Winter vegetables improve atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) can flare up at any time of the year. The cold, dry air of winter, along with the habit of taking hot baths to warm the body, can cause some patients to have dry skin, causing more irritation.

There is no specific diet for people with atopic dermatitis, but certain nutrients can reduce skin symptoms. Prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods contributes to controlling this disease.

Some studies show that free radicals can damage cells, causing skin inflammation. Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps reduce this risk. Other studies show that foods with soluble fiber nourish healthy gut bacteria, thereby improving atopic dermatitis. Below are popular winter vegetables that people with this disease should include in their regular diet.

Sugar beet

Beetroot contains many nutrients, betalain plant pigments that create a vibrant purple color. In a small 2016 study by Iranian scientists, 24 participants drank beet juice for two weeks, rested, and then ate cooked beets daily for two weeks. Results showed that both forms of beetroot reduced inflammatory markers in the body, with the juice having the greater effect.

People with atopic dermatitis can add these two forms of beets to meals or grill them to make salads. Combining beets with citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and nuts also works well.

Secret

Squashes are rich in antioxidants and soluble fiber, which help nourish beneficial bacteria in the intestines. People with atopic dermatitis often have very few types of microorganisms in their digestive tract, so increasing probiotic diversity may be helpful.

But

Pears are another food with many beneficial nutrients. Pears contain soluble fiber that supports gut health and are rich in vitamin C, which can help reduce skin inflammation. Pears are best eaten fresh or can be sliced ​​and added to salads. Pear sauce is a delicious side dish or can be added to oatmeal and used in baked dishes.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are a good source of soluble fiber for intestinal microflora. This tuber is also rich in beta carotene – the antioxidant that gives sweet potatoes their color. The body can use beta carotene to meet its vitamin A needs. As with vitamin C, people with atopic dermatitis have low vitamin A levels. Eating foods containing vitamin A can reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Kale

Kale is a green leafy vegetable in the same family as cabbage and broccoli. The body can use the beta carotene in kale to make vitamin A, which is important for skin health. Kale also contains many other antioxidants, vitamin C, which helps control atopic dermatitis. Patients can use kale to make salads and eat with scrambled eggs.

Pumpkin seeds

Some studies have shown that low serum zinc levels are associated with atopic dermatitis. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc. Pumpkin seeds are good to eat alone or combined with many other seeds, sprinkled on soups and salads.

Mushroom

A 2018 Canadian research review found an association between low vitamin D levels and increased symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children. Natural mushrooms are a quality source of vitamin D. Sometimes mushrooms are grown under UV lights to increase their vitamin D content, as they produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.