Raynaud's disease is a disorder that causes vasospasm of arteries in response to cold temperatures or stress. Vasospasm of arteries causes reduced blood flow and numbness in areas of the body such as fingers, toes, lips, ears and tip of the nose. Raynaud's disease is mainly caused by diseases that affect the arteries such as atherosclerosis.
High-cholesterol Foods
High-cholesterol foods cause Raynaud's disease, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. High-cholesterol foods destroy arteries by causing plague to build up inside arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and causes narrowing of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to body organs. Patients with Raynaud's disease should avoid high-cholesterol foods such as whole milk, steak, bacon, sausage, hot dogs and organ meats such as beef, liver and kidneys.
Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine causes the blood vessels to narrow, which increases signs and symptoms of Raynaud's disease. Examples of beverages containing caffeine include coffee, tea, cocoa and soft drinks. Patients should be aware that decaffeinated tea and coffee contain small amounts of caffeine.
Niacin
Patients with Raynaud's disease should eat foods rich in niacin or take niacin supplements, according to MayoClinic.com. Niacin -- also known as vitamin B-3 -- helps blood vessels dilate, which increases blood flow to fingers, toes and other areas of the body affected by Raynaud's. Niacin food sources include brewer's yeast, legumes, whole-grain products, green leafy vegetables, red meat, chicken, fish, eggs and milk.
Symptoms of Raynaud's Disease
Patients with Raynaud's disease experience symptoms when exposed to the cold or stressful situations. Fingers, toes, nose, ears, nipples or lips turn pale, white or blue upon exposure to cold or stress. Patients may also experience numbness and stinging pain. Once exposed to a warm environment, the affected areas turn red, and patients may feel throbbing pain as blood flow returns to the affected areas.
