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Learn From Dr. Fong & the Cleanbody Team
Watch this video where Dr. Fong and Cleanbody Practitioner Tori Taggart, MS, CNS discuss this important root cause.
What is Poor Nutrition?
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining overall health, including the health of our skin. Poor nutrition refers to a diet lacking essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, which are vital for skin health. Additionally, consuming food sensitivities and allergies can exacerbate symptoms of conditions like eczema. In the context of eczema, poor nutrition can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to the underlying inflammation and dysfunction of the skin barrier. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats while lacking in nutrient-dense whole foods can compromise the body's ability to repair and maintain the skin barrier, leading to increased susceptibility to eczema flare-ups.
THE SCIENCE
Poor nutrition can significantly impact the development and exacerbation of eczema symptoms. Research has elucidated several mechanisms through which dietary factors contribute to the pathogenesis of eczema.
Food Sensitivies & Allergies
Studies have highlighted the association between food allergies and eczema, demonstrating that certain foods can trigger both immediate and delayed eczematous reactions. Immediate reactions, mediated by IgE antibodies, can occur shortly after ingestion, while delayed reactions may manifest up to two days later, exacerbating symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD). Food elimination diets, though beneficial for some individuals with AD, must be approached cautiously. While they may reduce symptom severity, their impact on the progression of AD remains unclear.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies affect immune function, skin barrier integrity, and inflammatory processes. Adequate levels of essential nutrients are crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system, which plays a pivotal role in regulating inflammatory responses associated with eczema. Nutrient deficiencies can compromise the structural integrity of the skin barrier, impairing its ability to retain moisture and protect against environmental irritants and allergens. Additionally, inadequate intake of key nutrients can lead to dysregulated inflammatory responses, further exacerbating eczema symptoms and contributing to chronic inflammation.
Here's how specific nutrients impact the development and exacerbation of eczema (Kanda et. al., 2021):
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Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of eczema. Vitamin D deficiency compromises immune regulation and skin barrier function, leading to heightened inflammation and susceptibility to allergic reactions. Supplementation with vitamin D has been shown to improve eczema symptoms by modulating immune responses and promoting skin barrier repair.
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Vitamin A: Vitamin A deficiency can disrupt skin barrier integrity and immune function, exacerbating eczema symptoms. By promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory factors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, vitamin A supplementation can help alleviate eczema-related inflammation and improve skin barrier function.
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Zinc: Zinc promotes wound healing, regulates inflammatory responses, and enhances skin integrity. Insufficient zinc levels can compromise immune function, leading to dysregulated inflammatory responses and impaired skin barrier function, thereby exacerbating eczema symptoms.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit individuals with eczema. Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to increased inflammatory responses and compromised skin barrier function, contributing to eczema severity. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve skin hydration, and alleviate eczema symptoms.
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Probiotics: Imbalances in gut microbiota, often exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies, have been associated with eczema development. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, promote gut microbial diversity and immune regulation, reducing the risk of allergic sensitization and eczema exacerbation. By modulating gut microbiota composition and enhancing immune tolerance, probiotic supplementation can help prevent and manage eczema.
Understanding the role of nutrient deficiencies in eczema underscores the importance of maintaining adequate nutrient levels through diet and supplementation to support immune function, skin barrier integrity, and inflammatory regulation, ultimately improving eczema outcomes.
Toxins in Food
Toxins in food, including additives, food coloring, pesticides, and herbicides, can contribute to the development and exacerbation of eczema by increasing the body's toxic burden and triggering inflammatory responses. These substances are often found in conventionally grown produce, processed foods, and animal products, and their accumulation in the body can disrupt immune function and exacerbate skin inflammation. For more detailed information on toxins and their impact on eczema, refer to Root Cause #2: Toxic Burden, where we delve deeper into how environmental toxins can affect overall health and skin conditions like eczema.
HOW TO EVALUATE IF YOU HAVE
POOR NUTRITION
Evaluating your nutritional status is an essential step in understanding your overall health and well-being. Poor nutrition can have a significant impact on various aspects of your health, including energy levels, immune function, and skin health.
Evaluate Your Plates
Assessing your daily dietary habits is a crucial step in determining if you have poor nutrition. Consider the composition of your meals and snacks—are they rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains? Take note of any deficiencies in essential nutrients and vitamins.
At Cleanbody, we emphasize a balanced approach to nutrition, focusing on incorporating healthy, organic proteins, an abundance of non-starchy vegetables, and small portions of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Our goal is to fill your plate with a diverse array of colorful plant-based foods that promote liver detoxification and anti-inflammatory actions in the body. As part of our commitment to reducing inflammation, we work to eliminate or reduce common dietary offenders.
When you work with us, you gain access to our comprehensive CleanFOOD Plan, featuring a database of 1400 recipes approved in our program. You also gain access to our Cleanbody app, which includes a food journaling system that can help track your eating patterns and identify areas for improvement. Alternatively, working with our Cleanbody Team, led by Dr. Fong and our experienced Cleanbody Nutritionists, ensures personalized support tailored to address your specific deficiencies, food sensitivities, and allergies, optimizing your CleanFOOD Nutrition plan for optimal health and wellness. To begin this journey, we recommend getting the Eczema Relief Jumpstart Bundle to get started!
Get Tested For Food Sensitivity & Allergy
Investigating food sensitivities and allergies is a crucial aspect of evaluating poor nutrition. While a food allergy test is typically something you can request from your primary care physician or pediatrician, conventional doctors may not routinely run food sensitivity tests. Recognizing this gap, we offer two comprehensive panels that you can order directly to assess food sensitivities and allergies.
The Food Sensitivity Basic panel evaluates sensitivity to 96 common foods in the Western diet. Sensitivity to certain foods can develop from various health conditions, leading to inflammation and triggering adverse reactions.
For a more comprehensive assessment, we recommend the Food Sensitivity Complete panel, which assesses sensitivity to 209 common foods in the Western diet, as well as food additives like preservatives, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, food dyes, and pesticides. These additives can contribute to chronic inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut).
Get the Eczema Relief Jumpstart Bundle to learn about whether this test is right for you!
Get Your Tested For Toxic Burden
Exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides and herbicides can have detrimental effects on your health and nutritional status. Consider testing for toxic burden with the Total Tox Burden Test that measure levels of these chemicals in your body. Understanding your toxic load can help identify potential sources of exposure and guide lifestyle changes to minimize their impact on your overall health and nutritional well-being. Get our Eczema Relief Jumpstart Bundle to learn about whether this test is right for you.
HOW TO FIX POOR NUTRITION
Addressing poor nutrition is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Whether you're struggling with nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, or unhealthy eating habits, taking proactive steps to improve your diet can have profound effects on your overall health. In this section, we'll explore practical strategies and actionable steps to fix poor nutrition and enhance your dietary habits. From following a structured nutrition plan to avoiding food sensitivities and seeking professional guidance, we'll provide you with the tools and resources you need to optimize your nutrition and unlock your full potential for health and vitality.
Follow the CleanFOOD Nutrition Plan
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Embracing a well-structured nutrition plan is fundamental in addressing poor nutrition and elevating your overall well-being. At Cleanbody, our CleanFOOD Nutrition Plan serves as a cornerstone, emphasizing balanced meals crafted from organic, non-GMO ingredients, and centered around nutrient-dense whole foods. By embracing this plan, you're empowering your body with the essential nourishment it requires to flourish. Unlock access to this invaluable resource, along with a treasure trove of over 1400 Cleanbody Approved recipes, by working with our team. Alternatively, embark on a personalized journey with one of our dedicated Cleanbody Nutritionists, who will tailor a CleanFOOD plan meticulously aligned with your unique nutritional requirements.
Avoid Food Sensitivities & Allergies
Identifying and avoiding foods that trigger sensitivities or allergic reactions is crucial for improving your nutritional status and overall well-being. By eliminating these trigger foods from your diet, you can alleviate inflammation, improve gut health, and enhance nutrient absorption. When addressing food sensitivities and allergies, our approach typically involves temporarily eliminating suspect foods from your diet for a duration ranging from three weeks to three months, or until noticeable improvements in symptoms are observed. Subsequently, we strategically reintroduce these foods to assess whether the sensitivities persist or if tolerance has been regained.
It's crucial to collaborate with a nutritionist or naturopathic doctor when embarking on an elimination diet to ensure that your nutritional needs are met and to prevent potential deficiencies.
Eat Whole, Organic & Non-GMO Foods
Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods in your diet to maximize nutrient intake and support overall health. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains into your meals to ensure a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Whole foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, promoting optimal health and vitality.
Opting for organic and non-GMO foods can minimize exposure to harmful pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms, which may contribute to poor nutrition and adverse health effects. Choose organic produce, pasture-raised meats, and non-GMO grains whenever possible to support your body's nutritional needs and reduce toxic burden.
Take Supportive Nutrients
Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet is essential for overall health, but if you suspect you're not getting all the nutrients you need, supplements can help fill those gaps. Our CleanSKIN Nutrition Kit is designed to nourish your body and enhance your skin health with targeted, high-quality nutrients. Each supplement is carefully selected to address common nutritional deficiencies and promote optimal skin health. Complete Liquid provides your body with a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals in an easily absorbable liquid form. Omega Essentials helps reduce inflammation and supports the skin's healing process, promoting a clear and healthy complexion. D-Fender helps keep your Vitamin D levels in check, supporting overall skin health. Clean C is vital for collagen production, skin repair, and overall immune support.
Seek Professional Guidance
Consulting with our team can provide personalized guidance and support on your journey to better nutrition. Our team at Cleanbody offers one-on-one consultations with Dr. Fong and Cleanbody Nutritionists to assess your individual needs, develop tailored nutrition plans, and address any underlying health issues contributing to poor nutrition. Get our Eczema Relief Jumpstart Bundle to get started today!
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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.