Madeleine Hull
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects about 60% of children within the first year of life. While food does not directly cause eczema, certain dietary changes can help reduce symptoms, especially in children with food allergies or sensitivities. For example, eliminating common food allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy products, nuts, peanuts, gluten, fish, and shellfish may help improve eczema symptoms. In addition, an anti-inflammatory diet that includes fatty fish like salmon, fruits, and vegetables can help to reduce inflammation and manage eczema flare-ups. Keeping a food journal and working with a healthcare professional or nutritionist can help identify specific trigger foods and ensure that a child's dietary needs are met.
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What You'll Learn
The Mediterranean diet
The diet also limits heavily processed foods, which can trigger inflammation and reduce the overall nutritional value of meals. By focusing on whole, natural foods, the Mediterranean diet can help support a child's overall health and well-being, which is beneficial for managing eczema.
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Omega-3 rich foods
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy, and irritated. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for managing eczema, an anti-inflammatory diet that includes omega-3-rich foods can help fight inflammation and improve symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and certain plant-based oils, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the immune response and reduce skin irritation. They are also essential for maintaining the skin's moisture barrier, which is often compromised in children with eczema.
When it comes to omega-3-rich foods, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from. Here are some suggestions for omega-3-rich snacks that may be suitable for kids on an eczema diet:
- Fatty fish: Salmon and herring are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to note that some children may be sensitive to certain types of fish or shellfish, so it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or registered dietitian before introducing new foods.
- Fish oil supplements: If your child cannot tolerate fatty fish, fish oil supplements may be an alternative option. Look for high-quality supplements that are free from toxins like mercury, and always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
- Eggs: Eggs are another good source of omega-3 and can be a versatile snack option for kids.
- Seeds and nuts: While tree nuts should be avoided as they can trigger severe cases of eczema, other types of seeds and nuts can provide a crunchy and nutritious snack option while also boosting your child's omega-3 intake.
- Flaxseed oil: Flaxseed oil is a plant-based source of omega-3 and can be easily added to salads, smoothies, or other snack options.
It is important to remember that dietary changes are just one aspect of managing eczema, and there are many other triggers outside of diet that can contribute to flare-ups. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or introducing new supplements to your child's routine.
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Probiotics
In addition, probiotics have been specifically linked to a reduction in eczema symptoms. For example, one study found that the use of the lactobacillus rhamnosus strain reduced the incidence of infantile eczema by 39%. Another study found that pregnant women who took probiotics during their last trimester and while breastfeeding had a reduced risk of eczema in their infants.
G-NiiB Immune Kids SIM03 is a probiotic supplement designed to build a robust immune system and aid in children's growth and development. It is formulated with live probiotics and prebiotics to help develop a diverse immune system, relieve sensitive skin, and improve irritable physical conditions. Clinical trials have shown that G-NiiB Immune Kids SIM03 is safe and effective in easing skin sensitivity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
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Allergen-free foods
Some common allergens that may trigger eczema flare-ups include milk, eggs, and peanuts. Introducing these common allergen foods early in a child's life may help prevent the development of food allergies. Additionally, soy products such as soy milk, tofu, and edamame can cause an immune response in children with soy allergies. It is worth noting that soy allergies are less common, representing only 0.4% of food allergies in children under 18 in the United States.
For children with eczema, certain types of seafood may trigger symptoms. Some children may be sensitive to finned fish or shellfish, while others may react only to crustaceans like shrimp and crab or mollusks like oysters and clams. A pediatrician or dietitian can help determine which seafood varieties may be triggers.
Another common allergen is gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye products. Eliminating gluten from the diet can be beneficial for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, often resulting in improved skin. Many gluten-free substitutes are available, such as using potato flakes instead of breadcrumbs and almond flour instead of wheat flour.
In addition to gluten, wheat itself can be an allergen, triggering eczema flare-ups and other symptoms like hives and asthma. Tree nuts are also associated with severe cases of eczema and should be avoided, including tree nut products like pesto, nut butter, coconut products, and certain cereals, cookies, crackers, and candies.
An anti-inflammatory diet is often recommended for atopic eczema, focusing on nutritionally rich foods and avoiding sugar and saturated fats. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole foods, plant-based options, and lean protein, is a popular choice for managing eczema.
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Gluten-free foods
If your child has eczema, it's important to identify and avoid their specific triggers and allergens. This may help reduce their symptoms. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, an anti-inflammatory diet is often recommended to help manage symptoms.
- Fruits and Vegetables: These can be paired with gluten-free dips like hummus or avocado mash, or turned into a colourful platter with olives, cheeses, and gluten-free crackers.
- Greek Yogurt: A high-protein, probiotic-dense option that can be paired with gluten-free granola or fruit.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, pistachios, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are healthy, gluten-free options that provide good fats and fibre.
- Popcorn: Popcorn is a naturally gluten-free, whole-grain snack that can be flavoured in many ways.
- Edamame: A high-protein, plant-based option that can be mixed with grains and vegetables for a nutritious snack.
- Cottage Cheese: Can be paired with gluten-free oat bars for a sweet and savoury snack.
- Gluten-Free Crackers: Can be topped with tuna or salmon, beans, and vegetables for a high-protein, high-fibre snack.
- Smoothies: Blended with gluten-free oats, spinach, avocado, and fruit, smoothies are a well-rounded, on-the-go snack option.
- Gluten-Free Pancakes and Breads: Buckwheat pancakes and pumpkin bean bread are gluten-free options that are packed with protein and fibre.
- Meat and Fish: Canned fish, beef or turkey jerky, and other meats can be high-protein, gluten-free options.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for children with eczema. However, some protein-rich snacks that may be suitable for children with eczema include:
- Salmon, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt.
- Prebiotic-rich foods like asparagus, bananas, honey, oatmeal and beans.
- Lean meats, which are part of the Mediterranean diet that emphasises whole foods, plant-based foods and lean proteins.
Some common food triggers that may worsen eczema symptoms include cow's milk, eggs, soy products, nuts, peanuts, gluten, fish and shellfish. It is important to identify any food allergies or sensitivities through blood tests and skin prick tests, and to work with a dietitian to ensure your child's nutritional needs are met.
An elimination diet can help identify food triggers for eczema. This involves temporarily avoiding certain foods, monitoring symptoms, and then slowly reintroducing them one at a time to see if symptoms return. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting an elimination diet to ensure your child's nutritional needs are met.
