Best Ayurvedic Diet for Eczema

Ayurvedic Eczema Diet

If you aspire to have radiant skin but find yourself indulging in unhealthy, greasy, processed, stale, or excessive non-vegetarian foods, it's time to face reality. According to Ayurveda, the food you consume has a direct impact on your skin. Maintaining skin health and overall bodily harmony requires adhering to a nutritious diet. Ayurvedic treatment for eczema emphasizes identifying and addressing the root causes of the condition based on the patient's Prakriti and the doshas responsible for health issues.

Eczema and Ayurvedic Doshas

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a distressing skin disorder where the skin barrier weakens, leading to problems such as inflammation, redness, and irritation. In Ayurveda, eczema is categorized as Vicharchika Roga, resulting from an imbalance of the body's governing doshas. The primary factors contributing to this skin disease are the aggravation of Pitta Dosha and Vata Dosha. Additionally, the imbalance of Kapha Dosha can exacerbate Vicharchika by impurities in the blood.

Ayurvedic treatment for eczema focuses on identifying the imbalanced dosha within the body and addressing it through natural measures, herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, and dietary modifications.

Foods for Subsiding Eczema

Opt for water-rich fruits and vegetables as a crucial part of your diet to find relief from eczema symptoms. Include fresh produce like ash gourd, Ridge gourd, zucchini, bitter gourd, beetroot, kale, spinach, lotus cucumber, pumpkin, goosefoot, tomato, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, cherries, papaya, watermelon, apples, peaches, melons, and kiwis in abundance. These fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, zinc, iron, protein, and other essential nutrients that fortify your internal system, aiding in disease resistance and promoting healthy digestion. With their high water content, they not only flush out accumulated toxins but also contribute to the radiance and health of your skin.

• Ayurvedic Herbs - Embrace skin-friendly herbs recommended by Ayurveda for eczema relief, including Haridra, Triphala, Neema, Chandana, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Elaichi, and Anantamul. Consuming these herbs in powdered form, mixed with honey and lukewarm water, proves beneficial. Known for their antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and non-bacterial properties, these herbs play a crucial role in preventing skin diseases.
• Chia Seeds - Incorporate Chia seeds into your eczema diet plan. Chia seed oil boasts approximately 60% omega-3 fatty acids, providing significant relief for dry, inflamed, and irritated skin. The hydrating nature of these seeds ensures moisture for the skin, eliminating sebum, dirt, and dead cells from the skin's surface. If chia seeds are not available, alternatives like flaxseeds or pumpkin seeds can be considered.
• Herbal Infusions - Ayurveda advocates the use of herbal concoctions, buttermilk (chach), or other herbal-infused waters as part of home remedies for eczema. Ayurvedic treatments for eczema incorporate various herbs, leaves, and naturally derived substances to alleviate the complications of the condition. Here are some herbal waters known for relieving eczema:
• Cow's Desi Ghee and Buttermilk - While dairy products are generally not recommended for eczema, exceptions include Cow's Ghee and Buttermilk (chach or Takra) in Ayurveda. These two products possess skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can orally consume 1-2 spoons of cow's ghee, incorporate it into your meals, or apply it directly to affected skin areas to benefit from its antioxidants, acting as a shield against pigmentation.

In addition to the mentioned foods, include omega-3-rich options such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, soaked cashews, cauliflower, soaked walnuts, and Brussels sprouts for effective results.

Foods to Avoid for Eczema Relief

• Wheat and Gluten - Eliminate gluten-based products, including wheat, from your eczema diet. This involves refraining from consuming traditional wheat chapatis, as gluten can trigger skin problems like itchiness, rashes, or other allergic reactions. Replace wheat with gluten-free alternatives such as Barley (Jowar), Finger Millet (Ragi), or Ditch Millet (Kodra) flour. These flours are skin-friendly and can be enhanced with the addition of cow's ghee for accelerated relief from eczema.
• Dairy Items - Eczema patients should steer clear of dairy products like milk, cheese, cream, mawa, ice cream, or any other milk-based sweets. These items may harbor bacteria that promote bacterial growth. According to Ayurveda, excessive dairy intake exacerbates Kapha and Pitta Dosha, resulting in flare-ups of eczema. However, cow's desi ghee and buttermilk are exceptions as they do not contribute to skin issues.
• Non-vegetarian Choices - Ayurveda discourages the consumption of non-vegetarian foods, advising individuals with eczema to avoid items such as eggs, chicken, mutton, beef, fish, or any other type of meat and seafood. These foods often contain bacteria that elevate levels of harmful toxins in the body, leading to skin problems like acne, patches, rashes, inflammation, and irritation.
• Junk Food - The term "junk food" refers to items devoid of nutrients, vitamins, or other healthy elements. Examples include pizzas, burgers, noodles, pasta, frozen cakes, packaged chips, and biscuits. These foods undergo processes that strip them of nutritious elements, turning them into dead food with high amounts of impure oil, sodium, sugars, or preservatives. Such consumption can lead to indigestion and skin issues.
• Alcohol and Soft Drinks - For those dealing with eczema, abstaining from alcohol is essential. Excessive alcohol intake can increase skin inflammation, disrupt the immune system, and cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in red, dry, patchy, and itchy skin. Similarly, the consumption of packaged beverages and soft drinks should be avoided. These drinks often contain high levels of soda and artificial sugars, which can dry the skin and lead to problems like scales, patches, and acne.

It is also advisable to steer clear of highly spicy foods, as spices can trigger eczema flares and exacerbate the Pitta Dosha in the body, leading to skin and digestion problems.

Ayurvedic Guidelines for Diet and Well-being

Ayurvedic experts propose several dietary tips to integrate into your daily routine for alleviating eczema and other skin ailments. Consider the following recommendations:

• Prioritize hydration by consuming a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily, facilitating the proper elimination of harmful toxins from the body.
• Incorporate Ayurvedic herbs like Haldi, Neem, Triphala, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Chandana, and Aloe vera into your meals or consume them with lukewarm water.
• Exclude dairy products except for cow's ghee and buttermilk. Utilize these not only for oral consumption but also for massages on affected areas or during baths.
• Avoid Tamsik Bhojana, which includes non-vegetarian, spicy, or stale foods.
• Cease alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Restrict coffee and tea intake, opting for herbal kadha, soups, and juices to alleviate eczema symptoms.
• Embrace daily salads featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, and sprouts.
• Steer clear of spicy foods, favoring boiled vegetables to promote overall harmony in body, mind, and soul.

Recognizing stress as a significant contributor to skin diseases, Ayurvedic eczema treatment underscores the importance of maintaining balance in both physical and psychological health. Incorporate yoga and meditation practices to not only calm your mind but also enhance your skin health. Now equipped with knowledge about beneficial and detrimental choices for your skin, strive to nourish your body with the right fuel for disease-free and healthy skin. For personalized Ayurvedic treatment and dietary charts tailored to your body Prakriti and Doshas, consult our Ayurvedic experts, who conduct in-depth clinical analyses to guide you on your wellness journey.