Eczema is a painful, itchy condition of the skin that leads many people begging for relief. Many times this condition develops due to inflammation in the body. Keep in mind, certain foods should be removed from your diet when fighting eczema. Foods high in citrus are bad for the skin while dairy and eggs are also known to cause flare-ups. Stay away from wheat and soy when fighting skin disorders as these things are known to bloat the body.

There’s no cure, but eating certain foods can help reduce the symptoms of eczema:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Fatty acids are important to the body because they cannot be made in the body. They’re actually found in skin cells. The best place to find these omega-3 fatty acids are in types of fish. Consuming fish are a natural way to fight inflammation throughout the body. Fish like sardines, mackerel, salmon, tuna, and herring are excellent sources of fatty acids. Other essential fatty acids are found in wholegrain foods, such as brown rice, oats, barley, and rye. You can also find them in avocados and nuts.

2. Probiotic-rich foods
Probiotics are great for the body’s digestion. The world is on fire for gut health and that’s exactly what probiotics bring to the table. These foods contain bacteria that’s actually good for the body. Eating yogurt with live, active cultures can help with inflammation in the gut and entire body. Miso soup is another way to get in your probiotics. Fermented drinks and other foods also are rich in probiotics. Drinks like kombucha and kefir help with healthy bacteria.

3. Anti-inflammatory foods
The first things to cut out when trying to figure out what is causing eczema are any foods that cause inflammation in the body. Eating foods rich in fiber help with overall inflammation. Concentrating on eating fruits and vegetables is often the first step to health. Whole grains and healthy fats are anti-inflammatory as well. Foods stuffed with chemicals and sugar are certainly something to stay away from when fighting inflammation.

4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is wonderful for skin health. It works with beta carotene and vitamin C to prevent damage to skin cells from UV light. It fights free radical damage, too. It’s easy to find in many nuts. Walnuts, seeds and avocados provide easy access to this powerful antioxidant. Kale is also a great way to get vitamin E.

5. Beta carotene
Beta carotene promotes healthy skin. It’s an antioxidant that works to neutralize free radicals in the body. It’s easy to find in many different fruits and vegetables. Carrots, butternut squash, leafy vegetables, and spinach are ways to get your beta carotene. You can also drink watercress leaves that have been boiled as they have cleansing properties that work with inflammation for relief.