Did you know that adding certain fruits to your diet may help manage eczema + psoriasis symptoms? Fruit is rich in essential vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, all of which can benefit your skin. In this guide, we'll review the best fruits for eczema and psoriasis and how they can benefit your overall health.

Understand the link between Diet + Skin Conditions

While there is no single definitive cause of eczema or psoriasis, research has shown that diet can play a role in managing symptoms. Certain foods, including fruits, can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. It's important to work with a doctor or nutritionist to determine the best diet for your individual needs and to ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients for overall health.

Choose Fruits with Anti-inflammatory Properties

When it comes to managing eczema + psoriasis symptoms through diet, it's important to choose fruits that have anti-inflammatory properties. These fruits contain antioxidants and other compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve skin health. They are also rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that support healthy skin.

-       Apples- Apples contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of skin problems including psoriasis and eczema. Apples contain antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which helps in the production of collagen that revitalizes the skin. The antioxidants also protect the skin from free radicals, which cause skin damage. Apples are rich in water, which makes them a great food for hydration. Eating apples can prevent dehydration, which can lead to dry and flaky skin.

-       Blueberries- The number one choice for psoriasis and eczema. Blueberries are abundant in antioxidants, which protect the skin from harmful UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors. The antioxidants in blueberries fight off free radicals that damage skin cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues. Collagen is a vital protein that provides the skin with strength and elasticity. Blueberries contain high levels of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. By consuming blueberries regularly, you can ensure your skin is supplied with enough vitamin C, leading to healthy and youthful-looking skin. Blueberries are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent inflammation in the body, including the skin. Inflammation leads to skin redness, acne, and other skin conditions. Blueberries can help in calming these symptoms and promote a clearer complexion

-       Cherries- Cherries contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in your body, including your skin. Inflammation is a major cause of skin aging, and by reducing inflammation, cherries can help keep your skin looking younger and more supple. Cherries contain vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps keep your skin firm and elastic, and by promoting collagen production, cherries can help improve the overall appearance of your skin. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that can help protect your skin from sun damage. By eating cherries, you can help protect your skin cells from free radical damage caused by UV rays, which can help prevent wrinkles and skin damage.

-       Bananas- High in potassium which studies show may be helpful for eczema sufferers. Some eczema patients have reported that rubbing the peel on their skin can even relieve itching! Potassium improves body fluid balance as well as strengthens hair and nails. Bananas are also full of vitamins, minerals, and fibre which boost your mood as well as your skin. This fruit contains good bacteria for gut health too. Go for a green, unripe banana for the most benefits.

-       Mangoes- High in Vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant and can fight free radicals. Mango contains beta-carotene which converts into Vitamins A + C. These vitamins are vital for tackling premature aging, enhancing the skin’s natural UV protection, retaining moisture, and for skin cell renewal. Vitamin C also helps synthesise collagen.

Avoid Fruits that may Trigger Eczema flare-ups.

Most fruits will only provide a great source of vitamins and nutrients. However, some can trigger a flare-up of your skin condition. Use our Elimination Diet to ensure you don’t have a sensitivity before including them in your regular diet.

While adding anti-inflammatory fruits to your diet can help manage eczema + psoriasis symptoms, it's also important to avoid fruits that may trigger flare-ups. These can vary from person to person so it's important to pay attention to your body and keep track of any reactions you may have to certain fruits. If you notice a pattern of flare-ups after consuming a particular fruit, it may be best to avoid it in the future.

Common fruits which can be a trigger for eczema and psoriasis include:

-       Oranges & Lemons- Citrus raises the levels of acidity and inflammation within the body, which is bad news for psoriasis and eczema. Studies have shown that 36% of eczema sufferers have experienced worsening symptoms after eating citrus fruits. Citrus fruits may also interfere with certain medications. For example, grapefruit and certain other citrus fruits can inhibit the absorption of some prescription medications, leading to reduced effectiveness. It is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist to verify if any of your medications are affected by citrus consumption.

-       Strawberries- Strawberries are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including hives, swelling, trouble breathing, and anaphylaxis in extreme cases. Strawberries are acidic, which can erode tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay if eaten in excess or not properly brushed afterward.

-       Tomatoes- Part of the Nightshades family, which psoriasis sufferers should avoid, tomatoes contain solanine which can affect the digestive system. Tomatoes are also a common eczema trigger. This includes ketchup and some pasta sauces. Tomatoes contain high levels of histamines, which can trigger an allergic response in some individuals. Those with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome may also experience negative effects from consuming tomatoes, including headaches, digestive issues, and skin problems.

-       Grapefruit- Grapefruit contains a compound called bergamottin that can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs. This means that if you eat grapefruit while taking certain medications, the drugs may stay in your system longer than intended, leading to potential overdose or other dangerous side effects. It is essential to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential grapefruit interactions before consuming it. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to grapefruit. It is vital to be aware of any adverse reactions you may have after consuming grapefruit and to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.

-       Green Apples & Pears – These can contain birch pollen, which irritates a small number of sufferers. Try including them in an Elimination Diet to see if you have a sensitivity. Green apples and pears have a high level of acid, which can irritate the stomach lining, making it difficult for those who suffer from gastrointestinal problems to digest them. Overconsumption of green apples and pears may even result in stomach pain, nausea, and discomfort.

-       Dried Fruits- Dates, prunes, sultanas, and dried apricots should be treated with caution if you have eczema. Look out for hidden dry fruits in cereals and snack bars. The preservatives in dried fruit (sulphur dioxide & MSG) can irritate those with eczema. A recent study showed 50% of sufferers react to dried fruit.

-       Kiwi- Kiwis are a strong acidic source of salicylates and amines. These can lead to severe itching and worsen eczema symptoms. Kiwi contains proteins that can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction after eating kiwi, seek medical attention immediately.

-       Grapes- Grapes contain salicylates, amines, and MSG, which can all lead to itching and a worsening of symptoms for eczema sufferers. Unfortunately, this also includes grape-derived products such as wine, sultanas, and raisins. Some individuals may be allergic to grapes or certain compounds found in them.

Consult with a Healthcare Professional for Personalised advice

While incorporating fruits into your diet can be beneficial for managing eczema + psoriasis symptoms, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, registered dietitian, or dermatologist, can provide personalised advice on the best fruits to include in your diet based on your individual needs and symptoms. They can also help you create a well-rounded and balanced meal plan that supports overall health and wellness.