Uncover the Root Cause of Skin Inflammation with an Elimination Diet

Elimination diets have been gaining popularity as a way to identify the root cause of various health issues, including skin inflammation. If you're dealing with skin issues such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis, an elimination diet could be a valuable tool for finding triggers that contribute to skin inflammation.

What is an elimination diet? An elimination diet is a temporary eating plan that involves removing certain foods from your diet for a specified period of time. The goal of an elimination diet is to identify which foods, if any, are causing an adverse reaction in your body. This can help you find the root cause of your skin inflammation and help you determine which foods you need to avoid in the future.

What foods should you eliminate? Typical food triggers for skin inflammation include gluten, dairy, sugar, peanuts, and corn. You may also want to stop other foods you suspect could contribute to your skin issues. Start by eliminating these foods for 21 days while documenting how you feel.

How to reintroduce foods After 21 days, reintroduce the foods you eliminated one by one. Reintroduce each food for at least three days before adding another. During this time, be mindful of any skin changes and note any symptoms you experience. If you don't see or feel any different, that specific food is likely not causing your skin inflammation.

Support your gut microbes. While on an elimination diet, adding foods that support your gut health is important. A healthy gut is essential for reducing skin inflammation. Try to include a variety of protein sources, nutrient-dense carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Vegetables, probiotics, and prebiotic foods are also good for gut microbes. Best sources of probiotics include fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kefir. Prebiotic foods include ripe bananas, asparagus, apples, onions, garlic, leeks, legumes, dandelion greens, apples, chicory root, and Jerusalem artichokes.

Mindful eating. In addition to what you eat, it's also important to be aware of how you eat. Try to eat calmly and relax without rushing or feeling anxious. This can help you be more present in your body and enjoy your food. To get into a more relaxed state before eating, try taking 5 deep breaths and focusing on gratitude. This practice can activate your parasympathetic nervous system and prepare your body to "rest, digest, and repair."

In conclusion, an elimination diet can be valuable for finding triggers that contribute to skin inflammation. By removing certain foods, supporting your gut health, and being mindful of how you eat, you can help reduce skin inflammation and improve your overall health. Remember that an elimination diet is not a long-term solution and should only be used for a limited period. If you have concerns about your skin or overall health, it's best to speak with a healthcare professional.

xoxo, Katt