GLUTEN SKIN RASHES
Skin rashes are the result of the body's response to an allergen that stimulates our body's immune system response. This immune system response can be triggered by either an internal or external allergen. In every instance the immune system is overreacting or hypersensitive to the allergen. Not everyone reacts to the same allergens and at any given time your body's response can vary from a minor rash to a severe rash from the same allergen.
Many psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema rashes are the direct result of an immune system response causing an inflammation of the skin due to direct contact with an irritating substance or allergen. These allergens can include but may not be limited to perfumes, dyes, synthetic fabrics, plastics, metals, cleaning agents and detergents.
Internally the immune system response may trigger psoriasis rashes as a result of foods or medications taken internally. Ever hear it said that the western diet is the cause of many health issues? This is true for many people. What once were western processed foods has in our global environment become a larger scale of processed foods, which explains why many eastern cultures are now seeing a rise in psoriasis or eczema related skin rashes as well as allergic responses that were once thought to be primarily a western condition. The primary culprit in western processed foods that trigger an allergic response is gluten. It is believed that as much as 5% to 10% of the population may suffer from some form of gluten intolerance.
Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, kamut, spelt and even some oats due to the fact that they are often harvested with these grains. Gluten is the binding element that holds flour based products together and gives them a chewy texture. Gluten sensitivity arises because it is often difficult to fully digest gluten.
Gluten is found not only in breads, cakes cookies and baked goods, but it is also used as a binding ingredient in sauces, soups, flavor additives, candies, and vitamins and medications in tablet form. If you are having trouble controlling your psoriasis one possible solution may be to look at the psoriasis - gluten connection.
When you approach controlling your psoriasis through diet, consider not only the gluten aspect but also the effect of acidity in your foods and beverages. Many times what is needed is to achieve a balance, balance the pH in the body and you can balance the skin. Once you achieve that balance you may find your skin and body have a stronger immune system response and therefore a higher tolerance to more foods, beverages, and more resistance to chemical and environmental responses.
A list of Gluten free foods is provided with a break down of the more alkaline and acidic of these foods.
Gluten free Foods Ranked as Alkaline in Nature
The 'Highest' or best sources of alkaline foods would include:
Spices, preservatives, and beverages such as: sodium bicarbonate (Arm & Hammer), Sea salt, and Mineral Water.
Therapeutics such as: Umboshi plums.
Seeds and oils such as: Pumpkin seed and Hydrogenated oil.
Beans, vegetables, legumes and roots such as: Lentil, Brocoflower, Seaweed, Nori/kambu/, wakame/hijiki, Onion/Miso, Daikon, Taro root, Sea Vegetables, Burdock, Lotus root, Sweet Potato, and Yams.
Fruits and citrus such as: Lime, Nectarine, Persimmon, Raspberry, Watermelon, Tangerine and Pineapple.
Foods in the 'High' alkaline group would include:
Spices, preservatives, beverages such as: Spices/cinnamon, Kambucha, Black Strap Molasses, and Soy Sauce.
Nuts and seeds such as: Poppy seed, Cashews, Chestnuts, and Pepper.
Beans, vegetables, legumes and roots such as: Kohlrabi, Parsnip/Taro, Garlic, Asparagus, Kale/Parsley, Endive/Arugula, Mustard green, Ginger root, and Broccoli.
Citrus and fruits such as: Grapefruit, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Citrus olive, Dewberry, Loganberry, and Mango.
Foods in the Low Alkaline group would include:
Most Herbs, beverages, sweeteners and Vinegars such as: Green or Mu tea, Rice syrup, and Apple Cider Vinegar.
Therapeutics such as: Sake.
Dairy such as: Human Breast milk and Almond Milk. The low alkaline group would also include quail eggs.
Nuts, seeds, sprouts, and oils such as: Primrose oil, Sesame seed, Cod liver oil, Almonds, and Sprouts.
Beans, vegetables, legumes pulses and roots such as: Potato, Bell pepper, Mushroom/fungi, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Rutabaga, Salsify/Ginseng, Eggplant, Pumpkin, Collard Greens, and Lemon.
Fruits such as: Avocado, Apple, Blackberry, Cherry, Peach, Pear and Papaya.
Foods that are in the least alkaline group would include:
Spices, herbs, beverages sweeteners and vinegars such as: Sulfite, Ginger tea, Sucanat and Umeboshi Vinegar.
Therapeutics such as: Blue-green algae.
Processed dairy such as: Ghee (clarified butter) and Duck eggs.
Grains, cereals and grasses such as: Grain coffee, Quinoa, Wild rice, Japonica rice, almond flour, and other nut flours.
Nuts, seeds and oils such as: Avocado Oil, Most seeds, Coconut oil, Olive oil and Linseed/flax oil.
Beans, vegetables, legumes and roots such as: Brussels Sprout, Beet, Chive/Cilantro, Celery, Okra, Cucumber, Turnip greens, Squashes, Lettuce, and Jicama.
Citrus and fruits such as: Orange, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, and Pineapple juice, Raisin, Currant, Grape and Strawberry.
Gluten is also used as a stabilizing agent or thickener in products like ice-cream, sauces, gravy and some condiments such as ketchup or mustard. In trying to follow a completely gluten free diet, pay close attention to the ingredients in over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary supplements and vitamins. Cosmetics such as lipstick, lip balms, and lip gloss may contain gluten. Other unlikely sources of gluten include the glues used on envelopes.
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