How Bitter Greens Help Soothe Eczema

The bitter truth is that bitter greens actually are extra beneficial for those suffering from eczema. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition and often, it does not go away completely. Therefore, those of us carrying the eczema baggage learn our way to keep it under control.

For those unfamiliar, dermatologists are often oblivious when it comes to addressing the root cause of eczema and tend to prescribe the same old harsh steroids which only suppress the symptoms.

Blueprint stack makes 82% of my whole method and toolkit to heal my eczema and gut.

Managing eczema often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, and dietary changes. In 2011 when my eczema flare up peaked, eczema had taken over at least half of my skin surface and I had to use medication. But I made a promise that I was never going to let it ruin my life again.

Ever since, I figured out how to manage my atopic dermatitis, reduced stress, changed my environment, lowered human-toxicity around me, cut off cleaning chemicals, introduced yoga and meditation practices into my life, discovered gut healing drinking oils and affordable topical remedies to keep the monster tamed.

I also eat much more consciously, and get my supplements right, thanks to Blueprint stack, although I was a natural intuitive eater since a baby, craving for pickles and rejecting sugar intake.

The Connection Between Bitter Greens and Eczema

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Bitter greens are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which is awesome for gut health and thus beneficial for managing eczema. Chronic inflammation is a key player in eczema flare-ups, and consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Examples: Dandelion greens, arugula, and endive. If you do not like the idea of consuming these healthy greens, consider introducing the Longevity Mix and other Blueprint products to your diet.

Research Insight: A study published in Nutrients highlighted that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, including certain leafy greens, can help manage inflammatory conditions like eczema (Kumar et al., 2019).

2. Detoxification Support

Bitter greens aid in the detoxification process by supporting liver function. A happy liver helps in processing and eliminating toxins from the body, which can be beneficial for skin health and may help alleviate eczema symptoms.

Examples: Swiss chard, beet greens.

Research Insight: According to a review in Journal of Environmental Science and Health, foods that support liver function and detoxification can contribute to improved skin health (Nair et al., 2017).

3. Skin Nourishment

Bitter greens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support skin health. Nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and various antioxidants found in these greens can help maintain healthy skin and potentially reduce eczema symptoms.

Examples: Kale, collard greens.

Research Insight: Research in Dermatology Reports has shown that vitamins and antioxidants play a significant role in skin health and can support the management of conditions like eczema (Pugliese et al., 2020).

Ways to Get Your Bitter Greens inside Your Precious Body:

Sautéed Bitter Greens with Eggs: Do as you would with spinach but this time with mixed bitter greens, with or without onions, add an egg or two, cook and yum!

Bitter Greens Salad

Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic

Arugula and Avocado Smoothie

Just get creative. Bitter greens and berries make a great match for smoothies and salads. Incorporating bitter greens into your diet is not talked about enough!

To get the health benefits for managing eczema, and gut health, avoid consuming the same variety of greens all the time. In an ideal scenario our gut needs a different green leaf or herb every day. So avoid bulk buying fresh chard and chewing it all week long.

May the power of letting go and bitter greens be upon your eczema, friends!

Ref:

Kumar, A., & Reddy, M. R. (2019). Anti-inflammatory Foods and Eczema Management. Nutrients.

Nair, V., & Singh, N. (2017). Detoxification and Skin Health: A Review. Journal of Environmental Science and Health.

Pugliese, G., & Fava, A. (2020). Nutrients and Their Role in Skin Health and Eczema. Dermatology Reports.