Rosacea is a skin disease associated with repeated occurrences of reddened skin, especially on the chin and nose. Although its cause is still unknown, a wide variety of treatments aimed at different rosacea symptoms are available. One of the most effective methods of preventing rosacea flares, though, is through avoidance of environmental and dietary triggers.
Rosacea-Diet Connection
As rosacea flares continue, they can become more severe and can progress from red skin to thickened scales or hard nodules under the skin. Triggers of rosacea flares often come from the environment, such as extremely cold or hot weather, and from the diet. Even healthy, nutritious foods can can simply be hot enough to trigger rosacea redness. In addition, the International Rosacea Foundation asserts that rosacea flushing is similar to the symptoms of some food allergy reactions.
Common Diet Flares to Avoid
Any foods that cause flushing from dilated blood vessels, can induce a rosacea flare. Spicy and hot foods are the most common culprits. Acidic foods likewise trigger flares often; thus, tomatoes, chocolate and citrus products should be avoided. Even beverages, such as alcohol or caffeine, can affect the blood vessels and cause worse rosacea symptoms. One of the easiest ways to prevent rosacea symptoms is to carefully avoid any dietary triggers.
Fiber for Rosacea
As a natural component of a healthy diet, fiber is required for digestive function and is known to contribute to weight loss and to have other health benefits. Fiber is useful in the dietary treatment of rosacea, because fiber encourages a slow and even digestion, so that blood sugar levels do not increase rapidly and dilate blood vessels. Berries and fruits that provide fiber may also limit redness symptoms by directly tightening blood vessels; particular examples include cherries, blueberries and blackberries.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Rosacea
Fish oil, flaxseed oil and natural food sources like cold-water fish provide omega-3 fatty acids to the body and affect numerous body systems positively. Omega-3 fatty acids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that reduce swelling of skin and blood vessels and lower stress reactions by the body. This essential fatty acid is important to prevent and slow many diseases, including rosacea.
Rosacea Diet Diaries
Because dietary trigger and protective effects are specific to each individual with rosacea, the best way to identify safe and unsafe foods is to keep a thorough food diary. By recording every part of the diet and every rosacea symptom daily, a pattern of flares and calm periods can be identified and then associated with the diet at those times. Rosacea treatments, food diaries and dietary adjustments should be performed with the help of a physician.
