A friend of mine recently requested that I write about the link between sugar and eczema hoping that it may provide relief to eczema sufferers. She herself had severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) for many years and had tried numerous treatments all to no avail until she took out refined sugar from her diet completely. This provided amazing results, she stopped breaking out and her skin finally started healing.
Evidence shows us that high intake of sugar and products containing 'added sugar' is connected to not only various skin disorders but many other health problems as well. Understanding this connection is vital for people who suffer from eczema in order for them to avoid painful and annoying flare ups and break outs. Eczema is triggered by a response from the immune system and sugar is known to suppress the immune system. The bacteria that create the eczema rash loves to feed on sugar.
Today, our standard North American diet is loaded with sugar. 'Hidden sugar' is present in our bread, cereals, canned foods, salad dressings, ketchup and many other food items which we don't even think of. According to one study an average westerner (kids and adults) consumes about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of sugar per day and more than two pounds in a week whereas the recommended amount is just 10 teaspoons a day! Two pounds of sugar per week means we're consuming about 104 pounds of sugar in a year. This is astonishing because around 100 years ago people consumed just 6 pounds of sugar per year and eczema was virtually non existent in those days. There were also very few cases of heart diseases, cancer and obesity during those days whereas now all of these diseases are increasing at an incredibly rapid rate!
Its ok to eat some natural sugars which are found in fruits, vegetables, honey and maple syrup but processed sugars such as white and brown sugar should definitely be avoided. This means cutting back on baked goods such as cookies and cakes, candies, sodas and sugary cereals. Refined sugar may be the culprit behind many inflammatory conditions not just eczema. When we consume foods high in sugar, our body releases insulin. Along with the insulin, harmful free radicals are also released which then have the potential to damage our cells. This damage promotes an inflammation response as our immune system attempts to fight the free radicals. Simply cutting back on refined sugar and eating a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits, fish, nuts and healthy fats can help counteract the inflammation and provide relief to painful, itchy flare ups.
Good nutrition and healthy diet are important for the maintenance of good skin. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and it will be adversely affected by consuming unhealthy food. Even though it cannot be said for certain whether or not sugar causes eczema, it is definitely worth cutting back on it and to see the results.
Sources:
5 things you need to know about food and eczema
Sweet Tooth and Eczema
