Eczema and Extreme Food Allergies

by Geri
(Virginia)

Hi, I have been prone to eczema since I was an infant, and am now 52 years old. It's been several years since I've had a rash, but last October it happened again, and it's now February and I'm still dealing with it. I've read a lot about health and nutrition over the last decade or more, and am very ingredient conscious regarding both food and toiletries. I went back to being a vegetarian about 3 years ago, and became vegan about a month ago, and am very careful to get a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans and legumes, and my drinks of choice are spring water and green, black or oolong tea. I do have one cup of coffee in the morning because I like the taste. Since the eczema started again 4 months ago, I became more diligent in using flax oil or ground flaxseed, taking evening primrose oil capsules, drinking more water, and trying to get more sleep, although more sleep is challenging because of menopause. I went to an allergist and had a blood test and a skin test. The blood test was normal, but the skin test showed I'm allergic to all trees, grasses, weeds, mold, animal dander, dust mites and cockroaches, and showed reactions to most foods, including all nuts, grains, most vegetables and fruits. I did not react to coffee, chocolate, white potato, mushrooms, peaches or oranges. I still eat what I want of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, but even though they are healthy foods I'm not sure I should be eating them since they cause a reaction. I'm also worried about using natural skin care products based on plants if I'm allergic to plants. I'm at a loss as to how to live healthfully in this world. Any suggestions?



Our reply

Thanks so much for your message. I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties you are experiencing with eczema and food allergies.

It has been my experience that allergies can change and get better, once the underlying cause is addressed. I know this can be difficult to discover.

Yes, at menopause all of our body systems go through a change, and there may be a hormonal imbalance also influencing your body's symptoms.

At this point since you have clear evidence of extensive food allergies, I recommend that you find a health professional that specializes in treating the root cause of allergies.

This could be an MD that specializes in a more holistic approach, a Naturopathic Physician, or an Acupuncturist. Many people have found acupuncture helpful in treating allergies and skin conditions.

I also recommend taking some quiet time and attuning to your body's inner wisdom. Asking for guidance about what is going on, and what your body needs, can sometimes produce a new sense of clarity or direction. I hope these thoughts can be helpful to you in your search.

Comments for Eczema and Extreme Food Allergies

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 29, 2012
 Great suggestion, thank you!
by: My Sensitive Skincare

Hi Bronwen, thank you so much for this suggestion! Yes, I have a friend who has also had excellent results by using this approach for eating according to your blood type. I am so glad that this approach is helping you!

Yes, with diet there are so many different variables for each of us that include our blood type, heredity, and even where we live. I have found that I need to eat differently depending on where I am and what kind of activities I am doing.
Mar 20, 2012
 Blood Type Diet
by: Bronwen, Bournemouth UK

Hello, I read your letter and wanted to comment as follows. I myself am nearly 52, went through an early menopause and have suffered with various food allergies and very sensitive skin for years. I became a vegetarian and not out of choice a vegan, due to lactose intolerance, and followed what I thought was a very healthy diet for years. I even followed a strict macrobiotic diet for 2 years. However, throughout the 17 years that I followed this extremely healthy lifestyle I always felt ill, suffering from extreme fatigue, depression and problem skin. I just couldn't understand how with such a healthy diet, no refined sugar, no caffeine, no alcohol, no meat/fish only whole grains, beans fruit and vegetables, yoga, regular exercise could I feel so tired, lethargic and not look at my best. Understanding the concept we are our own best doctors I tried everything but nothing really ever seemed to work, maybe initially but then it would be back to the same old problems. Last spring 2011 I thought I would give the Eat Right For your Blood Type Diet a go - it meant a huge change for me as I am blood type O and should eat meat, especially red meat. Well you know how it is when you feel so rotten that you will try anything, so I did - I completely changed my diet and followed the recommendations set out clearly in the diet. I was amazed to discover harmful ingredients such as leeks, which I love and ate most days, were totally not suitable for my blood type and were one of the many offenders in my problems. I can't put into words how after eating a couple of wholesome organic meat meals that I could feel so great, so full of energy, spiritually uplifted, I had colour back in my cheeks, my skin looked and felt healthy, I had a bounce in my step again and exercising was easy instead of being exhausting. It proved the point to me that not all healthy foods are right for everyone. The most interesting part for me of following the blood type diet was that many of my food intolerances were greatly reduced and things such as inflammation of my joints completely disappeared. In my experience of trying almost every healthy eating plan out there over the years, is that often in our quest to make ourselves healthy we fill ourselves with "healthy" foods because we are told they are great for us, but as each one of us is a unique individual a one size fits all approach is often not the most appropriate. I have found the blood type diet useful as it has provided me with lots of healthy foods which are appropriate for my blood type and are having a great continued effect on my health, well being and skin condition.
I hope this helps and I wish you every success in discovering an eating plan which addresses your problems.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Natural Beauty Journal.