Eczema Bulletin, Issue #034 - Gut and Psychology Syndrome
Welcome to May's edition of the Eczema Bulletin e-zine, and thank you for subscribing.
This is the 34th edition of Eczema Bulletin. It will bring you articles and news about eczema, and also any updates to what-is-eczema.com. If you would like to add any suggestions for articles or news, or even add your own then I would love to hear from you
You can contact me here
This month's Eczema Bulletin includes
- May's Featured Article – Gut and Psychology Syndrome
- My favourite eczema news article
- Tip of the Month
- 5 Ways To.....reduce the affect of exercise on eczema
Gut and Psychology Syndrome
Also known as GAPS or GAP Syndrome, it has been linked to many different conditions, including eczema.
The term was created in 2004 by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, who has spent time working with hundreds of adults and children who suffer from conditions that affect the brain and mental health.
The doctor has said that conditions including autism, dyslexia, ADHD and eczema are affected by our digestive health. So what we eat and drink plays a huge role in our health. This won't be a big surprise to a lot of people, but Dr Campbell-McBride has come up with a plan of how we can improve our health by first replenishing the beneficial bacteria in our gut. This will help to boost our immune system.
The plan is described in detail in her book, 'Gut and Psychology Syndrome', but the condensed main points of the plan include:
- Diet. Suggests eating easily digested carbohydrates, as carbohydrates that hard to digest can increase the amount if
harmful bacteria and yeast in the gut. Also adding fermented foods to your diet and eating home-made rich bone broths and vegetable stews
- Supplements. Including adding probiotics and supplements of essential fatty acids and cod liver oil
- Detox and lifestyle choices
This is a relatively new thing for me and I've read about it briefly before, but after looking into it a bit more it makes sense.
I'm going to have a proper read through Dr Campbell-McBride's book and see if the plan is something I might try. Once I understand how and why it works I'll write a more in depth article on the site.
I'd love to hear if you have made any changes in your diet or lifestyle for the benefit of your eczema, or if you've gone the whole way and follow the above plan.
Eczema News Article
A study has shown that there some similarities in eczema between humans and dogs, that aren't found between humans and other animals.
One similarity is to do with a certain Staphylococcus bacteria. In humans Staphylococcus aureus is the issue. In dogs it's Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.
The study shows that when the eczema flares up that there is a high rise in the number of sertain Staphylococcus bacteria. At the same time there is a decrease of the normal bacteria found on the skin.
They found that when both humans and dogs are treated with antibiotics that the eczema improves as the bad bacteria is killed.
This study was part of the 'One Health' research. Through this research its been found that some conditions are similar when in both humans and animals.
Tip Of The Month - Argan Oil and Eczema
Argan oil comes from the nut of the argan tree, mainly found in the south-west of Morocco. The oil is used a lot in Morocco for cooking and skin care.
Argan oil has some great properties that could be beneficial for your eczema.
- Full of essential fatty acids. These acids prevent moisture loss from your skin, which stops it drying out
- Anti-inflammatory. Reduces redness and itching
- Antibacterial. Can reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin, and the risk of developing a Staph aureus infection
- Contains vitamin E. Is a natural moisturiser, and promotes new skin growth
There are several ways that you can use argan oil
- Directly on the skin. You only need a small amount. Add a drop in to the palm of your hand and that will be enough to cover your face and neck. Gently massage into the skin
- Add to a carrier oil. You could add a couple of drops to coconut for a super skin treatment. If you're
not a fan of coconut oil you can add it to any of your other favourite oils
- Use on the scalp. If you have a dry itchy scalp, massage some argan oil into your hair and scalp. Wrap your head in a towel, leave in overnight and wash out in the morning
Try to use high quality, 100% pure cold pressed organic oil. It won't of been through any processes that strip it of any of it's beneficial properties.
Argan oil is very safe to use, but don't use it if you have a nut allergy.
