Nutrition to prevent atopic dermatitis: what to eat and what to avoid

To combat it effectively, it is often necessary to make lifestyle changes

ROME – atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation of the skin, caused by a combination of genetic, immunological factors, exposure to external irritants and inadequate hygiene practices . To effectively treat it, you often need to use topical medications and make lifestyle changes. Furthermore, when dermatitis is caused by allergens, it is essential to identify and avoid contact with the triggering agents, which can also include eating habits.

The importance of nutrition

Who turns to a specialist to find out how to cure atopic dermatitis, we often hear the answer that nutrition can also play an important role, both in preventing and managing this skin condition. First of all, it is important to maintain a balanced diet to prevent inflammatory processes and facilitate tissue repair.

There are foods that help keep dermatitis away and foods that can promote it. But what are the virtuous behaviors at the table that contribute to keeping the skin healthy and healthy?

Identify and avoid foods that cause dermatitis

Allergological tests or food intolerance tests are not considered diagnostic tests to identify the disease, but help find allergies or irritations triggered by certain agents. Some foods that can trigger atopic dermatitis in children and adults include:

• milk and derivatives;
• eggs;
• soy;
• nuts;
• wheat (gluten);
• peanuts;
• seafood ;
• some fruits.

Once the allergen has been identified, it is advisable to undergo a specialist visit to access a healthy diet that provides the appropriate nutrients and eliminates the foods responsible for the inflammation.

Avoid foods rich in histamine

In general, to prevent atopic dermatitis or recurrences, it is best to limit the consumption of foods rich in histamine. Histamine is a chemical substance naturally present in our body and in some foods, especially fermented, matured or smoked. For example:

• Fermented products such as yogurt, sauerkraut, soy sauce;
• Mature cheeses such as Parmesan or cheddar;
• Preserved or canned fish;
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Processed meats or cured meats ;
• Fruit and vegetables, which contain it naturally (strawberries, tomatoes, aubergines).

The list is purely indicative. These foods can trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals and have no effect on others. If the observation leads you to suspect a correlation between a food and a possible skin reaction, it is advisable to visit a specialist and agree on the tests and possible remedies together to regain well-being.

Preferring anti-inflammatory foods

There are foods that have a natural anti-inflammatory power and which are useful in the treatment of pathologies such as atopic dermatitis. These are mainly:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, present in many fish such as salmon, swordfish, cod or herring;
• Green leafy vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin , spinach, broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, artichokes, because they are rich in antioxidants;
• Probiotics: foods such as yogurt or kefir that help intestinal health and consequently the well-being of the immune system. p>

Pay attention to the quality of ingredients and raw materials

Choosing healthy ingredients, correctly stored and consumed before the expiry date also prevents skin inflammation such as dermatitis. Fresh and minimally processed foods help strengthen the skin barrier and make the immune system healthier.

Expired or spoiled foods develop toxins and microorganisms that can be very dangerous for health and, moreover, risk triggering or accentuating skin reactions (itching, rashes, redness, swelling).

Preferring organic farming and natural products

It would be better to prefer or alternate natural products with an industrial-based diet, even better if organic. Preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, which are part of the food and prepared foods industry, can cause or exacerbate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in some individuals.

Organic agriculture is a set of techniques and systems that allows you to produce fresh food without the use of pesticides, fertilizers and without resorting to genetically modified organisms (GMOs): choosing products of this type prevents possible allergic or inflammatory reactions.

Choosing healthy cooking

The type of cooking also affects nutrition, the well-being of the intestine and the immune system. Cooking methods such as frying or grilling, which use abundant oil or can generate toxic compounds during the process, have harmful effects on the body and also on the skin barrier.

It is better to opt for slower cooking, at low temperatures, with steam or in the oven, which take longer but avoid altering the food and preserve the nutrients.

The importance of water

Adequate hydration is a panacea for preventing various pathologies, including atopic dermatitis. Water, in addition to facilitating the elimination of toxins, cell turnover and regularization of the intestine, strengthens and improves the skin barrier, which is more suitable for repelling attacks from external agents.< /p>

Internal hydration is as important as external hydration: to repel inflammatory processes, the skin must be constantly treated with hydrating and emollient substances, such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.