Foods to Avoid & Foods to Eat for Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling or skin eruptions similar to acne. Fourteen million American suffer from rosacea, and there is no known cure.
The goal is to identify and avoid possible triggers, and thus reduce flare-ups. Identifying these factors is an individual process, however, because what causes a flare-up for one person may have no effect on another.
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Alcohol
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Rosacea is not caused by alcohol abuse, although the skin redness has led some people to believe this. However, in people with rosacea, drinking alcohol can cause a flare-up. Red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka and Champagne were the sources most implicated as triggers.
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Spicy Foods and Hot Beverages
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These foods cause redness to worsen in 35-50 percent of rosacea patients because of dilation of the blood vessels in the facial skin's surface. This is especially true of hot beverages containing caffeine, such as hot tea and coffee.
Foods High in Histamines
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Foods that are fermented in the manufacturing process contain histamines. These include cheeses, fermented soy products, sauerkraut and vinegar. Some foods, such as eggplant and spinach, naturally contain high levels of histamines. A number of food additives and preservatives also produce histamines.
High-Acid Foods
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Rosacea is thought by some to result from an overly acidic body and skin. Foods that contribute to an excess of acid include eggs, liver and other organ meats, gravy, broth, yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, and eggs.
High-Alkaline Foods
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Eating foods that are more alkaline-forming are thought to balance the body and improve symptoms. Foods that are high-alkaline include sodium bicarbonate (Arm & Hammer baking soda), sea salt, seaweed and sea vegetables, pumpkin seeds, lentils, onions, sweet potatoes, watermelon, tangerines, and pineapples.
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