“Eczema: Uncover the Astonishing Triggers for Immediate Relief!”

What Caused My Eczema?

Online course. Woman looking in mirror at her face in the bathroom. eczema

So you have eczema and you are wondering does food play a factor? Food is definitely a factor in regards to eczema, so what foods should you avoid? In order to control your eczema, you should avoid the following foods:

1. Wheat

2. Barley

3. Rye

4. Oats

Just the thought of walking into a bakery and the beautiful smell of freshly baked bread can make even the most hardcore fitness freak forget about their Paleo diet.

With all of the bad press, bread has received over the years, it’s no wonder we all think twice before indulging.

I think it is safe to say that we are afraid that “a moment on the lips, will leave a lifetime on the hips”, but now there’s an even more important reason to refrain, YOUR skin.

5 Common Foods Containing Gluten

Gluten is present in many foods. Some foods that you wouldn’t even think contain gluten, indeed contain gluten. Here is my list of 5 common foods that contain gluten, but you probably did know. 

5 Common Foods Containing Gluten
Hash Brown
Soup Bases
Salad Dressings
Frozen Dinners
Condiments

My recommendation is to stay away from prepackaged and pre-prepared foods. Basically, if it comes in a box, with nutrition facts, check to make sure it doesn’t have gluten in it. If you can buy foods that don’t come in a box with nutrition facts, even better! 

My Recipe Book

My Top 10 Favorite Gluten-Free Foods

Pamela’s Products Baking & Pancake Mix
Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener
Barilla Gluten Free Elbow Macaroni
Schar Cookie Honeygrams
Schar Gluten Free Table Crackers
LATE JULY Snacks Restaurant Style Sea Salt Thin & Crispy Tortilla Chips,
SkinnyPop Orignal Popcorn
King Arthur Flour Multipurpose Flour, Gluten-Free
Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Gluten Free
Kikkoman GF Gluten Free Sauce Set (Vegetarian Oyster, Poke, Sweet Chili, Hoisin)
 
* I am not sponsored by the product manufacturers.
Shop Gluten Free

What Does Eczema Look Like?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and dryness. The appearance of eczema can vary depending on the individual and the stage of the condition. Here are some common characteristics and manifestations of eczema:

  1. Redness: Eczema often presents as red or pink patches on the skin. These patches can be localized or spread over larger areas of the body.

  2. Itching: Itching is a hallmark symptom of eczema. The affected skin may feel intensely itchy, leading to scratching, which can further irritate the skin and cause potential complications.

  3. Dryness: Eczema-prone skin tends to be dry and may feel rough or scaly to the touch. This dryness can contribute to the overall discomfort associated with the condition.

  4. Inflammation: Inflammation is a key feature of eczema. The affected skin may appear swollen or puffy, and it may feel warm to the touch.

  5. Bumps or blisters: In some cases, eczema can cause small raised bumps or fluid-filled blisters. These can be particularly common in certain types of eczema, such as dyshidrotic eczema, which primarily affects the hands and feet.

  6. Cracked skin: With severe or long-lasting eczema, the skin may become thickened, rough, and prone to cracking. This can lead to painful fissures, especially in areas that experience frequent movement or friction.

It’s important to note that eczema can appear anywhere on the body, but it often affects the face, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and the folds of the skin, such as the inner elbows and behind the knees. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and flare-ups may come and go periodically.

How is Eczema Treated?

So how can eczema be treated? Eczema can be treated by refraining from all foods containing wheat, barley, rye, and oats ( not just wheat), for 1 month and seeing how your skin responds. For additional help, I’ve created some gluten-free recipes ideas for you!

For me this was life-changing. I was able to stop taking my prescription shampoos ( ketoconazole), as well as my prescription hair oil, while not being afraid to wear black. 

This is by far the best eczema treatment!

Should Eczema be Exfoliated?

Exfoliation, which involves the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, can be beneficial for many skin conditions. However, when it comes to eczema, exfoliation should be approached with caution. Here’s what you should know:

  1. Gentle exfoliation: Eczema-prone skin is often sensitive and easily irritated. Therefore, if you decide to exfoliate, it’s crucial to choose gentle exfoliating methods and products. Avoid harsh scrubs, brushes, or exfoliants that can potentially damage the skin or worsen the eczema symptoms.

  2. Moisturize first: Before considering exfoliation, focus on moisturizing the skin adequately. Keeping the skin well-hydrated can help improve the barrier function and reduce dryness and flaking. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin or those recommended by your dermatologist.

  3. Consult a healthcare professional: It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, before attempting any exfoliation methods for eczema. They can assess your specific condition and provide personalized recommendations.

  4. Patch test: If you choose to try exfoliation, perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin before applying any exfoliating product to larger eczema-affected areas. This helps determine whether the exfoliant causes any adverse reactions or exacerbates your symptoms.

  5. Avoid open or inflamed areas: Do not exfoliate areas of the skin that are open, oozing, or highly inflamed. Exfoliation can further irritate these areas and delay the healing process.

  6. **Stop if irritation

    1. occurs: If you notice increased redness, itching, or discomfort after exfoliation, discontinue the practice immediately and consult your healthcare professional for further guidance.

    Remember, eczema management primarily revolves around gentle skincare practices, maintaining skin hydration, and avoiding triggers that may worsen symptoms. Working closely with a naturopathic healthcare professional can help you develop a tailored skincare routine that suits your specific needs and reduces the risk of further irritation.

Final Thoughts

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and dryness. Its appearance can vary from red, itchy patches to dry, scaly skin, and even blisters in some cases. While exfoliation may be beneficial for certain skin conditions, caution should be exercised when considering exfoliation for eczema-prone skin. It is essential to prioritize gentle skincare practices, adequate moisturization, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals.

In addition to proper skincare, addressing potential triggers and making lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in managing eczema. One area to explore is diet. Although the relationship between diet and eczema is complex and varies from person to person, some individuals may find that certain foods can trigger or worsen their symptoms. Consider consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian experienced in working with eczema patients to help identify potential dietary triggers and develop a suitable meal plan.

Moreover, seeking the guidance of a coach who specializes in eczema can be highly beneficial. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the condition and can provide personalized advice, support, and strategies for managing eczema effectively. They can help develop a comprehensive approach that combines skincare, lifestyle modifications, and emotional well-being to improve the overall management of eczema.

Remember, managing eczema is a multifaceted process, and what works for one individual may not work for another. It is crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, dietitians, and specialized coaches, to develop an individualized plan that suits your specific needs. With proper care, lifestyle modifications, and expert guidance, individuals with eczema can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

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“Discover the Astonishing Truth: How Sugar Severly Ages Your Skin and Diminishes Your Youthful Glow”

Can Sugar Cause Premature Aging?

Can sugar Cause premature aging? Black Woman Putting Skin Cream on Face

This is a topic that really interests me because I’m obsessed with finding the “fountain of youth”. I don’t mind aging; I just want to age gracefully. So, whatever I can do that is in my control, I’m more than happy to give it a try. So my question, in the quest of aging gracefully, was, “Can Sugar Cause Premature Aging?” Well, the “American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that a diet high in sugar can accelerate aging; although quitting sugar may not reverse signs of aging that have already manifested, it can slow their progression.”

So how much sugar is good for daily intake? According to Dr. Peter Glidden, the average adult should consume 32 grams of sugar per day. So, what does that look like? I wanted to take this a step further and look at some of the most common snacks that we eat daily, to see how they may contribute to our over-consumption of sugar.

Sugar Content in Common Snacks

Food

Amount of Sugar ( in grams)

Banana

14 grams

1 Watermelon  Wedge

18 grams

12 oz Can of coke

39 grams

Medium Sized Apple

19 grams

1 12oz can of beer

0 grams

5oz Wine

1.2 grams

1 tablespoon honey

17 grams

12 oz can Pepsi

39 grams

12 oz can Mountain dew

46 grams

12 oz can Sprite

33 grams

8 oz can of Monster energy

27grams

As you can see, healthy or unhealthy, the amount of sugar we consume daily without being consciously aware of it, is frightening. 1 apple and 1 watermelon wedge will cause you to exceed your daily intake of sugar.

This brings me to another point because often, people think that they can eat as much fruit as they want as a substitute for “processed sugar”. But as you can see, the sugar content in fruit is quite high. As a result, I caution my clients to limit the amount of fruit they eat daily. To help you monitor your sugar intake with fruit, below is a listing of common fruit and their sugar content.

Fruit

Amount of Sugar ( in Grams)

Banana

14 grams

1 Watermelon  Wedge

18 grams

Peach

13 grams

Medium Sized Apple

19grams

Orange

9grams

Mango

46 grams

Avocado

1.3 grams

Honeydew Melon (1 wedge)

13 grams

Strawberries (1pint)

17 grams

Grapes (1 cup)

15 grams

Pineapple ( 1 slice)

16 grams

Grapefruit ( 1 cup)

16 grams

Pear

17 grams

Kiwi (1 cup)

16 grams

Tangerine (1 large)

17 grams

Blueberries (1 cup)

15 grams

Plum

7 grams

Lime

1.1 grams

Can Sugar Cause Premature Aging: Effects of Sugar on Skin

The effects of excessive sugar on your skin are something I am intimately aware of. Excessive sugar in your blood can affect someone’s skin in various ways. So, you may not experience all of these, but here are the common skin issues related to excessive sugar:

  1. Acne
  2. Wrinkles
  3. Sagging skin
  4. Dry skin
  5. Craters
  6. Uneven skin
  7. Dark spots

Over the years, I’ve gone to many dermatologists, but none of them explained why I had adult acne. In 2017, I decided to try a naturopathic doctor. During our consultation, I shared that I had been diagnosed with adult acne, and prescribed Accutane, but due to the price ($300 per month at that time), I couldn’t afford it.

My naturopathic physician, Dr. Peter Glidden, immediately asked me if I had high blood sugar. I replied, “I don’t know”. He suggested that I get my A-1C tested. At my next physical, I had my A-1C tested and it was elevated but I was not pre-diabetic. He explained that sugar affects people in different ways, and acne is one of them. Dr. Glidden recommended that I reduce my sugar intake and take supplements to help manage my blood sugar. He recommended I take 4 Sweet Eze per day. I would twist the capsule and empty of contents of the Sweet Eze into my vitamin smoothie.

To be honest, I didn’t notice a difference right away. I didn’t notice a difference until I paired the Sweet Eze with the 20- Day Gut Challenge. Why? I believe it’s because the 20-day Gut Challenge, completely restricts your sugar intake, and it contains collagen supplements. Collagen helps give you a youthful appearance by plumping the skin and improving your skin’s elasticity.

Can you reverse sugar damage to skin?

Sugar damage can be reversed but, in my experience, it does take quite a bit of time and dedication. How did I reverse my sugar-damaged skin? Well, let’s walk through my full recommendation from a licensed naturopathic doctor, Dr. Peter Glidden.

Recommendation #1: Complete the 20-day Gut Challenge

The 20- Day Gut Challenge is very important, because not only does it completely restrict your sugar intake, but it also promotes a healthy gut, which means you will absorb the nutrients in the food and supplements that you take.

If you are new to my blog and are unfamiliar with the 20- day Gut Challenge, it’s a 20-day program, where you are given explicit instructions on what to remove from your diet for 20 days and it includes a supplement regime, all aimed at helping to promote a healthy gut.

You can learn more about the 20-Day Gut Challenge, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hungryfitfoodiegutchallenge/

Recommendation #2: 90 Essential Nutrients

According to Dr. Peter Glidden, there are 90 essential nutrients that your body needs for it to have the raw materials needed for you to be a “healthy” person. This is crucial because Dr. Glidden stated that he starts all his patients with the 90 essential nutrients because, in his practice, he has found that most people are nutritionally deficient. Consider the 90 essential nutrient regime as your maintenance program. Similar, to your face cleansing program. It’s something you will do every day, to gain and maintain good health from the inside out.

You can purchase the 90 essential nutrients (aka Healthy Body Start Pak) here: https://hungryfitfoodie.youngevity.com/us_en/healthy-body-start-pak-trade-2-5.html

Recommendation #3: Collagen

I can’t say enough good things about collagen. Collagen is so important to improve the quality of your skin. I wish I would have known this years ago. Dr. Glidden recommended that I take collagen, but not just any collagen. Whatever collagen you take should include all 5 types of collagens. Why? Because the five main collagen types help to boost the health of your hair, skin, nails, joints, and immune system. It’s a complete system, verses fragmented nutrition.

Looking for collagen with all 5 of the main collagen types: https://hungryfitfoodie.youngevity.com/us_en/collagen-peptides.html

Recommendation #4: Sweet Eze

Certified Wellness Coaches are lifestyle professionals who are devoted to helping their clients reach their highest potential for health. Like the great coach Phil Jackson who used mindfulness and other holistic techniques to lead his teams to championships, a certified wellness coach will assist their clients in defining what wellness means to them and working with what they already have to achieve it.

How long after quitting sugar will my skin improve?

Reversing skin damage is not for the faint at heart. Once I implemented the steps I mentioned previously, it still took 6 months for me to see a noticeable difference. The first area I noticed was around my eyes. The skin around my eyes felt as if someone one stretching it from the outer corner to my hairline.

The 2nd area I noticed, was a massive crater that had formed from the inside corner of my eyes, that stretched diagonally to the middle of my cheeks. After about 6 months of consistently taking all my supplements daily, I was able to visibly see that the crater had plumped up. It was exciting to know that I no longer had to fill the crater in with my Smash Box BB Cream concealer.

Acne takes by far the longest to go away. Especially, if you are prone to hyperpigmentation. For my acne to go away it took about 8 months. Afterward, it took almost 1 year for the scarring to go away. It’s important to note that I did not put any creams on my skin during this time. I only focused on food and supplementation. I washed my face with regular facial bar soap, and because I have oily skin, to this day, I do not use any moisturizers.

So, there you have it, getting your skin under control is a process. But it’s well worth it once you know how to control it and it feels great knowing that the process didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.

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The Truth About Gluten Intolerance: Symptoms and Proven Management Secrets

Gluten Intolerance

Woman reading a book and eating gluten aka break. Why avoid gluten?

I get this question a lot, and quite honestly, I was very confused by what gluten is and why it can wreak havoc on your gut. So let’s start from the beginning. What is gluten?

What is gluten? According to Hopkins Medicine, gluten is a type of protein that’s in wheat and some grains.

So if it’s just a protein, why is it so bad? Gluten is destructive because it’s almost impossible for your stomach to digest, which leads to digestive issues and other issues. Check out this blog post for more on gluten, “ 5 Things You Need To Do To Achieve a Healthy Body Weight And Keep It Permanently”.

Well-known symptoms of gluten intolerance?

As a certified wellness coach, I get this question a lot. Mostly because people don’t realize that their symptom is connected to gluten intolerance. For instance, eczema is a symptom of gluten intolerance. The naturopathic doctors I partner with, suggest removing gluten ( as well as genetically modified organisms) from your diet to see the biggest change in your skin.

Other well-known symptoms of gluten intolerance include ( From Penn State Health & Healthline):

Bloating

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Diarrhea

Anxiety

Constipation

Autoimmune Disorders

Abdominal Cramping

Joint & Muscle Pain

Lethargy

Brain Fog

Skin Problems ( Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Acne, Rosacea)

Leg & Arm Numbness

Depression

Headaches

Unwanted weight loss

Indigestion

What are lesser-known symptoms of gluten intolerance?

Based on the list above, and my experience from talking to people with these symptoms, is that most people do not associate headaches or numbness ( arms and/or legs) with a gluten intolerance. Now, both can be symptoms of other conditions, but you shouldn’t overlook gluten as a factor. 

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see a doctor if they persist, and in addition I would highly recommend doing a gut cleanse. I also call it a “reset”, because gluten negatively affects your gut, by inadvertently causing an imbalance of gut bacteria. 

In order to “reset” the gut bacteria to normal, we must eliminate foods that are causing the problem ( gluten is just one of many) and use various probiotics to help balance your gut bacteria.

As a result, I have my  clients do a 20-day gut cleanse. During the cleanse, we eliminate known gut irritants and take a series of probiotics, and collagen to reset the bacteria to an 80/20 ratio ( 80% good bacteria, 20% bad bacteria).

Can gluten intolerance cause heart palpitations or increased heart rate?

I had a client ask me about this, and honestly, I hadn’t heard of gluten causing heart palpitations. So, I decided to do some research and found a study on this conducted by the National Library of Medicine. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, there have been several studies conducted that suggest celiac disease may be associated with a variety of cardiac concerns. Atribal Fibrillation (AF) is the most common and deadly condition, but the studies conducted were unclear if celiac disease is associated with it.

The article went on to say that since celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, inflammation is present, which does predispose patients to develop AF. There were over 64K participants in 4 observational studies, in which the researchers concluded that there is a significant association between celiac disease and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. 

In particular, the study went on to state that there is a 38% increased risk of atrial fibrillation if you have celiac disease.

Benefits of Sourdough Bread

So you are probably freaking out thinking, I can never have bread again because of gluten! Not true. There are options depending on how sensitive you are to gluten. 

My favorite bread is sourdough. I have always loved sourdough bread. Why? Because it taste great, but more importantly, here are the health benefits of sourdough bread:

  • Easily digested.
  • Much lower glycemic index. 
  • Great alternative for those with gluten-sensitivity. Like me!
  • Contains “good acid”. 
  • Feeds your healthy bacteria. 
  • Less yeast. 
  • Less preservatives.
So, if you are not celiac, try making your own sourdough bread like I did and see how you feel afterwards. Remember, the more dense the bread, the better it is for you; which is why my sourdough bread looks dense. It has less gluten in it because I used gluten-free bread flour. 

What symptoms can be mistaken for gluten intolerance?

Some people could confuse anxiety with mental health issues  (aka mood disorders) with other conditions, but it could be tied to gluten intolerance. This was a shocker for me, because I always thought that mental health conditions had nothing to do with nutrition but were based on genetics. 

There are over 300 million people suffering from depression worldwide. With so many people suffering from depression, I think it’s important that we have this conversation and discuss all options for people who are suffering from depression.

Based on the National Library of Medicine, their review supported several studies indicating that there is an association between mood disorders and gluten consumption to people who are gluten intolerant.

As a result, a gluten-free diet would be ideal for anyone with gluten intolerance  and suffering from mood disorder ( anxiety and depression).

How can you identify gluten intolerance?

Have you ever wondered if you were gluten intolerant? The symptoms can represent symptoms of other conditions, so how do you know if you are gluten intolerant?

One way you will know that you have a gluten intolerance is if you get sick after eating anything containing gluten. Some of the side-effects include gas, bloating, constipation, nausea, and feeling tired.

The second way you will know that you have a gluten intolerance is if your skin begins to flake, especially around your hairline, scalp, eyebrows, and  mouth. For me I experienced a flaky scalp, and red-raised bumps along my hairline. You may also experience a significant amount of uncontrollable itching. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then I recommend our 20-Day Gut Cleanse. This cleanse is so powerful, that it only takes 20 days to start seeing and feeling a significant change.


20-Day Gut Cleanse Link

At-home remedies?

I recommend my clients do our 20-day gut cleanse, to set their gut bacteria, and start seeing improvements to their skin. Some of the changes you can see are less flaking, scaling, and redness from the inflammation. 

Our cleanse incorporates an elimination diet, and a series of supplements that improves the health of your gut. If you are interested in trying the cleanse you can access it here in our Facebook group:

Hungry Fit Foodie Facebook Group Banner, with picture of creator and certified wellness coach, Erin Cooper
20-Day Gut Cleanse Facebook Group
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