eczema Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Natural Eczema Treatment: 13 Home Remedies (Plus Symptoms & Causes)

AHA Publisher — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:05 +0000

Kathleen McCoy, BS via Dr. Axe – Is your skin red, dry, scaly and extremely itchy? These are common eczema symptoms, a skin condition believed to affect more than 31 million Americans, leaving many to search for the best eczema treatment options. What is eczema? It actually isn’t a single condition — it’s a group of skin conditions that includes: atopic dermatitis contact dermatitis dyshidrotic eczema hand eczema neurodermatitis nummular eczema stasis dermatitis Finding a soothing, natural eczema treatment can be life-changing for those suffering from this frustrating condition. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes and natural eczema treatment options. Causes and Symptoms Eczema typically first appears in very young children. Of further concern is that eczema in children is becoming more and more common. Diseases it can resemble include psoriasis, rosacea and dermatitis, but it’s a different condition. A study conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that 39 percent of Caucasian children develop eczema by 3 years old. Interestingly, this same study found children who have dogs in the home are significantly less likely to develop it at any age. Although initial outbreaks most often occur in infants and young children, onset can occur at any time. While the majority of the skin conditions that fall under the eczema heading are chronic, it is important to note that contact dermatitis and hand eczema may be acute in nature, occurring due to an exposure to allergens or chemicals. For many people, the severity of flare-ups lessens with maturity, and some may even outgrow it altogether. However, it can come and go throughout life. Learning how to treat eczema and identifying triggers that cause flares are the best courses of action. While there is no definitive answer as to the cause of eczema — and there is no identified cure — there are effective natural treatments, home remedies and essential oils for eczema that may help prevent future flares and ease discomfort during an outbreak. There is a wide range of causes and risk factors associated with this condition, and eczema symptoms can manifest in widely different ways between those affected. While a singular cause of eczema has not been established, there are certain common causes leading to the onset and flares. In addition, a wide range of risk factors has been identified. Risk Factors A genetic predisposition or family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma Young age Being a health care worker Children who attend daycare ADHD Living in a dry climate Nutritional deficiency Adolescent obesity, for later onset of eczema cases Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy, which may increase the risk of developing eczema in the first year of life Causes So far, the medical community has yet to determine a definitive cause of eczema. For some, it may occur due to a nutritional deficiency, while for others it may first arise due to an allergen or other irritant. Here are the widely accepted causes of eczema: Dry skin and sensitive skin that cracks Immune system dysfunction Environmental conditions Gene variation that affects skin Allergies to foods, beauty products, laundry detergents or other chemical allergy Chronic stress Temperature changes Symptoms of Eczema While many experience a lessening of symptoms and fewer flare-ups as they age, some continue to experience eczema symptoms throughout adulthood, such as atopic eczema rashes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and change from one outbreak to another. Common symptoms include: The appearance of small, raised bumps that may ooze liquid and develop a crust Thick, dry, scaly skin that cracks Red, brown or grayish patches of skin on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, in skin folds, and on the face and scalp of infants Sensitive skin that is swollen and raw from scratching A recurring rash that causes intense itching, often disrupting sleep patterns Rashes due to atopic eczema Eczema Treatment While there is no cure for eczema, there are a variety of non-invasive eczema treatment options that can provide relief during a flare-up and some that may prevent its onset. These can include corticosteroids, but the following home eczema treatment options may be best. 1. Light Therapy/Phototherapy According to the National Eczema Association, phototherapy helps calm inflammation, reduces itching, increases vitamin D production and helps fight bacteria on the skin. Adding 10–15 minutes a day of sun exposure, particularly during an eczema flare, can provide relief and potentially speed healing. 2. Vitamin D In addition to increasing sun exposure, supplementing with vitamin D foods like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, eggs and raw milk may help prevent eczema in children and adolescents. If your sun exposure is low, consider boosting your intake with a high-quality supplement. Preliminary research shows that low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and childhood may increase the risk for developing eczema. 3. Moisturize Because dry skin is both a cause and symptom, it is imperative to moisturize affected areas at least twice a day. Coconut oil is the perfect moisturizer for eczema sufferers. This eczema treatment is antibacterial and antifungal, with antimicrobial properties that provide soothing relief, and it may speed healing. 4. Treat the Mind and Body According to Harvard Medical School, some skin conditions, including eczema, have a psychological component. This is a dynamic referred to as psychodermatology. Researchers have found that hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, focused breathing, cognitive behavior therapy and talk therapy may provide not only relief during a flare-up, but expedite healing and prevent future flares. 5. Dead Sea Salt Baths The Dead Sea is known for its healing powers, and researchers have found that taking a bath with salt from Dead Sea water improves skin hydration and skin barrier function, reduces inflammation, and relieves redness and roughness. As eczema flares can worsen when exposed to high and low temperatures, bath water should be just warm enough to prevent a chill. Do not rub the skin dry. Pat gently with a soft towel. 6. Cool, Wet Compresses Applying a cool, wet compress lessens the itching for some individuals with eczema. For young children, dampening snug night clothes may provide overnight relief from itching — however, if the condition has evolved to oozing blisters, a wet compress may increase the risk of infection and shouldn’t be used. 7. Apply Itch Cream The intense itching is often the most miserable part of an eczema flare. Try using a natural homemade eczema cream that incorporates shea butter, coconut oil, raw honey and essential oils to provide much-needed relief. 8. Licorice Extract Used topically, licorice root extract shows promise for reducing itching in limited eczema trials. Add a few drops to coconut oil or homemade itch creams for best results. 9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that when fish is introduced into the diet of young children by the age of 9 months and is eaten weekly, the risk for developing eczema reduces dramatically. (9) Including foods rich in omega-3s to prevent eczema should be considered. During a flare, these foods are a great eczema treatment that boost immune system function and speed healing. 10. Probiotics Probiotics may help prevent eczema in infants and decrease the severity of flares, research shows. In fact, mothers who take probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may prevent eczema from developing in their children. During an outbreak and to prevent future flares, taking a high-quality probiotic supplement of 24–100 billion organisms daily should be considered. 11. Lavender Essential Oil In addition to the intense itching, eczema commonly causes anxiety, depression, frustration and poor sleep. Lavender essential oil is an eczema treatment proven to help reduce these common symptoms, and it can help treat dry skin. Add 10 drops to one tablespoon of coconut oil or almond oil, and gently rub into the skin. The aroma can help facilitate sleep, when itching is often at its worst. 12. Vitamin E Taking 400 IU of vitamin E daily can help speed healing by reducing inflammation. In addition, topical application of vitamin E may help relieve the itch and prevent scarring. 13. Witch Hazel If during a flare the rash starts to ooze, applying witch hazel can help promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research has found that a cream containing witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine can be as effective as hydrocortisone in a double-blind trial. During an outbreak, gently dab this eczema treatment directly onto the rash with a cotton pad. Be sure to use an alcohol-free witch hazel, as you don’t want to cause more dryness. Related: A Serious Case of ‘Maskne’: How to Prevent & Treat Face Acne Due to Wearing a Mask Eczema and Food Diet can play a role in skin conditions. The following foods to eat can play a role in eczema prevention, relief and treatment, while there are foods to avoid that can make symptoms worse. Foods to Eat: Essential fatty acids — Wild-caught fish and flaxseed oil can help reduce eczema symptoms. Pumpkin or chia seeds — These seeds provide zinc, which is essential for wound healing and metabolizing fatty acids. Probiotic-rich foods — Consume goat’s milk kefir and amasai. These are the highest probiotic foods and can support gut and immune health. High-fiber foods — Constipation can lead your body to look for other ways to expel toxins, and the skin can become one of the avenues in which toxins are expelled. Aim for at least 30 grams of fiber per day from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, coconut and sprouted grains/legumes. Vitamin A-rich foods — Increase your intake of orange and yellow vegetables, which are high in vitamin A, necessary for skin health. Foods to Avoid: Additives — Eliminate additives and processed foods, which can make eczema worse. Foods allergens — Avoid any potential allergens. Some common allergen foods include gluten, dairy, shellfish or peanuts. Margarine and other non-essential fats — These fats can interfere with the absorption of essential fats critical for healing. Sugar — Increases inflammation and reduces immune function. Fried foods — Can increase inflammation. Precautions Eczema is a skin condition that can result is severe discomfort, disruption of sleep, anxiety and depression, and skin infections. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of people who have eczema also have Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. When the rash seeps, or excessive itching breaks the skin, severe infections from bacteria and viruses can occur. If an infection does occur, following natural impetigo treatments can help to prevent spreading the infection to others and speed healing. Eczema may make people more prone to heart disease and stroke, research highlighted by Harvard Medical School found. The study found that people with eczema smoke and drink more and are less likely to exercise than those without eczema. All three of these are considered risk factors for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality are real concerns for children and adults alike during a flare. Using essential oils for eczema by diffusing or adding to lotions or creams may help relieve the emotional toll this condition has on those it affects. Children are particularly prone to ridicule at school during an outbreak, especially with eczema on the face. It is not uncommon for children with eczema to withdraw from their social circles and become isolated. Be sure to provide plenty of understanding and support. If you’re struggling with eczema or another skin condition, you can visit a dermatologist for further help. Conclusion There are seven skin conditions that fall under the eczema heading, including contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, eczema stasis dermatitis and the most common offender, atopic dermatitis. Eczema can appear anywhere, but in children it typically develops first on the cheeks, chin and scalp. In adolescents and adults, eczema patches appear in areas that bend, like elbows, knees, ankles, wrists and the neck. Understanding what triggers it and how to get rid of eczema flares requires careful tracking of allergens and all flares as they occur. To prevent future flares, avoid common triggers...

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6 INCREDIBLE Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestion and Immunity

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:54 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Probiotics are foods that help build the population of healthy bacteria in the gut. Why is this so important to human health? Because poor digestive health leads to a wide range of health issues from allergies to many forms of cancer. Unfortunately, too many people have consumed synthetic antibiotics – which kill healthy bacteria. As healthy adults, we are supposed to carry around 3 to 4 pounds of “good” bacteria and yeast in our gut. But, every time we take antibiotics, we kill beneficial bacteria inside the digestive tract. Dysbiosis Has Been Linked to a Multitude of Chronic Health Conditions, Scientific Evidence Suggests Eventually, a condition called dysbiosis can occur – which can cause arthritis, autoimmune illness, vitamin B deficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, food allergies, and food sensitivities, irritable bowel disorders plus skin problems like, eczema and psoriasis. THESE Are Some of the Best Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestive Health Try eating fresh sauerkraut and pickles. Finely shredded cabbage, which gets fermented, is a super-rich source of probiotics. A 2007 study published in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology revealed that more than 13 different species of gut-friendly bacteria are present in sauerkraut. Naturally speaking, pickles and sauerkraut are some of the best probiotic foods to eat – especially after a heavy dose of antibiotics. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to make your own sauerkraut at home by combining finely shredded cabbage with Himalayan sea salt. Just store it in a mason jar at room temperature. In the presence of sea salt, the cabbage releases water, and the surface bacteria on the cabbage helps in the process of fermentation. If you want to buy sauerkraut, be sure to avoid the ‘commercial’ varieties that are heat-treated and pasteurized for obvious reasons. My personal favorite store brand is Real Pickles. Miso soup is one of the mainstays of traditional Japanese medicine and is commonly used in macrobiotic cooking as a digestive regulator. Made from fermented rye, beans, rice, or barley – you can easily add a tablespoon of miso paste to hot water to make an excellent (quick), probiotic-rich soup. One of my favorite companies for quality miso paste is South River Miso Company. Kefir, which is similar to yogurt, is a fermented dairy product. High in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants. Look for a good, organic version at your local health food store to improve digestive health and help restore your microbiome. Kombucha is a form of fermented tea that contains a high amount of healthy gut bacteria. This probiotic drink has been used for centuries as a natural way to boost energy levels, improve digestion and achieve weight loss goals. Just keep in mind that kombucha, with its natural sugars, may not be for everyone – especially if you suffer from candida. Tempeh – as long as it’s non-GMO – is a probiotic-rich, fermented soybean product. It’s also a delicious meat substitute for vegetarians or vegans and a nice source of vitamin B12. Kimchi is the Asian form of pickled sauerkraut. It’s actually an extremely spicy and sour fermented cabbage – typically served in Korea. Kimchi is rich in beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, B1, and B2, plus a great source of probiotics. However, proceed with a bit of caution, as this food has an intense spicy flavor. But Wait, That’s Not All! THESE Foods Also Offer Probiotic Benefits Remember, to restore your gut bacteria, it is also important to consume a variety of raw fruits and vegetables – as often as possible. We say ‘raw’ because, although most produce gets washed before consumption, some bacteria clings to the surface, providing natural probiotic benefits. Improving gut health is relatively inexpensive and loaded with health benefits like a stronger immune system and greater clarity of mind. If you suffer from serious health problems, work with an experienced healthcare provider to restore healthy bacteria today. Sources used for this article: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

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Discover the AMAZING Skin-Protective Benefits of Black Seed Oil

AHA Publisher — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 07:00:55 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Every day millions of dollars are spent by people trying to be more attractive, look younger, or resolve a skin problem like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Every day, many of those people are sorely disappointed. There are many commercial products out there that are loaded with chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can do more harm than good. By contrast, nature has again and again provided superior remedies for so many of these skin concerns. One of the shining stars among them is Nigella sativa – black seed oil. Black Seed Oil Has Been Used for Centuries for Its Therapeutic Effects The Nigella sativa is a flowering shrub commonly found in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Its tiny black seeds are used as a spice in traditional Middle Eastern cooking. You may know them as black cumin, black caraway, or black onion seeds. These seeds can be pressed to extract the oils inside. This oil is used in many different skincare products and used in its natural form as a treatment for a variety of skin issues as well as several medical conditions. The benefits of these tiny seeds can be found in study after study. Looking for Natural Eczema Relief? Black Seed Oil Works as Well as or Better Than Prescription Steroids, According to Research Black seed oil’s powerful emollient properties nourish the skin while providing a hydrating, non-greasy protective layer. In one study, it reduced the severity of eczema as well or better than prescription steroid medications. One of the primary features that made it preferential to the prescription treatment for eczema was the lack of side effects. Black seed oil has no side effects, while steroid creams and medications can have quite a few that are very troubling. But Wait, That’s Not All! Black Seed Oil May Help Protect Against Skin Cancers Several studies have found that black seed oil effectively fights a wide range of cancerous cells, including two common forms of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. In addition, studies have found that the oil actually inhibits cancerous cell growth and kills cancerous cells in squamous cell carcinoma. This has led many researchers to believe that black seed oil is indeed an effective natural treatment for skin cancers and some other cancers in the human body. Oil Extracted from THESE Tiny Seeds Moisturizes Skin and Regulates Immune Cells It is estimated that more than 8 million people in the United States have psoriasis. It can be challenging to manage or treat. Black seed oil has been found to be very effective as a topical treatment for psoriasis. It provides moisture while regulating the immune cells within the body. This increases the body’s ability to manage the proliferation of abnormal cells, easing symptoms and helping people manage their condition more effectively. Thanks to Its Unique Compounds, Black Seed Oil Helps Fight Acne and Fungal Infections Black seed oil’s powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties make it an effective treatment for acne and fungal skin infections. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory to decrease redness, swelling, and other signs of inflammation in the skin. The oil is very effective in treating other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot ringworm, jock itch, and fungal nail infections. Using black seed oil for acne provides several benefits. First, it reduces inflammation which in turn reduces the appearance of acne. It also has an anti-oxidative effect which makes the skin look healthier. In addition, it is packed with nutrients that help the skin heal from the inside, regenerating and repairing skin that is inflamed and damaged. Restore Your Skin’s Vitality and Get Vibrant, Younger-Looking Skin As we age, our skin loses its vibrance. As a result, it can start to look dull, making you appear tired and even older than you actually are. Black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and nutritive properties help restore the skin’s youthful vitality. It can be applied topically or taken orally to improve skin health, giving it a more youthful, glowing, vibrant appearance. There are so many benefits that black seed oil provides. You definitely want to add it to your natural health toolbox. Sources for this article include: GreenMedInfo.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Psoriasis.org NIH.gov ScienceDirect.com To read the original article click here.

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Dietary Supplements for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

AHA Publisher — Wed, 05 May 2021 07:00:13 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Are there dietary supplements that can help with atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, ranks “as the skin disease with the greatest health burden worldwide” because it’s just so common, affecting maybe one in ten kids and about 3 percent of adults, causing patches of red, itchy skin. Topical steroids, like cortisone cream, have been “the mainstay treatment” since their Nobel Prize-winning discovery in 1950. People are scared of steroids, though, and “it is not uncommon for patients to express irrational fear and anxiety about using topical corticosteroids”—steroid creams and ointments. This phobia may arise from confusing topical steroids with oral or injected steroids, which have different effects. Really potent topical steroids can thin your skin, but skin thickness should return to normal a month after stopping. So, yes, topical steroids can cause side effects, but the concern people have “seems out of proportion” to the small risk they actually pose. Still, if there’s a way you can resolve a problem without drugs, that’s generally preferable. What did they do for eczema before the 1950s? In the 1930s, some researchers tried using vitamin D dissolved in corn oil, and to their surprise, it worked—but so did the corn oil without the vitamin D they were using as a control. Others reported cases improving after feeding flaxseed oil and even ingesting lard, from a study “aided by a grant from the National Live Stock and Meat Board,” which apparently did not want to be left out of the action. The problem is that none of these studies had a control group. So, yes, after feeding someone corn oil for 12 to 18 months, they got better—but maybe they would have gotten better anyway. You don’t know until you put it to the test. Nearly all of those researchers who claimed benefit from the use of the various fats apparently “lack[ed]…any great interest in a controlled series,” but one researcher tested some oils and found no evidence of benefit over routine treatment. Indeed, as you can see at 2:06 in my video Eczema Treatment with Evening Primrose Oil vs. Borage Oil vs. Hempseed Oil, most got better either way, which suggests that the previous “benefits claimed may be due to the usual treatment, with perhaps a dash of enthusiasm.” By then, hydrocortisone was out, so the medical community gave up on dietary approaches—until a letter was published in 1981 about the treatment of eczema with supplements of evening primrose oil, which contains gamma linolenic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-6. And, indeed, when it was put to the test, it seemed to help, but then a subsequent larger study found no effect. Whenever there are conflicting findings, it helps to do a meta-analysis, where you put all the studies together. So, there was the study that showed benefit, the one that didn’t, and seven other studies. What did those find? Seven out of the seven showed benefit. “The results show that the effects of Epogam [a brand of primrose oil supplement] are almost always significantly better than those of placebo.” Case closed, right? Well, the analysis was funded by the supplement company itself, which can be a red flag, and where exactly were the other seven studies published? They weren’t. The company just said it did those seven studies but never released them. When asked to hand them over, the company said it would but never did, even threatening a lawsuit against researchers who dared to question the studies’ efficacy. An independent review failed to find evidence that evening primrose oil or borage oil worked better than placebo. “As we bid goodnight to the evening primrose oil story, perhaps we can awaken to a world where all clinical trial data…reach the light of day…” Borage oil actually has twice the gamma linolenic acid as evening primrose yet it still didn’t work, but that didn’t stop researchers from trying hempseed oil, which “has been used as a food and medicine for at least 3000 years in China.” Researchers tried giving about a quarter cup of hempseeds’ worth of oil to people every day for a few months and found significant improvements in skin dryness, itchiness, and the need for medications—but not compared to placebo. In fact, studies of dietary supplements across the board, whether fish oil, zinc, selenium, vitamins D, E, or B6, sea buckthorn oil, hempseed oil, or sunflower oil, overall, showed “no convincing evidence that taking supplements improved the eczema of those involved.” That’s disappointing, but wait a second. That’s just for oral supplements. What about natural remedies applied topically? I discuss that in my video Eczema Treatment with Coconut Oil vs. Mineral Oil, vs. Vaseline. Meta-analyses can be skewed the other way, too, when negative results are quietly shelved so only positive findings are published. Antidepressant medications are a classic example of this publication bias. Check out my coverage of it in my video Do Antidepressant Drugs Really Work?. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Greger click here.

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Developmental Origins of Eczema and Psoriasis Discovered

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 08:00:31 +0000

Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute via EurekAlert – Scientists have created a highly detailed map of skin, which reveals that cellular processes from development are re-activated in cells from patients with inflammatory skin disease. The researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Newcastle University and Kings College London, discovered that skin from eczema and psoriasis patients share many of the same molecular pathways as developing skin cells. This offers potential new drug targets for treating these painful skin diseases. Published on 22nd January in Science, the study also provides a completely new understanding of inflammatory disease, opening up new avenues for research on other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Part of the global Human Cell Atlas effort to map every cell type in the human body, the new comprehensive atlas of developing and adult skin is a valuable resource* for scientists worldwide. It could also provide a template for regenerative medicine, helping researchers grow skin in the laboratory more effectively. Our skin acts as a barrier, protecting us against invading bacteria or viruses, and is vital for health. Inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic eczema and psoriasis are chronic conditions, where the immune system becomes overactive, causing itchy or flaky skin that can be very painful and prone to infection. These conditions can have significant impact on people’s lives, but the trigger is unknown and there is no cure, with treatments only helping to relieve the symptoms, not the cause. Skin is a complex tissue made up of many different types of cells. To learn how skin forms and how this relates to adult health and disease, the researchers studied cells from developing skin**, comparing these with biopsies from healthy adults, and eczema and psoriasis patients. Using cutting-edge single cell technology and machine learning, the team analysed more than half a million individual skin cells, to see exactly which genes were switched on in each cell. This allowed them to find out what each individual cell does and how the cells talk to each other. To their surprise, the researchers discovered that the diseased skin cells shared many of the same cellular mechanisms as developing cells. Professor Muzlifah Haniffa, co-senior author from Newcastle University and Associate Faculty at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “This Skin Cell Atlas reveals specific molecular signals sent by healthy developing skin to summon immune cells and form a protective layer. We were amazed to see that eczema and psoriasis skin cells were sending the same molecular signals, which could over activate immune cells and cause the disease. This had never been seen before. Discovering that developing cell pathways re-emerge is a huge leap in our understanding of inflammatory skin disease, and offers new routes for finding treatments.” Dr Gary Reynolds, a first author on the study from Newcastle University, said: “While our study focused on inflammatory skin disease, there is potential that other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease could be triggered in the same way. This research shows the importance of studying development, and could open up entirely new avenues for inflammatory disease research.” The study uncovered how healthy skin tissue develops, and revealed the cells that are present in adult skin. This has great implications for regenerative medicine, especially for burns victims. Professor Fiona Watt, co-senior author from Kings College London, said: “There have been decades of research on skin cells grown in the laboratory. However, it is not always clear how the properties of the cells change in the laboratory setting. By revealing the detailed make-up of cells immediately on isolation from developing and adult human skin, this Skin Cell Atlas can act as a template for researchers trying to reconstruct healthy skin in regenerative medicine. Our data is openly available, and we hope this will aid research into creating skin tissue in the laboratory.” Dr Sarah Teichmann co-senior author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and University of Cambridge, and co-chair of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, said: “Part of the international Human Cell Atlas initiative to create a ‘Google map’ of the human body, this skin cell atlas study reveals that studying development can not only help understand how tissues are formed in the first place, but also shed vital light on diseases. This map reveals a completely new way of thinking about inflammatory diseases, and is an important reference that other scientists can use to investigate the causes of disease, and inform potential new treatments.” To read the original article click here.

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5 Signs You Should Eat a Dairy-Free Diet and 1 You Shouldn’t

AHA Publisher — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 08:00:37 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Many adults are intolerant and/or allergic to dairy milk and products. If you experience the signs above, it’s worth a try to eat a dairy-free diet and see if it helps. Your body doesn’t need dairy, and it can be replaced with other foods from a healthy diet if you choose not to include it. These days it’s not hard to find someone who has sworn off dairy. Many adults have gone dairy-free and for many different reasons. But without an obvious dairy allergy, should you eat a dairy-free diet? Actually, there are many signs of mild allergy, or even intolerances, that do not show up on an allergy screening test. In fact, many adults live with these symptoms convinced it’s not the fault of the dairy in their diets because they’ve had allergy tests that confirm they are NOT allergic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that “approximately 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose AFTER after infancy.” What’s more, this number climbs to 70-100% in some people groups including those of East Asian descent (1). And this only accounts for lactose intolerance, and not those allergic to dairy proteins. Here are the differences in allergies vs. intolerances, 5 signs you should eat a dairy-free diet, tips on how to do so, and 1 sign you shouldn’t. Lactose Intolerance vs. Dairy Allergy There are 2 main reasons people cannot tolerate dairy. 1. Lactose Intolerance 2. Milk Protein Allergy The lactose in milk is the milk’s “sugar.” Lactose comprises the carbohydrates in dairy and generally causes digestive issues in those who cannot tolerate it. Cheese, cream, butter, whey protein powder, and long-fermented yogurt (such as our high-probiotic homemade yogurt) do not have nearly as much lactose as milk and are even sometimes considered lactose free. For those who have a milk protein allergy (whey and/or casein), they experience allergic reactions to dairy with protein. Typically, allergic reactions manifest as skin reactions (such as rashes or eczema), respiratory reactions (difficulty breathing, congestion or chronic respiratory infections), or digestive issues (diarrhea, bloating or constipation). While it’s helpful to know which issue a person has (allergy vs. lactose intolerance), both are indications that a person should eat a dairy-free diet. 5 Signs You Should Eat a Dairy-Free Diet and 1 You Shouldn’t 1. Chronic Respiratory Infections, Congestion, Ear Infections Etc. If you experience chronic congestion or respiratory issues, your body may fair better without dairy. In fact, it is well-accepted that childhood recurrent ear infections are associated with cow milk allergy (2). Unfortunately, this associated often goes untested and undiagnosed. Some people “out-grow” this allergy, while others continue to experience respiratory issues. Of note, there are many studies now showing a positive association between “raw milk” (milk that has not been pasteurized) and reduced allergy and asthma incidence. However, many help authorities also discourage the consumption of raw milk due to the risk of bacteria growth in non-pasteurized milk (3). What’s more, there is an association between early antibiotics use and allergies to cow’s milk and other foods. In fact, one study found that more than 3 antibiotics orders before the age of 7 significantly increased incidence of cow’s milk, other foods, and non-food substances (4). 2. Eczema or Skin Rashes Many children and adults experience chronic eczema. And while topical creams and treatments can bring temporary relief, if it’s caused by food such as cow’s milk, the cream will not “cure” the issue. If you suffer from unexplained or uncured eczema, you should try a dairy-free diet. In fact, 20% of all childhood (before 4 years) of eczema cases are due to a food allergy, often cow’s milk. However, up to 90% of cases resolve by 4 years of age. For the remaining 10+%, cow’s milk allergy may continue to cause eczema (5). To see if it helps your case, try removing all dairy for 30 days and note any symptom changes. 3. Loose Stools and Diarrhea A huge percentage of adults now claim lactose intolerance. Whether the growing number is an issue with modern dairy products and their growth and production OR their own digestive health, it’s unknown. But, if you experience chronic and unexplained loose stools and diarrhea, you may want to eat a dairy-free diet. IF it’s due to the lactose and not milk protein, you may be able to add back low-lactose foods like hard cheese, long-fermented yogurt, cream, and butter. 4. Bloating and Constipation On the other side of the digestive spectrum, some adults experience bloating, painful gas, and constipation due to lactose intolerance and/or milk protein allergy. While cow’s milk is often overlooked in constipation, likely because it more typically causes loose stool, it still should not be ruled out as the culprit. In fact, studies show that constipation due to cow’s milk allergy can usually be resolved when a dairy-free diet is used (6). 5. Unexplained Chronic Fatigue While there are many factors associated with fatigue, your body may be drained of energy due to constant immune-system reactions to a cow’s milk allergy or intolerance. If you find that you are actually fatigue after eating a meal with dairy, and especially if you experience this along with any other signs stated above, it’s worth a shot to see if a dairy-free diet improves your overall energy and well-being. 1 Reason You Shouldn’t Eat a Dairy-Free Diet If you enjoy dairy and don’t exhibit any signs of allergy or intolerance, you do not have to listen to the claims that your health will simply be better using a dairy-free diet. Many times, people will claim: • You’ll feel so much better without dairy. If you tolerate it and enjoy it, eating a dairy-free diet is not likely to deliver “feeling better.” • You should not drink dairy because other animal species do not drink other species’ milk. This is more an issue of opportunity than biology. Given the chance, most wild animals would drink cow’s milk. If you’ve ever lived in proximity to wild animals and left some out, you would definitely see animals drinking it without inhibition. However, they have not figured out how to milk cows. • There are no nutritional benefits to consuming dairy. This is not true. Dairy is a great source of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. In the case of yogurt, it can be healing to the gut and improve overall health including reduction of cardiovascular disease, digestive issues, and diabetes incidence (7). The reason to NOT eat a dairy-free diet is you tolerate and enjoy it? Other peoples’ false claims. Dairy and the Keto Zone Since it is a high-carbohydrate food, milk is typically not a food/drink included on the Keto Zone diet. However, many Keto Zone eaters include cheese, cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and heavy cream in their diets. And some find carbohydrate-room for high-probiotic homemade yogurt. As long as it’s tolerated and enjoyed, these foods can be a healthy part of Keto Zone. How to Stay Healthy Without Dairy If you want to use a dairy-free diet, you certainly can without issue if you keep these things in mind: • Most non-dairy milk and yogurts have very little protein, so look for other sources such as Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen • Especially if are high-risk for bone fractures, you should include vitamin K2 from other sources such as Keto Zone Hormone Zone and calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium from supplements • Goat’s milk can be a high-protein acceptable alternative for those who are allergic to cow’s milk • You can easily replace many dairy-cream sauces with coconut milk, non-dairy milk, or cashew cream • Although not a direct replacement for cheese, adding avocados to almost any dish (after cooking) can afford, the rich flavor often missed by cheese-free entrees • Watch out for non-dairy cheeses. Some have acceptable ingredients, while others are highly processed and use ingredients such as soybean oil • To test a dairy-free diet, omit all dairy (look at ingredients) for 30 days. Then, try adding individual dairy products back into your diet, one-by-one, at least 14 days apart and note all symptoms. Bottom Line Many adults are intolerant and/or allergic to dairy milk and products. If you experience the signs above, it’s worth a try to eat a dairy-free diet and see if it helps. Your body doesn’t need dairy, and it can be replaced with other foods from a healthy diet if you choose not to include it. If you’re ready to get started with the Keto Zone diet, start our Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge today for FREE! You’ll find Keto Zone tips, recipes, and more! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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