Fruits and Vegetables to Eat and Avoid With Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes skin inflammation, dryness, redness, and itch. Eczema could be genetic or triggered by environmental causes. Dermatologists or health care professionals may prescribe eczema drugs like Otezla (Apremilast), Dupixent (Dupilumab) or Cibinqo (Abrocitinib) as options for adult and pediatric eczema treatments. However, Choosing the right food is also essential when it comes to managing the condition. Here are the best and worst fruits and vegetables for eczema.
Best fruits and vegetables for eczema
Apples
Apples are some of the best fruits to eat when you have eczema. Apples are rich in a flavonoid called quercetin. The biological properties of quercetin are known to reduce the secretion of histamine and bring down pro-inflammatory markers. These, in return, lower the intensity of eczema and prevent frequent flare-ups of the condition.
Blueberries
Just like apples, blueberries are also rich with flavonoids that fight inflammation in the body. Since eczema is a result of skin inflammation, eating inflammation-fighting foods can help with the condition.
Bell peppers
Vitamin C is important for fighting inflammation in the body. One medium-sized bell pepper gives you 169% of your daily recommended dosage of vitamin C, making it one of the top choices in the list of best fruits and vegetables for eczema.
Mangoes
Mangoes are also rich in vitamin C. 100 grams of the fruit will leave you higher by 36.4 mg of vitamin C. That is more than 50% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. Enjoy mangoes during their season. This fruit will also help keep the symptoms of eczema down.
Worst fruits and vegetables for eczema
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are considered troublesome in the list of worst fruits and vegetables for eczema. Spinach, kale, and other green veggies like broccoli are all rich in a natural form of MSG and salicylates, both of which can make itching worse and cause eczema flare-ups.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are also problematic for people with eczema because they contain salicylates. While tomatoes are high in this chemical, tomato pastes, ketchup, and other concentrated forms of tomatoes are even worse for the skin.
Oranges
Oranges contain salicylates and amines. These compounds are not considered great for those with sensitive skin. The acid in oranges can cause severe itching and inflammation in the skin. The same is true for most other citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and grapefruit.
Avocados
Avocados are considered a wonder fruit, thanks to their good fats. The story is different for people with eczema, though. The high levels of salicylates in avocados make them one of the worst fruits to have with eczema.
Make a note of all these best and worst fruits and vegetables for eczema. Take care when you shop for your groceries every week. Make a conscious effort to include many healthy fruits and vegetables that sober eczema and prevent its flaring-up. Drink lots of water and stay physically active. These help with the condition too.