Inflammation is the body’s way of trying to maintain good health. It’s a defensive immune response to injury and invaders like viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. But in chronic illness, inflammation itself can become chronic; in this case, the immune system continues to trigger inflammatory cells even when there isn’t a threat. That can lead to damage that may affect your skin, joints, organs, and even your mental health.
Because of that, reducing inflammation is important to allow healing. Fortunately, dietary choices can play a role in bringing down systemic, chronic inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet is characterized by foods that are known to have inflammation-reducing properties, which include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes
- Herbs and spices such as turmeric and ginger
- Plant-based protein
- Olive oil
- Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and sardines
Another key reason that an anti-inflammatory diet may be helpful for eczema — or some other chronic conditions — is because of how it affects the gastrointestinal system, says Adiana Castro, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist specializing in gut health and the owner of Compass Nutrition in New York City.
“There is a connection between gut health and eczema, through the gut-skin axis,” she says. “Dysbiosis, which is an imbalance of the gut microbiome, can promote gut inflammation and may trigger or worsen skin inflammation. In order to prevent dysbiosis, we need a strong gut microbiome. An anti-inflammatory diet, especially through a diversity of plants … provides fuel for the beneficial bacteria that help both the gut and the skin to be healthy.”
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