When dealing with eczema, diet can indeed play a critical role, and making some adjustments might help reduce flare-ups. From a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, eczema often relates to imbalances in the doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta. Consuming certain foods might exacerbate these imbalances, leading to symptoms.
Firstly, you mentioned dairy and gluten. These are common triggers for some individuals, as they can be hard on the digestive agni, or the digestive fire, which needs to be balanced for skin health. If eliminating them completely seems daunting, you might start by reducing them and observing any changes to your symptoms.
Spicy foods and sweets are also important to consider. Spices like chilies can aggravate Pitta dosha, leading to increased inflammation and irritation of the skin. Meanwhile, excessive sugar consumption can lead to toxin build-up (ama) in the body, which may worsen eczema. Try opting for milder spices like turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and minimize refined sugars, replacing them with natural alternatives like honey or jaggery.
Fried foods and rich sauces can congest the body’s channels (nadis), hindering the removal of toxins. Rather than completely avoiding eating out, choose lighter, less oily options when dining. Simultaneously, keep a simpler diet at home focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
As maintaining a food diary can be challenging, try using your smartphone to take quick photos of meals could serve as a visual reminder. Then you can look back at any correlation between diet and flare-ups.
Though these suggestions are based on Ayurveda’s holistic view, it’s essential to monitor how your body responds. if symptoms persist despite dietary adjustments, seeking advice from a healthcare provider would be prudent to avoid delaying necessary treatments.
