HT City

Diet to keep skin allergies away

- Anjali Mukerjee, nutritioni­st

Skin allergies are common and are characteri­sed by red skin rashes or bumps. Some are caused by allergens induced by exposure to foods, medication­s, and insect stings, but the large majority of cases are not specific to any cause. Adopt these guidelines to fight symptoms and manage your allergies.

Essential fatty acids are responsibl­e for healthy cell membranes, which act as barriers to harmful things, as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out, and for waste products to get in and out of the cell. The best-known essential fatty acids are omega-3 and omega-6, which must be in balance for good health (and good skin). Though we all seem to get enough omega-6, most of us lack omega-3s. Some good sources are fish, walnut, and flaxseed oil. Consume at least two tablespoon­s of flaxseeds daily. You could sprinkle it on your salad after roasting it. Vitamin C has been shown to decrease production of histamine, reducing immediate allergy potential. Vitamin C helps relieve allergic symptoms and prevent inflammato­ry reactions by providing an antihistam­ine-like effect. People who are prone to allergies must look carefully at their intake of foods such as berries, raisins, prunes, nuts, seeds, shellfish, soybean and gluten. The right detoxifica­tion programme and correction of any liver problems can be extremely helpful for such individual­s. As tension and stress usually make allergies worse, practice stress relaxation techniques or meditate.

It is important to remember that what you eat reflects on your skin. Your skin requires the right kind of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. When we improve our diet, these nutrients take time to reach the skin.

So, once you bring about the required alteration­s in your diet or go on a restricted eliminatio­n diet, don’t expect a miracle. In addition to the diet and vitamins, you may need your physician’s help, to check if you have any severe infection or a specific

allergy.

 ?? PHOTO: ISTOCK ?? Gorge on berries as they help boost immunity
PHOTO: ISTOCK Gorge on berries as they help boost immunity

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