All about eczema & How to heal

Eczema also known as contact dermatitis can be a pretty uncomfortable allergic disease but it can be healed. This disease can cause chronic itching, inflamed skin, hyper pigmentation, scaly, dry and red skin and is most often caused by environmental allergies.

For some, eczema can arise randomly (like it had for me) or it can come and go during times of increased stress. There are a few causes that can be associated with a sudden or continual eczema outbreak on the skin.

• Underlining abnormalities originating primarily in the immune system and structural components of the skin (typically caused by an allergies and the immune systems release of too much histamine)

• An immune-system abnormality which includes the inability to kill bacteria.

• A family history of allergic diseases such as eczema or asthma

• Genetic defect in the manufacture of filaggrin (a protein that facilitates proper integrity and moisture content of the skin)

If you would like to book a consultation to discuss your health concerns and how I can help click HERE.

How to begin healing from eczema:

Candida: Candida is categorized as having an overgrowth of common yeast Candida Albicans in the gastrointestinal track. Due to the nature of the western diet (a lot of processed sugar, not enough cultured or probiotic foods, pesticides, preservatives, excessive reliance on antibiotics, being less in touch with our individual food production/supply/growing our own food) we are seemingly experiencing and increased problem with candida overgrowth in the general population. Symptoms of candida can include: chronic fatigue, decreased libido, general malaise, bloating, gas, intestinal cramps, rectal itching, vaginal yeast infections, frequent bladder infections, depression, allergies, craving foods that are high in carbohydrates (sugar). TIP the reason why we crave sugar when we have an overgrowth of candida is because of the interconnection of our gut & brain relationship. The candida growing in your gut will signal responses to your brain of hunger of sugar cravings because candida GROWS off of sugar! Candida is a commonly found to trigger an allergic reaction in the immune system which can trigger eczema.

Probiotics: Not having enough good gut bacteria (probiotics like lactobacillus rhamnosus) can increase the likelihood of candida overgrowth. Our gut is also the home of our immune system. A healthy gut contributes to a healthy immune system and a healthy host.

Essential Fatty Acids: Taking enough Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids can help protect the body against the development of allergies and are excellent anti-inflammatories which can help with eczema.

Herbal Medicines: Herbal medicines are widely underrated in the western world. When used correctly they can be incredibly effective while simultaneously creating less damaging side effects which are often associated when using pharmaceutical drugs. My goal is to encourage a deeper connection with nature by learning how it can assist us before immediately following our impulse to lean on pharmaceutical drugs and Western Medicine. More often than not a simpler, more natural approach will do the trick.

• Internal Remedies: Licorice (botanical name Glycyrrhiza Glabra) is considered to be an adaptogen and anti-inflammatory. It can help with a wide array of conditions including gastric, esophageal, urinary and respiratory inflammation as well as eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Fun fact- adaptogens like licorice work on a molecular level by regulating a stable balance in the hypothalamic + pituitary +adrenal glands functions which are all involved in our stress response and our ability to handle external stress. Therefore- if your allergic reactions are triggered or amplified by stress, adaptogens can help! Avoid if you are pregnant, have hypertension, hypokalaemia (low potassium) or cirrhosis of the liver.

• Topical Remedies: I recommend keeping the surface of the irritated skin moisturized. Use botanical infused herb oils like calendula oil and try a poultice of ground oats and camomile to help soothe irritation. Consider also avoiding using harsh chemicals cleaning products and wash clothe with a natural mild soap.

Determining the culprit: Allergies can develop at random times in your life. They can also sometimes be triggered during stressful periods of life. You can discover your allergies in two ways.

• Laboratory allergy tests (skin prick test or blood test). Blood tests are typically the better of both options as they can read most antibodies and can identify delayed responses. Depending on where you live these tests are not always covered by medical plans and can be expensive.

• Elimination diet. An elimination diet works by removing high risk allergy foods for a determined period of time. Once the elimination time is complete you can slowly begin to reintroducing specific foods, one at a time in order to determine which foods are triggering your allergic reactions. This is also a fantastic way to experientially understand how certain foods aggravate other symptoms in your body whether they are related to your eczema, IBS etc. This will help you to build a closer relationship with your body, learn what it needs, how it can heal and gain more self authority on understanding your bodies unique mechanics. This diet does however require a certain level of discipline in order for it to be successful. This is where I come in. As an Integrative Nutrition Coach I'll provide you with an eczema protocol, offer guidance on supplements and herbal remedies, recipes, guidelines, tools, and exercises to keep you inspired and on track towards your health goals. Together we will determine where your food allergies lie and discover if you are experiencing an excess of candida. I can offer dietary, emoti onal, mental and spiritual support during this time to ensure a successful outcome.

If you've been struggling with eczema and would like to experience relief consider the above mentioned guidelines. If you'd like my Integrative Nutrition Coaching support on this issue consider signing up for one of my coaching programs. I always recommend starting with an initial consultation. Click HERE to book yours! During our consultation, we will go over your health history, determine your main health concerns and address how I can help. Next, we will decide on a plan which suits your health objectives. I offer one-on-one coaching program ranging from 3 or 6 months with additional discounted rate maintenance sessions after your program is complete. Click HERE to view my One-On-One Coaching Programs and explore other perks you'll receive from working with me as part of my Integrative Nutrition Coaching Programs. One of my bonuses includes FREE Full Access to my yoga platform Yoga On DEMAND for the entire duration of our time together.

Yoga On DEMAND will offer you:

• 90+ On DEMAND 1-hour yoga classes ranging from (yin, slow flow, vinyasa flow, strength & tone, meditation)

• LIVE yoga classes every Monday-Friday at 9AM EST

• Community Forum Access (this is a place to gain continual community support and to share your journey and interests)

• Members Only Access to my Guided Meditation

• Exclusive Blog Content

• Quarterly Challenges

Please feel free to reach out to me with any additional questions or concerns. Happy healing!

With Love & Light,

Renelle B