Dietary recommendations for rosacea: Consuming beneficial foods and controlling intake of triggering items
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Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory condition that causes a reddened or discoloured rash, typically found on the cheeks or nose. While there is no cure for rosacea, effective treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.
A 2017 study revealed that increased consumption of alcohol, particularly white wine and liquor, is directly related to an increased risk of rosacea in women. Consuming caffeinated coffee may also increase a person's risk of rosacea, but other beverages containing caffeine were not found to have this correlation.
Certain common foods and beverages known to trigger rosacea flare-ups include alcohol, hot beverages (particularly caffeinated coffee), spicy foods, cinnamaldehyde foods (such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and chocolate), high histamine foods (such as aged cheese and processed meats), and dairy. Capsaicin, which is the culprit in spicy foods, causes the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation) and flushing, which can indirectly exacerbate rosacea. Cinnamaldehyde, which gives cinnamon its distinct flavor, can also cause vasodilation and a warming sensation in the skin. Chocolate, containing caffeine, cinnamaldehyde, dairy, and high amounts of sugar, may contribute to generalized inflammation in the body.
To help manage rosacea flare-ups, it is advisable to avoid common dietary triggers such as spicy foods (e.g., chili peppers, jalapeños, hot sauce), alcohol (especially red wine and beer), hot beverages, aged cheese, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), soy sauce, vanilla, and tomatoes or tomato-based products. Some individuals may react to foods containing histamine like avocados and bananas.
For foods to include, while there is less direct consensus, it is generally advised to consume a balanced diet that avoids irritants and supports gut health, as gut health may influence rosacea symptoms. Cooling, non-spicy foods and beverages, and possibly white wine if alcohol tolerance is needed, can be better tolerated. Keeping a food diary can help identify personal triggers, allowing for a customized diet plan in consultation with a dermatologist.
A Mediterranean diet, rich in healthy fats, plant-based foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, can help manage inflammatory conditions such as rosacea. Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, beans, whole grains (wheat, oats, barley), and fermented foods (kefir, yogurt with live cultures, pickled vegetables, tempeh, kombucha tea, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut) can help support the gut microbiome.
Tracking individual reactions and consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice is recommended for effective rosacea dietary management. Avoiding Pitta-aggravating foods like vinegar, tamarind, and pickles (per Ayurvedic perspective) may also help reduce flare-ups.
In summary:
| Foods to Avoid | Foods to Include | |----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Spicy foods (chili, hot sauce, curry) | Non-spicy, cooling foods | | Alcohol (red wine, beer) | White wine (if tolerated) | | Hot beverages (coffee, tea, cola) | Mild temperature drinks | | Aged cheese | Balanced diet supporting gut health | | Chocolate | Fruits and vegetables excluding citrus and tomatoes | | Cinnamon | | | Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) | | | Soy sauce | | | Vanilla (natural/artificial) | | | Tomatoes and tomato products | | | Histamine-rich foods (avocado, banana) | |
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