Stress management is another strategy that can be adopted. One of the ways of achieving this is by having adequate quality sleep. For children aged less than 12 years, the recommended sleep duration is 10 hours every night. For adults, on the other hand, the minimum should be a minimum of 6 hours per night. Other approaches that can be adopted include meditation, yoga and breathing exercises. Relaxation helps the body to repair itself.

As you consider dealing with the primary underlying problem, you may benefit from a number of natural extracts. One of the most common is coconut oil. The benefits of coconut oil can be realized when it is included in food or when used as an ointment. Aloe vera and a flower known as calendula officinalis work in the same way as coconut oil.

Eczema, like many other immune mediated conditions, is quite difficult to treat. The widespread use of corticosteroids frequently worsens the symptoms. There are many natural treatments available but most take a long time to produce positive results. A well balanced diet is the cheapest yet one of the most effective treatments that can be used.




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