The Bio Brainer

By now, most of you readers may know that I have eczema…for quite a long time. For so long, I have struggled keeping my body happy. In simplified terms, knowing which trigger foods would upset my body. Over the years, I learned that some foods are just not worth it, knowing that the consequences would face me later. So with my long experience with trigger foods, here’s the top 5 that I recommend avoiding if you are struggling with eczema. FYI : In no particular order because people react differently and it’s completely subjective to how their body responds. 

Quick Biology and “Why Does This Happen?” Summary : 

The reason why your body may respond to various foods differently is because when you consume such food, your body treats the food like a foreign invader and will send out different chemicals ; thus, causing you to experience an allergic reaction. 

Top 5 Trigger Foods 

#1. Coming in at the top number one spot, dairy!!! Literally my kryptonite because once I consume any food with dairy in it, my stomach will start hurting and I will end up getting flairs too. It’s a double whammy combo that nobody will or would want, so I would just avoid it if you know that you are allergic. Some other symptoms include headaches, fatigue, hives, vomiting, and wheezing. 

#2. Second is wheat!! This is also a super hard one for me to avoid since everything I love has some form of wheat in it, but it’s not one of those triggers that will cause me to break out like  diary. With wheat, I will mostly experience digestive problems, but there will be an occasional flare up from time to time. Unfortunately for many others, wheat is a super severe trigger food and many will experience symptoms such as mine and/or swelling, itching, hives, cramps, nausea, and worsening eczema. 

#3. Eggs coming in at spot three! This is also a food that I’ve been tested allergic to ; however, the symptoms aren’t as severe as the dairy reaction, so I do keep it in my diet (at limited proportions). With eggs, I will experience stomach pain and the occasional hive breakout, but eggs are not as bad as some other trigger foods for me. The reason this comes at a number three, however, is because eggs are one of the biggest allergens in the world for many. People will experience runny eyes, itchy & watery eyes, cramps, vomiting, redness, and coughing….AND the list continues. It has a wide range of trigger reactions 

#4. Nuts at number four! This is one of the more frequently seen allergies and can drastically change your diet if allergic. Nuts include such a broad range of options including pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashews, macadamia, and pine nuts. Symptoms include the usual eczema flare ups, but can also include raised bumps (hives), tightening of the throat, swelling, and irritated / itchy skin. 

#5. Last but not least, Shellfish! Shellfish examples – shrimp, lobster, fish, crab, oyster, and scallops. It is a common allergy and many of the symptoms include atopic dermatitis and/or hives, nausea, itchy throat, headaches, puffiness, and additional redness in some areas. 

These are the top 5 food allergens based on my experience and research! Hope you guys got to learn something new. If you think I missed any, leave a comment down below!