Eczema
is a skin condition known to affect allergy-prone individuals. Inflammation of
the skin that comes with eczema usually produces itching, scaling, flaking,
weeping, crusting and/or color changes.
It
often appears on the face, behind the knees and in the bends of the elbows.
Allergy triggers for eczema vary, but the most common have to do with weather
changes, exposure to allergens and viral or bacterial infections.
The
following vitamins heavy in fruits and vegetables can help to lessen the symptoms and prevent
recurrence of eczema, according to Phyllis A. Balch, author of
"Prescription for Nutritional Healing." The best sources of these
vitamins are from fruits and d vegetables; however, nutritional supplementation
may be helpful on occasion.
Vitamin A
Vitamin
A enhances immunity and is needed for maintenance and repair of skin tissue. It
acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative and free
radical damage. A deficiency of vitamin A is often associated with many skin
disorders, including eczema. Good food sources include fish liver oils and
yellow and green fruits and vegetables, including asparagus, broccoli, carrots,
apricots, dulse, kale, papayas, peaches, pumpkin and yellow squash.
Vitmain B Complex
These
vitamins act as coenzymes, which help other enzymes to activate nutrients, and
are involved in energy production. B-complex vitamins are often referred to as
anti-stress vitamins. They help in the growth and maintenance of nerves, skin,
eyes, hair, muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain
function. B vitamins should always be taken together because they work most
effectively as a team. The richest and healthiest food sources of B vitamins include
brewer's yeast, eggs, legumes, rice bran, wheat germ, whole grains, broccoli,
seafood, spinach and other leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin C
Required
for at least 300 metabolic processes in the body, including tissue growth and
repair, vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that improves skin health and
can minimize the effects of eczema. It can combine with toxic substances in the
body (such as allergens) and help remove them. Vitamin C is found in all types
of berries, citrus fruits and green vegetables.
Vitamin D
Vitamin
D is another antioxidant. It protects skin from the damaging effects of UV
rays. It can also help with some of the symptoms of eczema, including
itchiness, dryness and redness. Exposing the face and arms to the sun for 15
minutes three times a week is the most effective way to get adequate amounts of
vitamin D in the body. Some food sources include fish liver oils, dairy
products, eggs and fatty fish.
Vitamin E
Used
in many topical treatments for eczema because of its proven effectiveness,
vitamin E can improve the skin's appearance and help reduce dryness and
soreness. As an antioxidant, vitamin E helps with eczema by preventing cellular
damage from free radicals and the oxidation of fats. Vitamin E is found in cold
pressed vegetable oils, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and
whole grains.
References
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2000.
- AdvancedHealthyLiving.com: Vitamins That Help Eczema
- Eczema.net: B Vitamins
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