Your child’s skin is a reflection of what is going on inside his/her body. When there is a water crisis the skin also reflect signs of rapid changes. There is a reduction in the healthy fats that protects the surface of the skin, as well as a reduction in the water that surrounds the cell in the dermal (2nd) layer. The effects manifest as thin or transparent, flaky or chap, red or pink patches, and displays a lack of elasticity in the skin as well as dry skin. Does this sound similar to your child’s eczema?
Dehydration is probably the most important aspect that contributes to your child’s eczema outbreaks. This is because the body is made up of mostly water that ranges anywhere from 50% to 70%. If your child is dehydrated then his/her body cannot flush the toxins and harmful substances that accumulate and destroys cells in their body. Without adequate water the minerals and nutrients are less likely to get to the cells in order to maintain its health. Dehydration causes your child’s healthy cell to be more susceptible to invasion by harmful substances and microbes. Water acts as a conductor of activity that allows movement of neurotramitters from one nerve cell to another, without it the body struggles to get the messages across. Water is also a necessary factor for the digestion of foods such as carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
What can you do? First recognize the signs of dehydration in your child. They include dark colored urine, low urine output, constipation, dry skin, dark rings around the eyes, no tears while crying, sunken fontanels, confusion, thirsty, constant hunger, sugar cravings, rapid heart rate, grayish skin, lack of energy, muscle weakness, extreme sleepiness, fainting, and rapid weight loss.
Second, identify what foods and drinks that are contributing to the dehydration. Some ideas are packaged foods (Mac & cheese, chips, boxed cereals, etc.), dehydrated fruits (raisins, dates, etc.), flour based products (pizza, pasta, bread, pancakes, donuts, etc.), sugar (candy, cookies, cake, ice cream), drinks (sodas, smoothies, commercial juices). Remove them from your child’s diet because they are pulling too much water from the cells in order for your child’s body to digest them. Instead feed your child fresh fruits and vegetables, herbal teas, broths, soups and especially spring water. These tend to be hydrating, nourishing, and easy for your child to digest.
Would you like additional solution tips to help control your child’s eczema outbreaks? Then sign up for my free newsletter at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com
Learn more about dehydration by reading the book “Your Body’s Many Cries For Water,” by F. Batmanghelidj.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Should I try to remove certain foods all at once or one at a time?
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
It is best to remove all foods/liquids that you know your child is reacting to all at once. Wait a minimum of 10 days before reintroducing any of the foods. This will give your child’s body time to stop reacting to the foods. Keep in mind, when you reintroduce the suspected foods/liquids you only want to introduce a small amount (such as a slice of bread, or 8 ounces of milk) and that is all for 3 days with no other suspected food. Look for any “new” outbreaks or reactions pertaining to the eczema. To learn more do an internet search on Eliminating Food Diet.
Thanks for your questions,
Sandra Hurd, C.N.C.