High-Salt Diets Might Raise Eczema Risk
Doctors have long cautioned against the dangers of consuming too much salt due to its negative impact on heart health. However, recent research has uncovered a potential link between high-salt diets and an increased risk of developing eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.
A study conducted by researchers, led by Dr. Katrina Abuabara, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale British research database. The study involved nearly 216,000 participants aged 37 and older, with approximately 5% of them having a diagnosis of eczema.
The findings revealed a concerning association between salt intake and eczema. As individuals’ daily salt intake rose, so did their likelihood of experiencing eczema flare-ups. Specifically, for every 1-gram increase in daily sodium excretion, the odds of eczema flare-ups increased by 22%. This effect was more pronounced in women compared to men.
Individuals with high salt intake, as indicated by their urine samples, faced an 11% higher risk of severe eczema. Conversely, those who adhered to recommended guidelines for limiting salt intake had a 12% lower risk of eczema.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, underscores the potential benefits of reducing dietary sodium intake as a cost-effective and low-risk intervention for managing atopic dermatitis. While the research does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it aligns with historical recommendations that reducing sodium intake can help alleviate eczema symptoms.
The researchers highlighted the role of excess dietary sodium in skin health, noting that salt may contribute to inflammatory processes that exacerbate eczema. Given the implications of these findings, they suggest that individuals consider reducing their salt intake to recommended levels to potentially mitigate eczema flares.
Dr. Abuabara emphasized the importance of salt reduction for overall health, stating, “Most Americans consume excessive amounts of salt and can benefit from reducing their intake to recommended levels. Eczema flare-ups can be challenging for patients, and adopting dietary changes to lower salt consumption could offer a proactive approach to managing the condition.”
While further research is needed to explore the precise mechanisms underlying the salt-eczema connection, the study prompts a reevaluation of dietary habits to promote skin health and potentially reduce the burden of eczema.
