Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which generally affects women above thirty. The initial symptoms include redness, dryness, pimples, puss-filled bumps, flaking, and enlarged blood vessels. They usually appear on the face, nose, cheeks, and chin. In some cases, the ears, eyes, neck, and chest also get affected. The common symptoms in the eyes include tearing, blurred vision, swelling, and light sensitivity.
The exact cause of this skin condition remains unknown. However, consumption of spicy food and alcohol, exposure to sunlight, wind, certain cosmetics, and few medications for lowering the blood pressure or dilation of blood vessels may act as triggers for rosacea. Currently, 14 million people have this condition.
Best Foods for Rosacea
Fresh Fruits
Fresh organic fruits like berries, grapes, and mango have anti-inflammatory properties and help manage rosacea. They are also rich in antioxidants and prevent many other diseases and cell damage. In addition to fruits, dermatologists also recommend the consumption of fresh vegetables, including cauliflower, leafy greens, celery, asparagus, green beans, and coriander.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel are rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Both these compounds have anti-inflammatory components and help manage the symptoms of rosacea. They work by blocking the pro-inflammatory pathways which leads to bumps and pimple-formation on the skin. The omega-3 fatty acid is also beneficial in preventing the symptoms of ocular rosacea, especially dry eyes.
Turmeric
Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a spice primarily used in Asian cuisines. Since the Vedic age, the skincare properties of turmeric are famous among Asians. One of the beneficial effects of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the symptoms of rosacea.
Prebiotics and probiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics are foods which help balance the gut biome. Studies have revealed that these products also help to control rosacea. There is a correlation between this skin condition with the imbalance of microorganisms present in the gut. Dermatologists prescribe the intake of prebiotics, including banana, raw or cooked onion, raw artichokes, kale, lentils, and raw asparagus; and probiotics like soymilk, unsweetened pineapple juice, cabbage juice, and beet juice to keep the gut healthy and rosacea at bay.
Worst Foods for Rosacea
Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol aggravates the symptoms of rosacea, including redness and swelling. According to clinical research, one out of every two individuals reported this condition after the intake of champagne, wine, gin, or vodka. The exact cause behind this triggering of symptoms is still not known; however, the increase in body temperature may be a probable reason.
Spicy goods
Consumption of spicy foods, like those containing cayenne pepper, jalapenos, paprika, and black pepper also worsen the symptoms of rosacea. The compound capsaicin present in these spices generates heat in the body and may be the probable reason behind this flare up.
The foods mentioned above are the best and worst for rosacea. You can also ask your doctor if you have any queries further.
