Four hidden causes of eczema and how to treat it naturally
Did you know that eczema is usually a reflection of our internal health? Despite common advice that topical creams are the answer, the reality is that healthy skin starts from the inside.
While steroid treatments can help in managing the symptoms, they come with side effects and don’t address the underlying cause.
The key to managing eczema in the long term is identifying and addressing the root cause, to heal the skin from the inside out.
So here are four common causes of eczema – and what to do about it!
1. LEAKY GUT – there is growing research that eczema is an outward manifestation of leaky gut.
Otherwise known as intestinal permeability, leaky gut is when bacteria, toxins and food proteins are able to “leak” through the lining of the intestines into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation. Gut dysbiosis and an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut commonly contributes to leaky gut.
An anti-inflammatory diet, and a gut healing protocol benefits not just the skin, but the mind and body. Click here for my 4 steps to heal your gut.
2. FOOD INTOLERANCES – food sensitivities (not allergies) are a common cause of eczema. Common culprits include dairy and wheat, tomatoes, artificial additives, as well as high histamine foods (eggplant, spinach, fermented foods, alcohol, slow cooked foods, processed meats) or citrus foods.
Food triggers vary by person so I recommend clinical testing to identify your sensitivites, and to avoid eliminating foods unnecessarily or playing guesswork. Find out more about IgG food intolerance testing or food sensitivity testing here.
3. NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES – a fresh, antioxidant rich wholefood natural diet is critical in helping the skin to repair and to calm inflammation. Ensure adequate amounts of Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc and essential fatty acids. Certain strains of probiotics have also been found to be beneficial for eczema so it’s best to choose specific probiotics that are well researched for eczema treatment. Bioresonance testing can be very helpful in identifying your vitamin and mineral levels, and individual strains of gut bacteria your digestion is lacking, to help guide your diet and probiotic choices.
4. CHEMICAL EXPOSURE – sensitivities to everyday household chemicals are common triggers of eczema. These include skincare products, fragrance, cleaning products as well as chlorinated water. We absorb and inhale the products we use in our home – and over time they affect our gut, liver and skin.
Go low tox in your home, and swap to natural remedies to relieve itchiness and redness symptoms on the skin. I love to help guide clients with simple tips and healthy swaps in my consultations to help them reduce chemicals with ease.
By focussing on these four key areas, I’ve helped many of my clients reduce inflammation, redness and itchiness in their skin, without the need for harsh steroid treatments.
Want more info on my health services, gut microbiome stool testing or food intolerance testing? To learn how I can support you, view my Gut Health Practitioner Services page.
Prefer a more holistic, flexible solution to improve your gut health?
My Healthy Gut Reset program is a powerful, proven 8-week program that gets results and includes 1:1 consultations! Designed to improve gut health symptoms, the program has helped clients lose weight, reduce bloating, feel more energised and confident, improve their digestion, acid reflux, sleep, indigestion, and other symptoms. View more information about our Healthy Gut Reset program.
Not ready to get started but want more regular gut health tips? Join my free Healthy Gut Space facebook group and let’s stay connected!