If you have ever read The Eczema Diet you'll know that Salicylate sensitivity is the most common chemical sensitivity that eczema sufferers have. It can cause a worsening of eczema in more than 60 percent of people with eczema, and the rates appear to be increasing.
Well, back in the 1950s alkalisation was used as an effective treatment for eliminating salicylates from the body and this research can help to reduce your eczema symptoms.
According to research in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, medical staff at hospitals used alkalisation to treat salicylate poisoning (from aspirin overdose - aspirin is made up of salicylates). Researchers found, when the urine pH exceeds an alkaline reading of 7.5, more salicylates are eliminated than reabsorbed, and three times the amount of salicylates are excreted via the urine.
What does this mean for eczema sufferers (and people with salicylate sensitivity)?
If you suffer from eczema and/or salicylate-sensitivity, aim for a urine pH reading of 7.5, as this will temporarily increase your tolerance to salicylates so you are less likely to react to them.
Eczema is also an acid-forming condition (caused by excess inflammation) so consistently keeping your urine pH slightly alkaline or neutral, can help to reduce the itch. But you don't want to over-alkalise either as this is not good for you long-term as alkalosis can occur. So you can use a pH test kit to monitor your pH and ensure it's within the range for optimal health.
What is the ideal pH reading?
If testing your urine pH, aim for a reading between 6.75 and 7.5. If you have health problems associated with excess acids, such as eczema, skin problems, gout, arthritis, or salicylate- or chemical-sensitivity, aim for a urine pH of 7 to 7.5. If your reading is pH 8 or above, modify your diet so it is slightly less alkalising. If testing your saliva pH, aim for a reading between 7.0 to 7.5.
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The Skin Friend pH Test Kit contains pH strips and an Eczema-Friendly Food Chart which shows you the best foods for eczema and other inflammatory conditions. It also comes in a lovely tin that can be reused and recycled.
Calcium and magnesium for eczema
Calcium and magnesium, when taken in the carbonate form, are highly alkaline minerals which help to promote healthy sleep and are involved in the development and maintenance of the bones and teeth.
Calcium also promotes a healthy acid mantle in the skin, which helps protect the skin against microbes such as dust mites.
You can find a suitable calcium and magnesium supplement here.
Article written by nutritionist Karen Fischer.
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At Eczema Life, we recommend nutritionist Karen Fischer's low food chemical program (The Eczema Detox) along with additive-free supplements for skin health and wellbeing. Click on the images to view more details:
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