1

Dietary triggers

There is little evidence to support the restriction of certain food groups to minimize rosacea flare-ups. However, if you suspect certain foods are causing your flare-ups, the best thing to do is keep a food journal. If a trend emerges, you can try cutting out the suspected food to see if there’s improvement.

According to a survey of 1,066 rosacea patients, completed by the National Rosacea Society, the most common food and beverage triggers are:

• Alcohol

• Spicy foods

• Heated beverages

• Marinated meats

• Some fruits and vegetables (citrus & tomatoes seemed common)

If you’re trying to determine your triggers, it may save you time to try this list first before moving onto other possible culprits.

2

Rosacea Diet and Probiotics

We love probiotics: kefir, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, etc. – we love them all. And, it just so happens there’s preliminary evidence to suggest that probiotics may play a role in reducing rosacea symptoms. Probiotic foods are part of a healthy rosacea diet, however If probiotic-rich foods are not your cup of tea, they’re also readily available as supplements

3

Rosacea Diet or Stress?

If you’re committed to improving the health of your skin, make a commitment to reduce your stress levels. While stress is not directly rosacea diet related, it can affect digestion and may worsen rosacea symptoms.
Stress management comes in a variety of forms, and can improve your overall health. Mindfulness and meditation also have a positive impact on your immune system helping in the holistic treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea. It’s worth it to find what works for you.

4

Evidence Of Rosacea Diets

There’s limited evidence that dietary strategies help reduce rosacea flare-ups. Suspected trigger foods are commonly scrutinized when a flare-up occurs, but evidence is still lacking to prove there is any effect.
Oral herbal remedies, including feverfew, licorice and lavender (among others), are often recommended for reducing rosacea symptoms. But there is no evidence at this time that they actually help reduce symptoms.
Listening to your body will give you the best evidence you need to make informed decisions. After all, food is one of life's pleasures. Unless your body, or science, tells you otherwise, don’t let anyone else tell you what you can or can’t eat.

5

Conclusion

In general, you should avoid rosacea diets that cut out entire food groups or restrict large lists of foods. See a registered dietitian if you’re planning to cut out multiple foods to ensure your rosacea diet still meets your nutrient requirements.
Most importantly, make sure you’re enjoying your food! Good food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and a balanced diet should never be an additional source of stress.