Skin-Friendly Foods

As the New Year begins, many of us have started new diets and are trying new things. We get on a healthy food kick that we hope lasts or try to change up our diet completely. As we (or our loved ones with atopic dermatitis) are dieting and changing up the game on what we eat and put into our bodies, we want to be sure to keep in mind that our dieting and eating habits affect our whole body.

Diet and skin

Our diet and eating habits affect our skin. What we put into our bodies can be a help or a hazard to our skin. As patients with atopic dermatitis and/or caregivers and advocates of others who have atopic dermatitis, we must be mindful of what we are eating or feeding our patients. Every choice has a consequence. We do not want to lose weight or get in shape at the expense of causing detriment to other parts of our body like our skin.

Holistic health

The best health is holistic health, which shines from the outside in. Holistic health is my goal for myself and my daughter this year. I want our minds, bodies, and hearts to be healthy. A happy, healthy holistic well-being for this year and all others is my goal for us and everyone.

Changing diets

In keeping with that goal of holistic health, there are many foods that my daughter and I will be having a healthy helping of this year to help us with both our skin and physical health. My goal for myself is weight loss and healthy skin. While my atopic dermatitis as an adult seldom exists on my body, my face is a frequent flyer for atopic dermatitis. Particularly so during the winter months. So my hope is to lose weight while regaining clearer, healthier skin. Some of the foods we will overindulge in will include foods rich in antioxidants, omega 3, and probiotics.

Antioxidant-rich foods

Foods that have antioxidants in them are great for calming inflammation. These foods include mainly fruits and vegetables like:

• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Pomegranate
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach

Interested in a recipe for Antioxidant-Packed Blueberry Cacao Oatmeal?

Omega 3-rich foods

Foods rich in omega 3 can also be helpful for reducing inflammation. Some foods that have omega 3 can
include:

• Nuts and seeds such as walnuts and chia seeds
• Vegetables such as spinach and Brussel sprouts
• Seafood such as sardines

Probiotic-rich foods

Foods that are rich in probiotics can be helpful in building and supporting the immune system, which in turn will help prevent skin sensitivities, allergic reactions, and flare-ups. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are helpful with digestion and immunity. Probiotic-rich foods include:

• Soft cheeses such as gouda and cottage cheese
• Yogurt
• Sourdough bread
• Peas
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Pickled cucumbers

Check out this easy Turmeric Berry Yogurt!