It's often said that while orthodox medicines essentially suppress the symptoms that come with illness and disease, naturally oriented therapies are generally inclined to address their underlying cause. One branch of medicine in which these differing approaches seem aptly demonstrated is dermatology. Dermatologists have a vast array of medicaments in their armouries, most of which come in the form of chemicalised creams designed to have their healing effect directly within the skin. In natural medical circles, however, skin ailments are generally seen as an expression of some underlying imbalance within the body, and treatments are often focused on improving inner health.
One skin condition for which internal approaches often prove quite effective is eczema. Characterised by red, inflamed, sometimes itchy patches of skin, eczema often affects the face, hands and the areas behind the knees and the insides of the elbows. Standard medical treatments for eczema revolve around steroid-based creams that help to quell inflammation, thereby soothing the skin. While this has its place, another approach might be to tackle the inflammation characteristic of eczema at its root. In this respect, nutritional therapy has much to offer: more than one study shows that food is a common trigger factor.
While the mechanism for food sensitivity is not known for sure, it seems that some people's bodies see specific foodstuffs as foreign invaders, and react to them. It is believed that the resultant adverse reaction can manifest itself in a variety of skin problems including eczema. In practice, I have seen the identification and elimination of problem foods work very well in combating eczema, and have even experienced the benefits for myself. For many years I had eczema on my chest and under my arms. The elimination of just one food type from my diet saw my affliction fade without trace, never to return. While any food has the potential to trigger eczema, common culprits include dairy products (these were my undoing) and wheat. If you want to learn more about food intolerance and how to test for it, read Allergy Solutions by Suzannah Olivier (£6.99, Simon & Schuster).
Another common underlying imbalance in eczema appears to be a deficiency in a specific dietary fat known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Supplementation with GLA-rich evening primrose oil is known to benefit some cases of eczema. Other types of fat that might help heal eczema are those of the omega-3 variety found naturally in oily fish and flaxseed oil. Omega-3 fats have a known anti-inflammatory effect, and may also help to combat dry skin. I often advise eczema sufferers to supplement with hemp-seed oil as it contains both GLA and omega-3 fats; 15ml (1 tbsp) per day often improves the condition of the skin and helps control eczema in the long term. Daily hemp-seed oil, perhaps coupled with dietary modification, often provides effective relief, too.
Nutrition news
A mass of evidence suggests that fats present in oily fish - salmon, trout, mackerel, herring and sardine - help to maintain health in the heart and circulation. The so-called omega-3 oils help to thin the blood, improve blood-fat levels and lower pressure; effects that appear to offer significant protection from heart disease and stroke. However, while the circulatory benefits of the omega-3 fats on circulatory health are well-known, other less-publicised evidence suggests they might help ward off cancer, too. In one study, Spanish researchers discovered that individuals who eat more fish enjoyed significant protection from several types of cancer - the mouth, oesophagus (gullet), stomach, colon, womb and ovary. Research from Scandinavia has found that oily fish consumption appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, too. One way in which fish oils are believed to help combat cancer is by suppressing the activity of cancer-promoting genes in the body. The evidence suggests that eating more oily fish may do much to keep our bodies free from the two biggest killers in the Western world.
Dear John
You have recommended glucosamine sulphate more than once for joint-related problems. I've been told that glucosamine would not be suitable for me as I suffer from type 2 diabetes (I am 67). Is this true?
Alfie Hargreaves, Hayward's Heath, West Sussex
Several studies show that glucosamine sulphate is often effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee at a dose of 500mg, taken three times a day. There is a study of rats showing that continuous, high-dose glucosamine, administered into a vein, predisposed to a condition known as insulin resistance which may lead to diabetes in time. However, the relevance of these results to humans taking glucosamine by mouth in much smaller doses is questionable. Another reason why it is sometimes said that glucosamine is unsuitable for diabetics is that the word 'glucosamine' can be confused with 'glucose'. Although glucosamine is formed from a chemical union of glucose and the amino acid glutamine, its effects in the body are quite distinct from those of pure glucose. In fact, one three-year study found no evidence that glucosamine has any diabetes-forming potential. There seems no reason why you shouldn't take glucosamine for your knees. Good results are seen after eight to 12 weeks.
