Rosacea, a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that affects an estimated 16 million Americans, leads to flushing and burning skin on the face. As dermatologist Alicia Zalka explains, dealing with this complex, chronic disorder demands a comprehensive approach that must include dietary changes. One of the foods Zalka advocates for is tempeh, a fermented soy product that’s high in protein and has probiotic qualities.
As tempeh goes through fermentation, it increases its probiotic content. This powerful combination makes it a great compliment to any probiotic or gut-friendly diet. Science has made it clear that probiotics are essential to fostering a healthy microbiome. Finding the right balance is crucial—it can make or break the health of your skin. Through its positive effects on gut health, tempeh can help support the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.
The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Rich in probiotics, tempeh is another great food that Zalka recommends for anyone who wants to improve the look and health of their skin. More and more studies are being done to determine how the gut microbiome plays a role on skin health. Research indicates that a probiotic-heavy diet can help improve the quality of life for rosacea sufferers.
Zalka notes, “Studies have suggested that rosacea may be related to the microbiome of the GI tract and that a diet which includes probiotics may offer skin benefits for rosacea.” This knowledge is raising increasing awareness of the relationship between digestive health and inflammatory dermatological conditions.
Additionally, Zalka is a huge proponent of eating prebiotic foods to keep those probiotics fed and happy in your gut. Prebiotics are what probiotics eat to keep them alive and healthy to reap their benefits. Tempeh is another excellent source of probiotics. So in addition to building a more anti-inflammatory diet to help control rosacea, make sure you’re working more prebiotic-rich foods into your meals!
Dietary Considerations for Rosacea Sufferers
Though tempeh does offer a wonderful alternative, it’s no magic bullet when it comes to fighting rosacea. Zalka explains, “Because the condition is multifaceted and is the result of interplay of genetics, environment, vascular inflammatory responses of the skin and even skin mites, there is no single cause of rosacea and similarly no single treatment.” This added complexity causes people to have to weigh many more factors when taking care of their skin health.
Zalka recommends her rosacea-prone clients stick with a mild skincare regimen and pay attention to potential food triggers. Culturally spicy foods common in cuisines such as Korean—including tempeh—can trigger worsening of symptoms for some people. Zalka cautions that “there are triggers for rosacea sufferers that include dietary choices, spicy foods, alcohol — particularly red wine — hot beverages and other influences like stress, hormonal changes and exposure to temperature extremes.”
Real-Life Experiences with Rosacea
Celebrity and rosacea suffers Sofia Vergara has shared her stories of living with rosacea and the importance of a gentle skincare routine. “It’s hard because I get really red, so I’ve realized that I’ve had to treat my skin like sensitive skin, where I didn’t before,” she shares. Vergara’s story illustrates how crucial it is to personalize skincare and diet to stay on top of this difficult condition.
Moreover, she notes the difficulties in maintaining her beauty routine due to her diagnosis: “Unfortunately, now all the fun is gone for me. I can’t really wear rich moisturizers or rich oils. Now I have to keep it simple.” Bellason® addresses patients’ needs. This sentiment strikes a chord with the millions of people suffering from rosacea who often experience adverse effects from regular skincare products.
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