Better to prefer whole carbohydrates and proteins to leavened, spicy and too fatty foods, to counteract the factors involved in seborrheic dermatitis at the table.

The well-being of our body can be seen from the skin, which can be considered the mirror of what happens in our body. The skin, in fact, is able to reflect any metabolic disorders through the production of an excess of sebum or bacteria at the base of some dermatological diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis. By adopting a healthy lifestyle made up of physical activity, personal hygiene and a balanced diet, it is possible to restore balance and health of both the body and the skin. What are the food tips to combat seborrheic dermatitis even at the table?

THE "OUT" FOODS OF SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS - Seborrheic dermatitis is amplified by the heaviness of the fats, especially if saturated, or the excessive sweetness of the sugars contained in both sweets and carbonated soft drinks or light drinks, where sugars are replaced by sweeteners with worse results. Seborrheic dermatitis finds in these components of the table a fertile 'food' to make its appearance, if latent, or to exacerbate the symptoms if overt. Among the foods most at risk, we find:

  • Leavened foods such as bread, pizza, focaccia, cakes, desserts, prepackaged snacks, industrially produced biscuits and baked goods in general. The yeast contained in this range of foods can increase the activity of Malassezia furfur, a bacterium normally present in the skin and responsible for the uncontrolled production of sebum in seborrheic dermatitis and increases in an uncontrolled manner.
  • Milk, dairy products and derivatives. This food category can be associated with worsening skin and scalp irritation. The most accredited hypothesis is represented by a possible association between intolerance to lactose and the foods that may contain it, such as industrially processed products, and seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Fatty foods in general, ranging from fried to red meat. The latter contains a higher percentage of saturated fat than white meat. These foods are a source of inflammation for the skin.
  • Hot foods, i.e. peppery and spicy. These foods dilate the capillaries which, consequently, cause skin redness, an increase in inflammation and general irritation of the skin.
  • Alcoholic beverages contain an excess of calories that add up to those not disposed of by the body, with an increase in fat deposited in the tissues.

THE "IN" FOODS OF SEBORROIC DERMATITIS - Well pleasing to the skin are many of the foods that make up the Mediterranean diet: fruit and vegetables in particular, which also contain a lot of water, protein foods, preferably vegetables, whole grains and, of course, any food with a low glycemic index that does not trigger a sudden rise in blood sugar at the end of a meal:

  • Fruit and vegetables at will, and preferably fresh and seasonal because they provide more nutritional principles. Plants and vegetables which, in addition to providing the body with vitamins and mineral salts that help lower inflammation, promote tissue hydration which is essential for maintaining the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin, quenching its thirst from the inside. The exceptions, however, are tomatoes among vegetables and citrus fruits, strawberries and peaches among fruit, because they can be a source of food allergies that can worsen the redness, irritation and burning of the skin with seborrheic dermatitis. In fact, scientific studies attest to the predisposition of some people with skin irritation or inflammation to the development of allergies and food reactions, according to what is called the 'allergic march'.
  • Protein foods, as long as they are cooked lightly. White meats are preferred over red ones, as they contain lean proteins that do not cause inflammation. Fish, which is low in fat, should be preferred, even better oily fish rich in omega 3, which, in addition to being good for the skin, prevent cardiovascular risks. Also to promote the intake of omega 3, you can consume walnuts, olive oil in the correct recommended daily quantities of up to 3 tablespoons, and linseed oil. Eggs and legumes are also part of the protein sources to be added safely to the diet to counteract the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Foods rich in biotin, a vitamin that promotes the control of fat metabolism. Biotin is naturally contained in foods such as pasta, bread and whole grains, rice, ox liver, carrots and cabbage. Where necessary, and on medical prescription, it is possible to increase the intake of biotin in the diet by resorting to specific food supplements.
  • Water. The body is made up of a very large part of water and this food is at the base of the nutritional pyramid, it is essential for the well-being of the skin and the entire body. The right amount of water promotes exchanges between cells, the elimination of waste through urine, the shape of the stool and proper intestinal regularity. Hydration is essential in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and it is recommended to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day, also through the intake of herbal teas and other beverages as long as they are natural, that is, without added gas and sugars.