Friday, January 28, 2011

Eczema - Wanakee's Nutritional Approach



Most skin diseases tend to respond to similar natural therapies that are rich in nourishing vitamins, minerals, enzymes and Omega 3 fatty acids. Whenever there is a skin problem such as vitiligo, eczema, psoriasis or acne, I recommend cleansing, purifying, detoxification and replinishing, in addition to topical nutrient based therapy. Skin problems come from within. When a holistic approach is taken to ensure balance, the body is capable of healing itself. My unique perspective with eczema mirrors my life-long challenge with vitiligo. Both of my children have had eczema all of their lives. My grandson has eczema as well. I've spent the last 27 years dealing with this horridly painful and scarring condition that robs its sufferers of their self-esteem and open them upto countless infections through the skin. I learned from some of the leading experts in the world, as well as natural health doctors who recommended lifesaving dietary changes for my children. Life-threatening allergies to seafood, fish, nuts, eggs and mushrooms were contributors to their severe eczema and asthma. I learned helpful remedies from friends who were well versed in natural therapies and my own all-natural discoveries, which helped my children tremendously. Therapies that we now use on my infant grandson with success.Eczema is an autoimmune skin disease that itches and causes people to scratch. Scratching causes the skin to ooze and leaves sores, infections and scars. Scratching itchy eczema can retard development in young children. Often, those with eczema have too much fungus, yeast or candida in their bodies and on their skin. There are usually common allergies to milk products, wheat and other gluten foods, corn and other high-allergy foods such as peanuts. I recommend that any person with eczema get allergy testing and get on allergy shots. Too often, the allergy connection is either overlooked or ignored.Oat baths seem to dry eczema out, making the skin more susceptible to itching, oozing scaling and scarring, in many cases.Bathing in warm water and iodized salt or iodized sea salt seems to help with itching and to encourage healing. Bleach baths kill off bacteria, infection and yeast on the skin, as well as detoxifying, or drawing impurities out of the body through the skin. Though some doctors recommend fewer baths, I've found that my children, and now my grandson, respond best to salt water therapy and/or bleach bath therapy.While the skin is still moist, brush on dots of Eczema Herbal Oil to the entire affected area, then rub into all eczematous skin. A tip I learned from one of only two pediatric dermatologists in the world, a quarter of a century ago.Using a nutrient-rich moisturizing cream or lotion, like Vitiligo Herbal Skin Cream Extra Strength, to seal in the healing herbs and lock in the moisture, should alleviate symptoms and encourage healing.Eczema Herbal Oil contains sesame, hemp, borage, evening primrose, holy basil, st john's wort, calendula and lemon grass oils. The all-natural oil is useful for all skin ailments, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, scar tissue, and even surgical wounds.Using all natural soaps that are rich in Omega 3 oils, and healing soaps such as Black Soap, that are shown beneficial to eczema, acne, vitiligo and other skin issues, have served my family and clients well.Avoiding milk products, breads, crackers and pastas made from gluten foods, such as wheat and other Celiac diet related foods helped my children. Also, avoiding Candida friendly foods that contain sugars and molds should be avoided. I recommend a diet rich in fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines for Omega 3s, if not allergic to these foods, along with brown rice, fruits, vegetables and walnuts, if there are no nut allergies. Supplement recommendations include cleansing herbs such as holy basil, picrorrhiza, phyllanthus and the vitamin, mineral regimen that I include in my book on vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases. Drinking mineral rich, pure water with fresh lemon or fresg lime aids elimination and helps to ensure glowing, healthy skin. Sufficient hydration aids thyroid function, which is imperative to healthful skin, body and mind. Fresh water, herbal teas, kombucha drinks and Emergen -C with water are the recommended drinks.I highly recommend alternating between a candida cleanse and a liver detoxification cleanse for 6 months to remove toxins from the blood, organs, cells and lymph glands of those with eczema or other skin diseases. This regimen has proven helpful to my family and many clients who have followed this protocol. Again, I encourage anyone with eczema to undergo extensive allergy testing. I highly recommend avoiding antihistamines and drugs for allergy symptoms, opting instead for allergy shots, to naturally encourage the immune system to build a tolerance to offending substances. There are so many potential pitfalls for those who suffer from eczema, from hidden allergies to popular phosphate detergents and fragrance infused fabric softeners, that I recommend a consultation to devise a regimen based on each client's individual needs and lifestyle. I offer free phone and email consultations to clients throughout the healing process.
References and Recommended ReadingWanakee's nutritional approach to vitiligo & other autoimmune diseases by Wanakee Hill, N.D.Prescription for nutritional healing by Balch, M.D. & Balch, C.N.C.Detoxification by Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D.
Wanakee Hill, ND http://www.thewellnesswell.net/
1 817 296 2829
Wanakee Hill, N.D., leads the field in natural healing for vitiligo, with more than 30 years researching natural therapies for vitligo and consulting on VSIG for many years. She is a Traditional Naturopath who holds a Doctor of Naturopathy with high honors. Wanakee's book, Nutritional Approach to Vitiligo & Other Autoimmune Diseases, is available through online bookstores and on her website. Wanakee is a member of the American Holistic Health Association.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Wanakee, I have suffered from extreme vitiligo since 1998, is there any hope for a full recovery?

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