eating for eczema

Eating For Eczema

Nourishing Your Family with Whole Foods

Eating for eczema is a powerful tool in managing and preventing flare-ups. I know from experience that food is medicine and we eat with purpose to help keep my kids eczema-free.

To that end, I’m excited to share an inspiring conversation with Patter Gersuk, founder of Patterbar. Patter’s journey is deeply personal and incredibly relevant to all of us navigating eczema through nutrition. Growing up as one of eight children, she and some of her siblings faced the challenges of eczema firsthand. Her story is a testament to the power of whole, allergy-friendly foods in managing and even overcoming eczema.

Let’s explore Patter’s insights, from her upbringing with simple, nourishing foods to her mission to make clean eating accessible for families everywhere. Along the way, we’ll uncover practical tips and actionable advice for incorporating eczema-friendly eating into your busy life.

Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast

Growing Up with Eczema and Whole Foods

Patter’s childhood in Michigan, as one of eight siblings, was defined by her mother’s unwavering commitment to whole foods. Three of the children, including Patter, battled severe eczema. Despite the limited resources and knowledge available at the time, her mother intuitively embraced nourishing, homemade meals and steered clear of processed foods.

“We never had soda, Oreos, or processed snacks,” Patter shared. “Instead, my mother made everything from scratch, even with eight kids in just ten years!” Her grandmother’s farm-fresh produce—tomatoes still warm from the sun and corn picked hours before—further cemented her family’s foundation of real food.

The climate in Michigan, with its harsh winters and dampness, often exacerbated their eczema. To manage the condition, her mother relied on simple home remedies like oatmeal baths and dietary adjustments, avoiding common eczema triggers such as strawberries, tomatoes, and chocolate.

These early experiences shaped Patter’s understanding of how food affects the body, especially for those with sensitive skin.

“Whole food is better for you, tastes better, and supports everything from our health to the environment. Our bodies were meant to digest whole foods, not the engineered, ultra-processed options so common today.” -Patter Gersuk of Patterbar

The Problem with Processed Foods

One of Patter’s key takeaways from her childhood is the stark difference between whole foods and processed options. “Our bodies were never designed to digest the engineered foods so prevalent today,” she explained. “These foods are often stripped of their natural nutrients and loaded with additives that can harm digestion and overall health.”

For families managing eczema, this is a critical point. Processed foods often contain inflammatory ingredients, artificial flavors, and preservatives that can worsen symptoms. In contrast, whole foods provide the nutrients needed for skin repair and immune support.

Patter highlighted a striking observation: “People with food sensitivities in the U.S. often find they can eat the same foods without issue in Europe. This speaks volumes about the quality of our food supply here.”

A Lifelong Commitment to Nourishing Food

Patter carried her mother’s philosophy of whole foods into her adult life. As a trained chef and mother, she prioritized making homemade baby food and introducing her children to allergen-friendly diets. Her efforts paid off—while one of her children experienced mild eczema, none faced the severe symptoms she endured as a child.

Her approach was met with skepticism in the 1980s and 90s, when processed foods like Lunchables and margarine were the norm. “People thought I was crazy for making my kids’ lunches from scratch,” she said. “But I knew the value of real food and wasn’t willing to compromise.”

This commitment eventually led Patter to found Patterbar in 2018. Her goal? To provide busy parents with clean, delicious snacks made from recognizable, digestible ingredients.

The Role of Whole Foods in Eczema Eating

For families managing eczema, the concept of “eczema eating” is vital. This approach emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods that support the body’s natural healing processes.

Here are some key principles of eczema eating that Patter and I discussed:

1. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Foods like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and blueberries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce eczema flare-ups.

2. Avoid Common Triggers

Eczema triggers vary, but common inflammation triggers include dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. Identifying and eliminating these from your child’s diet (for 90 days) can make a significant difference.

3. Prioritize Digestibility

Choose foods that are easy for the body to digest. Highly processed foods can tax the digestive system, while whole foods provide gentle nourishment.

4. Make Snacks Simple and Safe

This is where Patter Bars shine. Their mini bars are perfect for younger kids and meet school and daycare allergy requirements. The blueberry lemon flavor, for instance, is free of nuts, oats, and added sugars, making it eczema-elimination-diet approved.

Practical Tips for Busy Families

As a busy mom of four, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to prioritize whole foods. Patter’s advice is both practical and empowering:

Find Trusted Brands: Brands like Patter Bars can be lifesavers when you need convenient, eczema-friendly snacks.

Batch Cook and Prep: Prepare meals and snacks in bulk to save time during hectic weeks.

Involve Your Kids: Teach them about food by involving them in meal prep. This builds healthy habits and makes them more likely to try new foods.

Shop Smart: Focus on whole, seasonal ingredients and avoid the processed food aisles.

The Ripple Effect of Eczema Eating

One of the most inspiring aspects of Patter’s journey is how her commitment to whole foods has positively impacted her children and grandchildren. “My kids grew up understanding the value of real food,” she shared. “And now they’re passing that knowledge on to their own children.”

This generational ripple effect is what I strive to create through the Eczema Kids community. By making intentional food choices today, we’re not only healing our kids’ skin but also setting them up for a lifetime of health.

Exclusive Discount for Eczema Kids Listeners

To help you get started, Patter is offering an exclusive 15% discount on all orders at patterbar.com using the code ECZEMAKIDS2025. Whether you’re packing school lunches or need an on-the-go snack, Patter Bars are a delicious, eczema-friendly option.

Key Takeaways on Eating for Eczema

Patter’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of nourishing our families with whole foods. By focusing on eczema eating—choosing anti-inflammatory, allergy-friendly, and digestible options—we can take meaningful steps toward healing.

Let’s keep the conversation going! What whole-food strategies have worked for your family? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue supporting each other on this journey.

Together, we can nourish healthier, happier kids—one meal at a time.

‘If you want more eczema-friendly meals and snacks, check out Best Foods for Eczema, Understanding Eczema Food Triggers and Allergy-Friendly Protein Sources for Kids.


eating for eczema
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eating for eczema

FAQ


What are whole foods?

Whole foods are natural, unprocessed, or minimally processed foods in their most natural state. Examples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fresh meat. These foods are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients.


How do I transition my family to a whole food diet?

Start by replacing processed snacks with fresh fruits or nuts. Gradually swap refined grains like white bread for whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice. Aim to cook more meals at home using fresh ingredients to avoid hidden additives.


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