Taking probiotics could be beneficial for people with eczema. Adding some forms of bacteria to your diet could limit or reduce your number of eczema flares. That said, the evidence is mixed.
Your body is full of “good” and “bad” bacteria. Probiotics are considered “good” bacteria because they help keep your digestive system healthy.
Depending on your diet, you’re probably already eating foods that contain probiotic bacteria. They’re commonly found in yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and in some forms of dark chocolate. Probiotics are also available in supplement form.
Recently, it’s become clear that probiotics can help more than just your digestive system. They may even help reduce symptoms of skin conditions like eczema.
Keep reading to learn how probiotics may help treat eczema, how to add them to your regimen, and potential side effects to look out for.
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That said, research findings are mixed. For example, probiotics don’t appear effective in this space in infants under 6 months old. They seem to be a bit more effective
Additionally, not all the research differentiated between allergic diseases. For example, participants with atopic asthma and atopic eczema may react differently to probiotic bacteria. If it isn’t clear which participants experienced a given result, researchers cannot draw specific conclusions about efficacy.
That said, no evidence suggests that probiotics may have any adverse effects in people with eczema. It isn’t clear whether probiotic bacteria or another factor can be credited with reducing outbreaks.
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Although it’s unclear whether probiotic bacteria affect eczema, probiotic consumption has several proven benefits.
Probiotic bacteria can:
- boost your immune system
- improve digestive function
- help prevent urinary tract infections
- reduce the incidence of eczema in children if taken prenatally
- antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- high cholesterol
- obesity
Learn more: Surprising benefits of probiotics.
While probiotics are generally considered beneficial to health, if you decide to add them to your regimen, it’s still a good idea to talk with your doctor first. There are many different types of bacteria. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most common supplements and have unique benefits.
You may wish to take an over-the-counter probiotic supplement. If you do, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Taking a supplement on an empty stomach can cause side effects, so always take your supplement with food. It may take some trial and error across probiotic brands before you find the supplement that best suits your needs. Your doctor can help you decide which type or combination is best for you and where to find it.
Can you cure your eczema through diet?
There isn’t enough
That said, a balanced diet is also generally good for your health. Some foods are natural probiotics that support your health regardless of whether they help you with your eczema.
Lactobacillus bacteria are typically found in yogurt and other fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. They are said to help ease diarrhea and may benefit people who are lactose intolerant.
Bifidobacterium bacteria are also found in yogurt and certain other dairy products. They’re thought to help with irritable bowel symptoms.
Learn more: 11 probiotic foods that are super healthy.
Probiotic-rich foods and supplements are generally safe to consume. Typically, your first choice should be consuming them naturally through foods.
However, if you have any of the
- compromised immune system
- bowel conditions
- other chronic illness
There usually aren’t any side effects associated with consuming probiotic-rich foods or drinks.
When taking a probiotic supplement for the first time or switching to a new one, you may experience an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues while your body adjusts.
Symptoms can include:
- gas
- heartburn
- diarrhea
You may find it beneficial to start with a lower dosage and slowly work your way up to taking the full dose. This can help mitigate some of the side effects.
What supplement is best for eczema?
Some supplements that may help support skin health and thereby reduce eczema severity include fish oil (omega-3), zinc, and vitamins E and D. Topical home remedies like colloidal oatmeal may also help. However, some people may need prescription medication to manage their symptoms.
Learn more:
Are there topical probiotics for eczema?
There isn’t enough evidence to suggest that probiotic bacteria can help reduce your eczema flares or prevent you from passing the condition on to your offspring.
However, no evidence suggests that eating probiotic-rich foods or taking probiotic supplements may harm people with eczema. In fact, there are several other proven benefits to probiotic bacteria consumption, including supporting immune function, hormone regulation, and digestion.
Talk with your doctor about whether probiotics are right for you. They can go over your options and provide more information on your individual benefits and risks.