(You may never have noticed it, because, thank youuuu Sephora! : p )
Characterized as a chronic inflammation of the skin on the face, developing into rashes, papules/pustules (red/yellow acne like bumps), persistent flushing/redness, spidery red veins, and may be itchy, hot and/or even painful. Sometimes the symptoms get better, sometimes they get worse. There is no cure for Rosacea, and the exact cause is unknown, however there are certain triggers which worsen these symptoms (by increasing inflammation) & how awesome! wine, coffee, and diet coke are included! boo (pretty much any alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners). . . However! there are also ways, through nutrition and doing other thing like drinking tons of water! to decrease inflammation. yey. So thats what I'll share with you today. You may not have rosacea (and hopefully you don't) but reducing inflammation in the body is important for anybody and err'body!
WHY??? is it important you ask. Because chronic inflammation lurks beneath the surface of many serious health conditions, diabetes, excess weight, coronary heart disease, (and now proven through research) even cancer! .....so as you see even without a skin condition it is important to be mindful about decreasing intake of inflammation causing foods, drinks, etc.
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| Sometimes better, sometimes worse. No cover-up. |
INFLAMATORY STUFF:
1. Sugar: Sugar is everywhere. Try to limit processed foods & foods with excess/concentrated sugar. Fruit is a great alternative for that sewwt tooth.
2. Common Cooking Oils: Safflower, soy, sunflower, corn, and cottonseed. These oils promote inflammation and are made with cheaper ingredients.
3. Trans Fats: Trans fats promote inflammation, obesity and resistance to insulin. They are in fried foods, fast foods, commercially baked goods, and items prepared with partially hydrogenated oil, margarine and vegetable oil.
4. Dairy: While kefir and some yogurts are acceptable, dairy is hard on the body. Milk is a common allergen that can trigger inflammation, stomach problems, skin rashes, hives and even breathing difficulties.
5. Feedlot-Raised Meat: Animals who are fed with grains like soy and corn contain high inflammation. These animals also gain excess fat and are injected with hormones and antibiotics. Always opt for organic, free-range meats who have been fed natural diets.
6. Processed Meat: Red/processed meat contains a molecule that humans don't naturally produce called Neu5GC. Once you ingest this compound, your body develops antibodies which may trigger constant inflammatory responses. Reduce red meat consumption and replace with poultry, fish and learn cuts of red meat, once a week at most.
7. Alcohol: Regular consumption of alcohol causes irritation and inflammation to numerous organs, which can lead to cancer. (Specific to Rosacea: Alcohol, especially red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka or champagne Hot drinks, including hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee or tea)
8. Refined Grains: "Refined" products have no fiber and have a high glycemic index. They are everywhere: white rice, white flour, white bread, pasta, pastries... Try and replace with minimally processed grains.
9. Artificial Food or Drinks/Sweetners/Additives: Aspartame and MSG are two common food additives that can trigger inflammation responses. SODA (yes, even diet) & other artificially sweetened beverages.
10. Fill in your own Blank: Do you constantly have headaches, feel tired, or some other symptom ? Sometimes, you may develop an allergy to a food and not even know it. Coffee, certain vegetables, cheese, there might be a trigger you aren't even aware of. Problem solve. Experiment. Try and take a few foods out, see how you feel and slowly incorporate them back in to see if there might be guilty as charged.
Side Note: A number of anti-inflammatory drugs promise to "ease pain and calm angry allergic reactions" and while they may provide quick relief, long-term use of some anti-inflammatory medications can actually weaken our immunity and /or cause unwanted side effects.
"Nature has provided us with many anti-inflammatory foods which don’t just work with negligible adverse reaction, but are also great tasting. Besides their abilities to reduce inflammation they also supply us with loads of essential vitamins and minerals that boost our immune health"
Here are a few, to incorporate in your cookin' . . . & life.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY STUFF (fyi there is much more than the stuff on this list. go on. Explore.)
First and foremost, yup. water.
1. Salmon: Salmon contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s (wild is better than farmed) and has been known to help numerous ailments. Try and incorporate oily fish into your diet twice weekly. If you don't like fish, try a high quality fish supplement.
2. Kelp (and other sea veggies) High in fiber, this brown algae extract helps control liver and lung cancer, douses inflammation, and is anti-tumor and anti-oxidative. Kombu, wakame and arame are good sources. 3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The secret to longevity in Mediterranean culture, this oil provides a healthy dose of fats that fights inflammation, can help lower risks of asthma and arthritis, as well as protect the heart and blood vessels.
4. Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale and cauliflower are all loaded with antioxidants. Naturally detoxifying, they can help rid the body of possible harmful compounds.
5. Blueberries: Blueberries not only reduce inflammation, but they can protect the brain from aging and prevent diseases, such as cancer and dementia. Aim for organic berries, as pesticides are hard to wash away due to their size.
**Spice it up. Garlic, Tumeric, Ginger, curry, and other spices can have an anti-inflammatory effects.
6. Turmeric: This powerful Asian spice contains a natural anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin, which is often found in curry blends. It is said to have the same effect as over-the counter pain relievers (but without their side effects).
7. Ginger: Ginger contains a host of health benefits. Among them, it helps reduce inflammation and control blood sugar. Ginger tea is a great addition to any diet.
8. Garlic: Though a little more inconsistent (in terms of research), garlic can help reduce inflammation, regulate glucose and help your body fight infection.
9. Green Tea: Like produce, this tea contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids that may even help reduce the risks of certain cancers. (caution here: if you do have roasacea, tea may be a trigger due to its heat)
10. Sweet Potato: A great source of complex carbohydrate, fiber, beta-carotene, manganese and vitamin B6 and C, these nutrients are powerful antioxidants & actually help heal inflammation in the body.
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On that note, just because your aim is to eat well for better health, skin, etc. . . doesn't mean life can't be sweet. In fact (or actually in MY opinion) it should be! : )
& now what you've been waiting for.
Featuring Main Ingredient, Anti-Inflammatory #10.
Get your anti-inflammatory on!
SWEET POTATO BROWNIES
3 eggs whisked
1/4 c coconut oil melted
1/3 c honey
1/2 c cocoa chips
3 tablespoons coconut flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon pinch of salt
Bake sweet potato till soft.
Peel and mash
add coconut oil,honey,vanilla and eggs.
Mix, then add:
Coconut flour, Cocoa powder, Baking powder, Cinnamon and Cocoa chips
pour into 8x8 greased glass pan.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 mins
Let Cool.
ONE more thing thats a huge trigger for Rosacea symptoms as well as other things like Stroke, Heart Attack: STRESS.
So RELAX .
&
ENJOY.
"If people only knew the healing power of laughter and joy, many of our fine doctors would be out of business. Joy is one of Nature's greatest medicines. Joy is always healthy. A pleasant state of mind tends to bring abnormal conditions back to normal."
Catherine Ponder
*** lists/info taken (& slightly modified) from consiouslife.com, chigaconow.com, dlife.com, and rosacea.org***
