suspected leaky gut, ongoing horrible eczema -- and pregnant, help!

[newyorkmommy]

Hi everyone. Without going into the long and confusing (and probably boring) history, suffice it to say I'm in my second trimester and, because my eczema is really flaring up, which in turn makes me think my leaky gut (diagnosed about 4 years ago but not tested since then) also is acting up ... which makes me want to do something to a) make my eczema feel better (constant itching and burning on both hands, it's really torture) and also to just get my gut into better shape. I'm wary of taking extra supplements and herbs while pregnant (and soon, while breastfeeding), but I'm hoping maybe someone has some advice on a sensible thing or two I can do -- or eat -- to let the healing begin. For what it's worth, I do also suspect some food allergies/intolerances, but because I've never followed through with the elimination diet, sadly I don't have specific info on that.

Thanks so much in advance.

[scsigrl]

I would start with a really good probiotic if you aren't on one.  I have used them in past pregnancies and will again shortly here with this one.  Check with your care provider but I know it was okayed with my midwife.  Also, I get you are opposed to meds, but daily allergy meds can be helpful when all else fails if you think you may have environmental triggers for your skin.

[Koalamom]

What about just cutting out one food like eggs or dairy?

[newyorkmommy]

scsigirl, thanks, you reminded me that I had some good probiotics in the fridge and I started them again last night.

koalamom, I think that's a good suggestion but I really believe in the importance of both eggs and dairy for baby growth. After the baby is born though I think that might be what I need to do.

what, there's no magic pill?

[changingseasons]

Originally Posted by newyorkmommy 

koalamom, I think that's a good suggestion but I really believe in the importance of both eggs and dairy for baby growth. After the baby is born though I think that might be what I need to do.

If do you happen to be allergic to those foods though, you're just causing more damage to your intestinal track by eating them. More damage = more leaky gut = poor nutrient absorption. So by continuing to eat things you're allergic to, you're actually going to get less nutrients overall. There is also a theory that a baby can react to YOUR reaction, so you could potentially end up with a baby with allergies, or a baby who will show symptoms of an allergy when your body is reacting to something. (You may either way- any history of allergies in parents means a greater chance of an atopic child.) Your immune system is already taxed when you're pregnant, so any mild sensitivities you have are going to be magnified. I got really sensitive to eggs while I was pregnant last time, even though I was fine with them before. I think it's worth doing an elimination diet now before baby is born, so that you're not starving on an elimination diet while breastfeeding and dealing with a colicky baby reacting to things in your diet.

[jewellz]

Quote:

If do you happen to be allergic to those foods though, you're just causing more damage to your intestinal track by eating them. More damage = more leaky gut = poor nutrient absorption. So by continuing to eat things you're allergic to, you're actually going to get less nutrients overall. There is also a theory that a baby can react to YOUR reaction, so you could potentially end up with a baby with allergies, or a baby who will show symptoms of an allergy when your body is reacting to something. (You may either way- any history of allergies in parents means a greater chance of an atopic child.) Your immune system is already taxed when you're pregnant, so any mild sensitivities you have are going to be magnified. I got really sensitive to eggs while I was pregnant last time, even though I was fine with them before. I think it's worth doing an elimination diet now before baby is born, so that you're not starving on an elimination diet while breastfeeding and dealing with a colicky baby reacting to things in your diet.

I absolutely agree. Mine was dairy instead of eggs.

I would look into the SCD diet. Less stricter then the elimination diet and will heal your leaky gut if you follow it 100%.

I would start on a safe multi-vitamin and vitamin D.