How does alkalising help eczema?
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If you have ever read The Eczema Diet or The Eczema Detox, you'll know that Salicylate sensitivity is the most common chemical sensitivity that eczema sufferers have. Salicylates are a natural preservative made by and naturally present in many plants, fruits and vegetables. It can cause a worsening of eczema in more than 60 percent of people with eczema, and the rates appear to be increasing. More than 89 percent of people with eczema are sensitive to a range of chemicals including preservatives.
Well, back in the 1950s alkalisation was used as an effective treatment for eliminating salicylates and unwanted chemicals from the body and this research can help to reduce your eczema symptoms (along with Skin Friend which is an alkalising supplement).
According research in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, medical staff at hospitals used alkalisation to treat salicylate poisoning (from aspirin overdose - aspirin is made up of salicylates). Researchers found, when the urine pH exceeds an alkaline reading of 7.5, more salicylates are eliminated than reabsorbed, and three times the amount of salicylates are excreted via the urine.
What does this mean for eczema sufferers (and people with salicylate sensitivity)?
If you suffer from eczema and/or salicylate-sensitivity, aim for a urine pH reading of 7.5, as this will temporarily increase your tolerance to salicylates so you are less likely to react to them.
Eczema is also an acid-forming condition (caused by excess inflammation) so consistently keeping your urine pH slightly alkaline or neutral, can help to reduce the itch. But you don't want to over-alkalise either as this is not good for you long-term as alkalosis can occur. So you can use a pH test kit to monitor your pH and ensure it's within the range for optimal health.
What is the ideal pH reading?
If testing your urine pH, aim for a reading between 6.75 and 7.5. If you have health problems associated with excess acids, such as eczema, skin problems, gout, arthritis, or salicylate- or chemical-sensitivity, aim for a urine pH of 7 to 7.5. If your reading is pH 8 or above, modify your diet so it is slightly less alkalising.
If testing your saliva pH, aim for a reading between 7.0 to 7.5.
Compare your results using the pH cart that comes with your product:
My fave pH test kit:
I love Test My pH as it is specially designed for people with eczema and other skin inflammation including TSW, Red Skin Syndrome, psoriasis, dermatitis and hives. And it does not come in a plastic container ... the lovely tin can be reused and refills are also available. I love the idea of minimising landfill and waste.
The kit also contains an Eczema-Friendly Food Chart which shows you the best foods and supplements to effectively clear up your eczema.
Products
At Eczema Life, we recommend nutritionist Karen Fischer's low food chemical program (The Eczema Detox) along with additive-free supplements for skin health and wellbeing. Click on the images to view more details:
