If you have ever read The Eczema Diet you'll know that Salicylate sensitivity is the most common chemical sensitivity that eczema sufferers have. It can cause a worsening of eczema in more than 60 percent of people with eczema, and the rates appear to be increasing.
Well, back in the 1950s alkalisation was used as an effective treatment for eliminating salicylates 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.
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.
Calcium and magnesium for eczema
Calcium and magnesium are highly alkaline minerals which help to promote healthy sleep and are involved in the development and maintenance of the bones and teeth.
Calcium also promotes a healthy acid mantle in the skin, which helps protect the skin against microbes such as dust mites.
If you have eczema, refer to the Skin Friend page >
Calcium product information can be found here >
Much love,
Karen Fischer (Eczema Life Clinic)
Watch our 7 News video (Photo: the Skin Friend Smoothie featured on 7 News)
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Thanks Karen, your page has made more sense than years of going to a dermatologist who only offers antibiotics to help rosacea. Can you use bicarb to alkalise your system – say 1/2 a tsp in water a day? And you mention glycine – I used to buy it from my health food shop but they stopped selling it – do you know if it can still be purchased in Australia? Finally what about fasting? Would that help the liver?
Sue