Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is more than just an irritating skin condition. It’s a sign that something deeper is happening in your body—specifically, an inflammatory response that originates in your gut. At MGI Clinics, we’ve worked with countless patients using the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method to help them overcome their eczema symptoms by addressing the root causes of inflammation. A critical step in managing eczema is understanding how inflammation works on a biochemical level and identifying the major pathways that contribute to flare-ups.

What is Inflammation, and How Does It Relate to Eczema?

Inflammation is often discussed as a singular process, but the truth is, there are hundreds of biochemical pathways that can trigger or worsen it. In the context of eczema, three primary pathways drive the inflammatory response:

1. The Histamine Pathway
2. The Arachidonic Acid Pathway
3. The Salt Pathway

By learning how these pathways work, you can make informed dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and, ultimately, calm your eczema.

The Histamine Pathway

The histamine pathway is perhaps the most well-known when it comes to allergies and skin reactions. Histamine is a chemical your body releases as part of an immune response. While some histamine production is normal, excessive levels can lead to common eczema symptoms like itching, redness, and hives.

What many people don’t realize is that most of the histamine in the body is produced by gut bacteria. Certain foods—especially those high in sugars and simple carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and processed snacks—can feed harmful bacteria and lead to an overgrowth of candida (a type of yeast) in the gut. This overgrowth then produces excessive histamine, which gets released into the bloodstream and exacerbates eczema symptoms.

To manage the histamine pathway, focus on:

• Reducing starchy, sugary foods that feed bad bacteria.
• Increasing your intake of green leafy vegetables and fiber-rich foods.
• Supporting gut health with regular bowel movements (2-4 times daily) and probiotics taken multiple times a day.
• Avoiding high-histidine foods like shellfish, peanuts, and pineapples, which can trigger histamine production.

The Arachidonic Acid Pathway

The arachidonic acid pathway involves fats and cholesterol found in animal products. When your body metabolizes these fats, it produces inflammatory molecules like cytokines. These molecules can then trigger or worsen eczema symptoms by generating inflammation throughout the body.

This pathway is especially relevant if you consume a diet high in meat and dairy. While protein is essential for overall health, the fat and cholesterol in animal-based foods can fuel this inflammatory process.

To minimize inflammation through this pathway:

• Limit or avoid high-fat animal products like red meat, cheese, and butter.
• Opt for leaner protein sources like egg whites, collagen, and fat-free yogurt, which don’t contribute to arachidonic acid production.
• Emphasize plant-based sources of healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

The Salt Pathway

Salt isn’t just a flavor enhancer—it’s a significant driver of inflammation in individuals with eczema. Excessive salt intake can lead to bloating, water retention, and increased pain, particularly for those with inflammatory conditions. High sodium levels activate a specific type of white blood cell called TH17, which promotes autoimmune reactions and worsens inflammatory pathways.

Unfortunately, salt is often hidden in processed foods, sauces, and even poultry, where it’s injected to enhance flavor and moisture. Even if you’re trying to eat healthily, you could be consuming more sodium than you realize.

To manage salt-induced inflammation:

• Reduce your overall sodium intake to less than 1,000 mg daily.
• Avoid processed and packaged foods, which are often high in hidden salts.
• Be cautious with foods like chicken, which may contain injected saline solutions.

Taking Control of Your Health

Understanding these three major inflammation pathways is a powerful tool for managing eczema and reducing flare-ups. By addressing the root causes of inflammation—whether it’s histamine overproduction, arachidonic acid from animal fats, or excessive salt intake—you can make meaningful progress in your eczema management journey.

For personalized guidance and support, schedule a discovery call with Dr. Chanu Dasari at MGI Clinics. Our testimonials page features stories of patients who have successfully managed their conditions through the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method. 

Start Your Journey to Better Health Today

Discover the transformative power of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method! Over the past decade, Dr. Dasari has helped countless clients reduce inflammation and find relief from autoimmune issues, often in just 3-6 weeks. Now, you can start your journey to better health with our free training. Click the link below, choose your condition, and learn how our proven approach can help you feel better fast.

About the Author

Dr. Chanu Dasari, a distinguished clinician with a career spanning renowned institutions like Vanderbilt University, Oxford University, and the University of California, has made significant contributions to medical research and practice. His work, published in top peer-reviewed scientific journals and adopted by the US Department of Health, highlights his commitment to advancing healthcare. Dr. Dasari is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American College of Surgeons, with a specialization in hernia repair, gallbladder removal, cysts, digestive disease, and cancer. As the founder of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Clinic, he draws from personal experience with autoimmune and digestive dysfunction to lead a team dedicated to patient-centered care using evidence-based protocols.