The health benefits:
Celery is highly alkalizing which can be beneficial in helping to effectively remove salicylates from the body. Researchers have 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. This can be effective for helping reduce itchiness caused by food chemicals and calming a flare.
Protein powder - Protein is one of the building blocks of skin tissue and therefore essential in the repair of the skin. Protein contains certain amino acids such as proline, glycine and lysine which is needed for supporting collagen production. If you are vegan or vegetarian and following the Eczema Detox programs, a plain pea or rice protein powder can be helpful to ensure you are receiving enough protein each day.
Mango is high in many vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which is needed in the production of collagen. Additionally, the vitamin E, potassium and beta carotene found in mango can be helpful for hydrating and moisturising the skin. Mango contains moderate salicylates and some may find they react, but if your skin tolerates mango this is a fantastic addition to your skin healing diet.
NOTES:
Make these smoothies your own, they have been tested only with the ingredients suggested, however using different dairy-free milk, adding in some chia seeds or a different fruit can be trialled to make this suitable to your needs.
Suitable dairy-free milk for those following the program is rice milk, oat milk, cashew milk and soy milk.
Skin friend AM or PM can be added to these smoothies for an additional nutrient boost, this can change the taste and colour slightly.
Cleansing 'green' smoothie
This smoothie is a lovely alternative to your typical green smoothie which can contain itch promoting ingredients such as spinach and kale. This smoothie is highly alkalising and light on the digestive system. If you do not tolerate moderate amines you can switch the apple for extra pear. Yes, it is healthy tasting! but is also highly refreshing.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/4 cup of sliced celery (washed)
- 1/4 cup of red delicious or golden delicious apple (peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup of frozen peeled pear
- 1/4 cup of filtered water
- 1/4 cup of ice
METHOD:
Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender or Nutri bullet and blend on high until smooth. Adjust taste or add more water if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
FID carob smoothie
This yummy carob smoothie is suitable for those following the FID program or for anyone highly sensitive to moderate salicylates and amines. White beans have been added as a protein option as protein powder is not recommended to use during the FID program. If you are following the eczema detox or diet programs, this, of course, can still be enjoyed.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 cups of frozen peeled pear
- 1.5 tablespoons of carob powder
- 1-2 tablespoons of gluten free oats
- 1-2 teaspoons of brown rice syrup
- 1 tablespoon of white beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 1 cup of dairy-free milk (we used rice milk)
METHOD:
Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender or Nutri bullet and blend on high until smooth. Adjust taste or add more liquid if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: Banana was used for decorative purposes for this smoothie, do not use this if you are following the FID program. If you are not on FID, frozen banana can be enjoyed.
Refreshing sunset smoothie
This milk-free smoothie features a new ingredient on the low chemical list, peeled cucumber. New research has now welcomed peeled cucumber to the moderate salicylate list which you can read further about Here. Please be advised that this is a new addition, and therefore it is recommended to introduce cucumber slowly once your skin is stable while on the Eczema Detox program . This smoothie also contains 3 moderate salicylate ingredients so is only suitable for those who can tolerate multiple moderate salicylates in one sitting. If this is you, you are going to love this refreshing smoothie.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup of chopped frozen mango
- 1 cup of chopped frozen banana
- 1/2 small peeled cucumber (sliced)
METHOD:
Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender or Nutri bullet and blend on high until smooth. Adjust taste or add more liquid if needed, pour into a glass and enjoy.
Bodybuilders protein smoothie
This smoothie is a great choice for those who need to add extra calories to their day or require additional protein. This thick smoothie is full of good fats, protein and carbs, and perfect after a workout or as a filling snack.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3/4 cup of chopped frozen banana
- 1/4 cup of soft pre-cooked peeled sweet potato (this can be baked or boiled)
- 2 tablespoons of raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons of gluten free oats
- 1/4 teaspoon of real vanilla or vanilla bean
- 1 scoop of plain rice pea or carob protein powder
- 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil
- 1/4 - 1/2 dairy-free milk (rice milk was used for this recipe, however, cashew milk would also work well)
- 1-2 teaspoons of real maple syrup
METHOD:
Chop 1 sweet potato in half, peel and cube then bake until soft. Leave to cool then place all ingredients into a high-speed blender or Nutri bullet and blend on high until smooth. Adjust taste and add more liquid if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Products
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:
Food photos and recipe by Katie Layland.
