What not to eat for Rosacea
Rosacea is common acne like, red benign skin condition that affects thousands of people worldwide. People who are prone to Rosacea are Caucasian with fair skin, tend to blush or flush easily and even those that have sun sensitive skin. Symptoms of Rosacea include red or pinkish patches with visible tiny broken blood vessels. Those with Rosacea often do not know that they have Rosacea and they also do not know that it is treatable.
Rosacea isn’t a curable skin condition but it can be kept at bay. Rosacea often affects the facial skin mainly on the forehead, chin and nose. Some of the world’s famous people with Rosacea include the former US President Bill Clinton and WC Fields. Though Rosacea isn’t contagious or infectious, it also does not outgrow even though in adult years.
With Rosacea, a person’s normal life will be altered as it can be physically and emotionally draining. People with Rosacea often suffer from low self esteem and they have to be extra careful with what they put on their face as well as take into consideration what to eat.
What Foods are good for Rosacea?
There are potential triggers that need to be avoided to decrease flare ups and symptoms of Rosacea. Since Rosacea varies from individual to another, it is good to keep a diary of the foods that you consume to see which triggers Rosacea and what doesn’t cause any reactions.
Generally, smoking, spicy foods and hot drinks as well as alcohol can increase flushing and thus, should be avoided. Since Rosacea makes skin more sensitive, direct exposure to sunlight as well as extreme hot and cold temperatures should be limited whenever possible.
Red wine and chocolate have been recorded as high triggers of Rosacea. Though that, some of the listed or reported foods may affect some people more severely than others so it is important to keep check on what you consume.
Apart from spicy food, dairy products such as yogurt and sour cream and cheese can also increase symptoms of Rosacea as well as alcoholic beverages such as red wine, beer, vodka, gin and bourbon.
Some patients have also reported that eggplants, avocados, spinach have worsened their Rosacea as well as citrus foods such as oranges and lemons.
You can however indulge in foods such as less spicy meals, nonalcoholic cool beverages, caffeine-free drinks, nondairy cheese, and thermally cooler meals as they control or decrease flare ups.
Apart from that, eating whole grains, seeds and nuts with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits also help improve the appearance of Rosacea. Food items such as cherries, blackberries and blueberries are vascular constrictors that help in assisting the reduction of redness normally associated with Rosacea. When it comes to meats, eat more chicken and fish compared to red meats.
Tofu, an excellent source of protein is also a good choice for consumption as it has cooling qualities. Make sure your food is well cooked as it is easier to digest. Through research, it has been found that seaweed is also good for the skin as it helps eliminate dampness. A general rule is to avoid foods that are either too hot or too cold.
