Dealing with eczema, or atopic dermatitis can be a daily struggle. Though eczema can affect people of any age, this is more commonly found in children. The cases can be acute or chronic, but in all cases, it causes a lot of pain and embarrassment.

As eczema is a reaction of the immune system, probiotics help with it since they boost its functioning. When combined with other treatment and dietary changes, it provides the best benefits for the skin condition.

This is why, aside from medications, probiotics have been considered an answer to manage symptoms. In cases where children are affected, it is said to be a deterrent in the development of eczema. According to research, consuming probiotic supplements regularly reduces the symptoms of eczema considerably. It is also present naturally in certain foods such as the ones given below.

• Yogurt, which is basically fermented milk with yeast and a rich source of lactobacillus or good bacteria.
• Sauerkraut, which is a side dish of shredded cabbage, fermented by lactic acid bacteria.
• Kimchi, which is a dish made of cabbage or any vegetable. It contains lactic acid bacteria that are healthy for the gut.
• Kombucha is a carbonated drink with live microorganisms. It is also made as tea.
• Tempeh is essentially fermented soybeans that are broken down by microorganisms. It is high in proteins, probiotics and a lot of vitamins and minerals.
• Miso is a seasoning made of fermented soybeans and used in soups.

Out of several types of eczema, the most common type is atopic dermatitis. This type of eczema worsens due to environmental factors and irritants. The actual cause is due to a faulty immune response that causes the skin to become dry, inflamed, and cracked. To manage this, treating it with probiotics that support the healthy immune system is necessary. Probiotics help to balance the bacteria in the digestive system by increasing healthful gut bacteria. This, in turn, also makes the immune system stronger.

Children who suffer from allergic diseases like atopic dermatitis have a very different intestinal flora when compared to normal children. The live bacteria in probiotics attach themselves to the wall of the gut, leaving very little space for bad bacteria or undesirable bacteria to grow. This promotes a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. Taking probiotics thus helps to prevent developing eczema and improves intestinal bacteria.

In addition to the food items stated above, probiotics are naturally present in foods like dark chocolate, raw cheese, and apple cider vinegar. They are also available in supplements such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

It can be believed, therefore, that a steady consumption of probiotics in the diet would be of great benefit to those suffering from eczema. A natural remedy, this won’t harm the individual in any way or have any other side effects, unlike in the case of certain medications. They even deter urinary tract infections, aside from their numerous other benefits.