Rosacea affects over 14 million people in the United States. While physicians don't know what causes the flushing and bumps associated with rosacea, there are many known triggers, including some food. By changing your diet you can reduce your number and severity of your rosacea flare ups.
Foods That Can Reduce Rosacea Flare Ups
Researchers believe that rosacea is caused by faulty blood vessels under the skin. Some foods are known vascular dilators. Vascular dilators help prevent blood vessels from enlarging, preventing blood from pooling under the skin. Foods that are helpful include blueberries, cherries and blackberries. Fresh vegetables and whole grains like brown rice and whole oats are also good choices for rosacea sufferers.
Foods to Avoid
There are many foods that can potentially trigger a rosacea flare up. Spicy foods like chiles, peppers and hot sauces should be avoided. Other triggers can include alcohol, fermented dairy products like sour cream and yogurt, chocolate and highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomato products. Some rosacea sufferers are also sensitive to artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
Putting Together Your Own Rosacea Diet
When attempting to treat rosacea by using dietary changes, add berries and vegetables to your diet while limiting foods that can trigger flare ups. Keep a food and symptom diary when introducing triggers to your diet. After a flare up, examine your diary for any potential triggers and eliminate the trigger food from your diet. Each person is different and no two rosacea sufferers have the same triggers.
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