Updated on October 16, 2024.
Although atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, there is still much to learn.
Medical researchers are still seeking answers to why some people have atopic dermatitis (and others do not), how different environmental factors affect symptoms, and how people can keep symptoms in remission.
Diet is an important area of interest, for both healthcare providers who treat atopic dermatitis and the many people who are living with atopic dermatitis.
Here, we look at the role food plays in managing AD, how different factors influence the foods we eat, and foods that may help reduce inflammation.
How food fits into AD management
People with atopic dermatitis should pay attention to the foods they eat for a number of reasons.
- Many people with atopic dermatitis have food allergies or intolerances.
- Other people find that certain foods exacerbate their symptoms.
- Good nutrition is essential to maintaining good health and lowering the risk of serious illnesses, like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
There is no specific diet to manage atopic dermatitis, and people with AD are advised to focus on an overall healthy approach to eating, to find foods that work for them, and to talk to a healthcare provider about the foods they eat.
They must also keep in mind that restricting or limiting certain foods needs to be done carefully—and when not done carefully, it can lead to further health problems such as disordered eating and nutrient deficiencies. The best source of information will be a healthcare provider.
How food can promote or reduce inflammation
Atopic dermatitis can be categorized as an immune-mediated inflammatory disease. This type of disease occurs when the immune system functions abnormally, releasing high amounts of inflammatory molecules that cause damage to healthy cells and tissues. With AD, these molecules are concentrated in the skin.
Keep in mind that this is a very simplified explanation—atopic dermatitis is a very complex disease, and inflammation is a very complex process.
Certain foods are known to increase inflammatory activity in the body. These include red meat, processed meat, sugary foods and beverages, fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats.
People with inflammatory conditions are often advised to limit or avoid these foods, and instead focus on eating what are called anti-inflammatory foods—foods that contain nutrients that reduce inflammation.
Budget-friendly anti-inflammatory foods
Our food choices are often dictated by our food options—the foods that are available near our homes and jobs, the foods that we have the time and energy to prepare, and the foods that fit into our budgets.
With all that in mind, the first results you see when you look up “anti-inflammatory foods” can be a bit discouraging, at least at first glance. Tomatoes, salmon, and nuts are typically not the most budget-friendly items in any grocery store. (Sometimes, they are also not the most widely available).
However, there are still plenty of budget-friendly, anti-inflammatory options that you should consider adding to your shopping list.
- Beans. Try to eat a variety of beans (pinto, kidney, black, navy) and choose low-sodium options.
- Oatmeal. Oats contain a number of compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
- Frozen fruit. Fresh fruit can fluctuate in price and also has a short shelf-life. Try frozen fruit instead. It’s typically less expensive and freezing locks in nutrient content. Colorful berries in particular contain antioxidants and nutrients that can help reduce inflammation.
- Leafy green vegetables. Examples include spinach, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, bok choy, and broccoli (though it’s a little less “leafy” than the others, it’s just as nutritionally valuable). Like fruits and berries, some of these are available in the frozen aisle.
- Canned fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy fat that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and fatty fish are one of your best sources for Omega-3 fatty acids. Canned fish is an affordable option—try tuna, salmon, and sardines, and choose low-sodium options.
