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Atopic eczema is more common in children, often developing before their first birthday. However, it may also develop for the first time in adults and for many can become a chronic condition

(appearing in cycles of remission and flares), having a significant impact on quality of life. Emollients and topical corticosteroids are treatments recommended by doctors and the NHS, but

these don’t always work for everyone. Many sufferers, and parents of children with the condition, are also searching for more natural alternatives to pharmaceutical medications, some of

which can cause negative side-effects when used long-term. Eczema is said to be a malfunction or over-reaction of the immune system. The gut lining houses over 70 per cent of the body’s

immune cells and our beneficial gut bacteria play a crucial role in keeping it healthy. Studies have observed alterations in the composition of the gut microflora in many eczema sufferers

(most consistently a reduced proportion of Bifidobacteria and/or an increase of Staphylococcus aureus). Gut hyper-permeability (“leaky gut”) may also be implicated, triggering inflammation

in the skin. Improving gut health is therefore a top priority when aiming to reduce eczema severity. For this reason, supplementing your diet with certain nutrients may prove effective in

treating eczema. Nutritional Therapist Hannah Braye recommends five to try. ZINC Zinc levels have been observed to be low in some eczema suffers, with lower levels correlated with increased

symptom severity. Hannah explained: “Zinc has many important functions within the body including supporting the immune system and maintaining the health of the cells lining the gut. Zinc is

found in foods such as organic meat, shellfish (especially oysters), legumes, nuts, seeds and eggs.” PROBIOTICS Studies indicate that supplementation with live bacteria, such as Bio-Kult

Advanced Multi-Strain Formulation or Bio-Kult Infantis for children, may help rebalance the gut flora, decrease intestinal permeability and improve immune function.  Hannah said: “A recent

meta-analysis including 25 clinical trials with a total of 1599 subjects concluded that treatment with multi-strain products significantly decreased eczema symptom severity ratings in

children over the age of one year. “Studies suggest supplementation during pregnancy and early childhood may also prevent development of the condition in the first place (important given

eczema’s genetic link).” OMEGA-3 Polyunsaturated fats are divided into two families: omega-6 and omega-3. In the last several decades, dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids has declined,

while intake of omega-6 has increased, according to Hannah. “In fact some sources report omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids are now consumed in a ratio of about 20:1 in the modern

Western diet, relative to 2:1 traditionally,” she added. Research has suggested that this imbalance may result in increased inflammation. Hannah said: “A 2012 Cochrane review found promising

evidence for the use of omega-3 fish oils in atopic eczema, with significant improvements in quality of live observed. “Omega-3 can be derived from the diet in foods such as oily fish and

flaxseeds. Emerging research also indicates that omega-3 may have a positive effect on the gut microflora, which may explain some of its benefits.” PREBIOTICS In order to promote the healthy

intestinal microflora that seems to be lacking in eczema-prone individuals, prebiotics may also be used along-side live bacteria supplements, says Hannah. “Prebiotics contain non-digestible

ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut species. Prebiotics have the potential to create a nutrient-rich intestinal environment in which the

microflora can thrive.” Prebiotic foods are foods which are high in fermentable fibre such as garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, slightly green bananas, apples and oats.

QUERCETIN The phytonutrient quercetin is found in foods such as leafy vegetables, broccoli, red onions, peppers, apples, grapes, black tea, green tea and red wine. Hannah said: “It is

thought to be of benefit in eczema via a number of mechanisms. For example, it has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to inhibit histamine levels (which are high in eczema sufferers) and

has been shown to help support the health of the gut lining, preventing gut-hyper permeability which is implicated in inflammatory skin conditions.” Adding a popular health drink to your

bath is also recommended to sooth eczema.