Is a gluten-free diet effective for atopic dermatitis? Tips for improvement explained

　　

Many people suffer from atopic dermatitis, and various treatments have been tried, one of which is a gluten-free diet that has attracted attention.

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, rye, etc., and is found in large amounts in bread, pasta, noodles, etc. It is said that gluten may worsen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in some people .

But is it true that a gluten-free diet is effective for atopic dermatitis? And who should try a gluten-free diet? Let's take a closer look at the relationship between gluten and atopic dermatitis .

The relationship between gluten and atopic dermatitis

Many people suffer from atopic dermatitis, and various treatments and measures have been tried. One of the most popular is a gluten-free diet . Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, and is found in large amounts in bread, pasta, and noodles.

For some people, gluten can have a negative effect on the digestive system and may worsen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Let's take a closer look at how gluten is related to atopic dermatitis.

Gluten may worsen atopic dermatitis

The reason why gluten can worsen atopic dermatitis is thought to be mainly due to the disruption of the intestinal environment and the invasion of allergens through the intestinal tract . Ingesting gluten causes these problems, worsening the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Gluten-induced intestinal disturbances

Gluten is a protein that is difficult for some people to digest. When gluten remains undigested in the intestines, it can disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora and cause inflammation . This disruption in the balance of the intestinal flora can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria and make the intestinal lining more susceptible to damage.

Gluten can also directly irritate the intestinal mucosa, which can further exacerbate intestinal inflammation and lead to "leaky gut syndrome," a condition in which the intestinal permeability increases.

Entry of allergens through the intestinal tract

When leaky gut syndrome occurs, allergens that normally would not be absorbed from the intestinal tract are more likely to enter the body . When allergens enter the body, the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation. This inflammation spreads throughout the body, worsening the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Gluten itself can also act as an allergen: in people who are sensitive to gluten, simply consuming gluten can trigger an immune system response and worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms.

The relationship between gluten-related diseases and atopy

Diseases caused by gluten include wheat allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity . Let's take a closer look at the relationship between these diseases and atopy.

Wheat allergy and atopy

Wheat allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to proteins contained in wheat. Symptoms of wheat allergy range from skin rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, and digestive symptoms . Some people with atopic dermatitis also have a wheat allergy, and consuming wheat can worsen their atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Celiac disease and atopy

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by gluten. When gluten is ingested, the mucous membrane of the small intestine is damaged, inhibiting the absorption of nutrients . Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia. Although the direct relationship between celiac disease and atopy is unclear, as both are autoimmune diseases, a possible connection has been pointed out.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity and atopy

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity refers to a condition in which people who do not have celiac disease are sensitive to gluten . Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and fatigue. There is still little research on the relationship between non-celiac gluten sensitivity and atopy, and no clear conclusions have been reached. However, gluten's effects on the intestinal environment may indirectly affect the symptoms of atopy.

Please note that there are individual differences

It is important to note that the relationship between gluten and atopic dermatitis varies greatly from person to person . Some people have an allergic reaction to gluten, while others have no problems at all. The relationship between atopic dermatitis symptoms and gluten also varies from person to person.

Therefore, it is difficult to say whether a gluten-free diet is effective for atopic dermatitis. It is important to find a diet that suits your body . If you try a gluten-free diet and see an improvement in your symptoms, continuing it may be an option. However, don't forget to consider nutritional balance and consume the necessary nutrients .

We also recommend consulting your doctor before going gluten-free, as any gluten-related conditions, such as celiac disease, require proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tips for improving atopic dermatitis with gluten-free diets

Some people believe that a gluten-free diet is effective in improving atopic dermatitis, but there are a few points to keep in mind when actually going gluten-free. Here are some tips for improving atopic dermatitis by going gluten-free .

The importance of consulting a specialist and undergoing testing

Before starting a gluten-free diet, it is important to consult a specialist first. Starting a gluten-free diet on your own may worsen your symptoms or disrupt your nutritional balance. By consulting with a specialist, you can find a method that is right for you.

Diagnosis of gluten-related disorders

When consulting a specialist, it is important to be tested for possible gluten-related diseases . If you have diseases such as celiac disease or wheat allergy, proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary. If these diseases are overlooked, going gluten-free may not be effective enough.

Identifying other allergens

There are other allergens besides gluten that can cause atopic dermatitis. Typical allergens include eggs, dairy products, nuts, and seafood. It is important to identify your allergens . You can identify your allergens by having a specialist test or by keeping a food diary and observing changes in symptoms.

Gradual Gluten Removal

It's recommended to start going gluten-free gradually . Sudden changes in your diet can be hard on your body. Also, gradual elimination is a good way to determine if going gluten-free is right for you.

The difference between complete and partial removal

There are two methods for eliminating gluten: complete elimination and partial elimination . Complete elimination means not consuming any gluten at all. Partial elimination means reducing the amount of gluten you consume. It is important to choose the appropriate method based on your physical condition and lifestyle.

Use of alternative foods

To stay gluten-free, it is important to make good use of gluten-free substitutes . By incorporating gluten-free wheat flour substitutes such as rice flour, soy flour, and buckwheat flour, as well as gluten-free grains such as quinoa and amaranth, you can broaden the range of your diet.

Additionally, gluten-free processed foods have become more common recently. A wide variety of gluten-free foods are available on the market, including bread, pasta, and cookies. Making good use of these products can make it easier to maintain a gluten-free diet .

The importance of a balanced diet

When practicing a gluten-free diet, it is important to maintain a balanced diet . Simply eliminating foods containing gluten may result in a lack of necessary nutrients. Even in a gluten-free diet, it is important to maintain a proper nutritional balance.

Ensuring necessary nutrients

Foods containing gluten contain important nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is important to get enough of these nutrients from gluten-free foods .

Protein can come from meat, fish, eggs, and legumes. Fiber can come from vegetables, fruits, legumes, and gluten-free grains like quinoa. Vitamins and minerals are important to get from a wide variety of foods.

We recommend consulting a nutritionist or healthcare professional to develop a balanced diet plan and consider supplements if needed.

Consideration for other allergens

When practicing a gluten-free diet, it is important to be aware of allergens other than gluten, such as eggs, dairy products, nuts, and seafood, which can worsen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

It is important to understand your allergens and avoid them. When avoiding allergens, make good use of alternative foods and try to maintain a balanced diet.

Stress management and lifestyle changes

Atopic dermatitis symptoms can be exacerbated by stress and poor lifestyle habits , so in addition to going gluten-free, it is important to work on stress management and lifestyle changes.

Regular lifestyle

Maintaining a regular lifestyle can help manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis . Try to get enough sleep and wake up and go to bed at regular times. It is also important to eat regularly.

Regulating your daily routine will regulate your body clock and enhance your body's natural healing ability . It is also effective in improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Moderate exercise and rest

Moderate exercise helps relieve stress and maintain good health . We recommend incorporating exercise that suits you, such as walking, yoga, or swimming. However, excessive exercise can have the opposite effect, so be sure to exercise within your limits and take into consideration your physical condition.

It is also important to get enough rest. Taking a relaxing bath, getting a massage, or spending time immersing yourself in a favorite hobby can help relax your mind and body.

Stress management and lifestyle changes, combined with a gluten-free diet, are effective in improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis . It is important to find a method that works for you and commit to it over the long term.

Other ways to improve atopic dermatitis besides going gluten-free

While a gluten-free diet may be effective in improving atopic dermatitis, there are various other approaches that can help alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis . Here, we will introduce methods for improving atopic dermatitis other than a gluten-free diet.

Managing environmental factors

Atopic dermatitis symptoms are greatly influenced by environmental factors . Various factors in daily life, such as indoor temperature and humidity, and harsh skin care products, can worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms. It is important to properly manage these environmental factors.

Indoor temperature and humidity control

Atopic dermatitis symptoms tend to worsen in dry environments . Dryness caused by heating in winter and air conditioning in summer weakens the skin's barrier function, causing itching and inflammation.

Aim to keep the indoor humidity at 50-60%, and use a humidifier to maintain the appropriate humidity. Also, if the temperature is too high, sweating can worsen the itching, so we recommend setting the room temperature to 20-22 degrees .

Choosing gentle skin care products

Skin care products containing fragrances, coloring agents, preservatives, etc. can worsen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis . It is important to choose skin care products with simple ingredients that are gentle on the skin.

Alcohol, surfactants, antioxidants, and other ingredients can irritate the skin. We recommend avoiding these ingredients and choosing products that contain moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid .

Also, when using new skincare products, it is important to do a patch test to make sure they suit your skin.

The basics of diet therapy

Dietary therapy is essential for improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and there are various dietary therapies available in addition to gluten-free diets.

First of all, it is important to eat a balanced diet . It is important to combine a variety of foods and eat a balanced diet.

It is also important to avoid foods that may worsen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Typical examples are as follows:

• Dairy products
• egg
• Nuts
• seafood
• soy
• tomato
• chocolate

These foods vary greatly from person to person, so it's important to identify and avoid foods that don't agree with your body .

On the other hand, there are also foods that are said to be effective in improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

• Fermented foods (yogurt, miso, natto, etc.)
• Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed oil, etc.)
• Foods rich in vitamins and minerals (vegetables, fruits, etc.)

By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can support your health from the inside out .

When it comes to dietary therapy, it is important to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to find a method that suits you. Because there are large individual differences, it is important to experiment and observe how your body responds .

We recommend that you limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks.

Active intake of anti-inflammatory foods

It's important to limit dairy, sugar, and caffeine while also focusing on foods with anti-inflammatory properties .

Fish, flaxseed oil, and perilla oil, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have the effect of suppressing inflammation. Vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols contained in vegetables and fruits also have anti-inflammatory properties.

In particular, the following foods have anti-inflammatory properties:

• Green and yellow vegetables (spinach, carrots, pumpkin, etc.)
• Fruits (berries, citrus fruits, etc.)
• Spices such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic
• Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and amaranth

By incorporating these foods into your daily routine, you can reduce inflammation in your body and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis .

Collaboration with medical institutions

Atopic dermatitis can be difficult to treat through self-management alone, so it is important to work with a medical institution and receive appropriate treatment .

Appropriate drug therapy

If the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are severe, it is effective to combine appropriate drug therapy under the guidance of a doctor. Topical medications such as steroid ointments and tacrolimus ointments, and oral medications such as antihistamines can suppress inflammation and relieve itching .

However, because drug therapy carries the risk of side effects, it is important to use it appropriately according to your doctor's instructions. It is also important not to rely solely on medication, but to use it in combination with lifestyle changes and dietary therapy .

Regular follow-up

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease, and treatment plans need to be adjusted as symptoms change. It is important to visit a medical institution regularly to monitor the progress of symptoms .

It is important to work with specialists such as doctors, nurses, and registered dietitians to find the treatment that is right for you. By recording changes in symptoms and the effects of treatment and sharing this information with medical staff , you can receive more effective treatment.

Self-management, such as dietary therapy and lifestyle changes, is essential to improving atopic dermatitis. However, there are cases where improvement is difficult through this alone. It is important to work with a medical institution, receive appropriate treatment, and engage in self-management .

The effects and limitations of gluten-free diets

Gluten-free diets are gaining attention as an effective way to improve atopic dermatitis, but it is important to understand that they are not effective for everyone and have limitations .

Successful cases of atopic dermatitis improvement

There have been many reported cases where a gluten-free diet has improved the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. For people with gluten-related diseases such as wheat allergies or celiac disease, eliminating gluten can reduce skin inflammation and relieve itching .

Additionally, some people, even those without gluten-related diseases, experience improvement in their symptoms by avoiding gluten. This is thought to be because gluten affects the intestinal environment and promotes the production of inflammatory cytokines .

Successful cases of improving atopic dermatitis through gluten-free diets demonstrate the importance of dietary therapy. It is important to consult with a medical institution to find a diet that suits you.

What to do if symptoms do not improve

However, there are cases where symptoms do not improve even after trying a gluten-free diet. In such cases, it is necessary to consider the possibility of other food allergens . There are foods other than gluten that can worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms, such as eggs, dairy products, nuts, and seafood.

In addition, there are cases where improvement is difficult with dietary therapy alone. Factors other than diet, such as stress and environmental factors, may be affecting symptoms . It is important to consult with a medical institution and consider a multifaceted approach, including drug therapy and lifestyle changes.

If going gluten-free doesn't work, it's important to be patient and explore other options. Working with your healthcare provider, it can take some trial and error to find the treatment that works for you .

The need for a long-term perspective

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease, and improving symptoms requires long-term efforts. Even if symptoms improve with a gluten-free diet, continued dietary management is necessary .

Additionally, atopic dermatitis symptoms can change with age. Atopic dermatitis that was severe in childhood can become milder in adulthood. Conversely, symptoms can worsen in adulthood. It is important to adjust treatment plans according to changes in symptoms .

To improve atopic dermatitis, it is necessary to look at it from a long-term perspective, not just a short-term perspective. It is important to continually practice treatments that suit you while observing changes in symptoms.

Introducing Komeko's Palette's gluten-free menu

Gluten-free rice flour bread

Komeko's Palette offers bread made with 100% rice flour, which does not contain any wheat . It has the chewy texture unique to rice flour and a gentle sweetness not found in wheat bread. This product is recommended not only for those who want to avoid gluten, but also for health-conscious people . We are also committed to being completely additive-free, and are mindful of safety and security. People with wheat allergies or those who require a gluten-free diet can also enjoy our delicious bread .

Gluten-free rice flour bagels

Gluten-free bagels made with rice flour are also a popular item. They have a unique chewy texture and a wide variety of flavors, from plain to fruit. They are also delicious as bagel sandwiches, providing a satisfying and satisfying meal . Palette's bagels are made with beet sugar instead of refined sugar, resulting in a refined sweetness. Be sure to try these new and innovative bagels , which are both healthy and delicious .

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Komeko's Palette also sells gluten-free gyoza. The dough, made with rice flour, has a chewier texture than gyoza skins made with wheat flour. The skin has a gentle flavor that brings out the umami of the filling. Gluten-free gyoza are hard to find commercially. With Palette's rice flour gyoza skins, you can enjoy gyoza without worrying about gluten . They're also the perfect product for making homemade gyoza at home.

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Palette's gluten-free dumplings, made with rice flour, are also popular. They have a chewy texture and gentle sweetness that only rice flour can provide.

This is a recommended item for those who want to enjoy a healthy snack time.It can also be safely enjoyed by those with wheat allergies or those avoiding gluten.

Summary: Gluten-free is one option for improving atopic dermatitis

A gluten-free diet is one of the dietary therapies that is effective in improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and is particularly effective for people with gluten-related diseases such as wheat allergies and celiac disease.

However, it doesn't work for everyone, and if your symptoms don't improve after trying gluten-free diets, you should consider the possible influence of other food allergens or environmental factors.

It is important to work with a medical institution to find a treatment that suits you . It is important to consider a multifaceted approach, including dietary therapy, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease, and long-term treatment is required to improve symptoms. It is important to continue treatment while monitoring changes in symptoms .

Going gluten-free is one option for improving atopic dermatitis. It is important to find a method that suits you and work with a medical institution to deal with atopic dermatitis from a long-term perspective .