Understanding Heating Foods & Skin-Friendly Alternatives

Certain foods and drinks can have a heating effect on the skin, potentially worsening inflammatory skin conditions. These foods, known as vasodilators, increase blood flow through the fine capillary system, which can lead to redness, irritation, and flare-ups. If you're on a journey to heal your skin, it's essential to be aware of these heating foods and consider skin-friendly alternatives.

What Are Heating Foods?

Heating foods are those that cause the skin to warm up, which can aggravate conditions like rosacea, acne, and other inflammatory skin issues. To give your skin the best chance to heal, it's crucial to avoid these foods until your skin is free from inflammation. Once your skin is calm, you can slowly reintroduce these foods into your diet, one at a time, to see how your skin reacts. If a flare-up occurs, it's a sign that this food may not be suitable for your skin, and it's best to avoid it.

Common Heating Foods

Some common heating foods that can trigger skin issues include:

• Coffee and Caffeinated Drinks: The caffeine in coffee, energy drinks, and similar beverages can heat the skin.
• Alcohol: Alcohol increases blood flow, which can exacerbate skin inflammation.
• Peanuts and Cashews: These nuts, along with nut-butters made from them, are known to heat the skin.
• Spicy Foods: Spices like chilli, paprika, wasabi, and hot curries can cause a warming effect on the skin.
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges and strawberries, including their juices, are common triggers for skin flare-ups.
• Extreme Temperatures: Consuming foods that are either very hot or very cold can also contribute to skin heating.

Skin-Friendly Alternatives

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to these heating foods that can support your skin's health while satisfying your cravings:

• Coffee: Opt for coffee decaffeinated by the water method, or try herbal teas, chai tea (without syrups), matcha, or turmeric lattes.
• Alcohol: Swap alcohol for kombucha, lemon lime and bitters, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
• Nuts: Replace peanuts and cashews with raw, unsalted almonds or brazil nuts.
• Nut Butters: Choose tahini or almond butter instead of peanut or cashew butter.
• Spices: Replace spicy foods with fresh herbs and milder spices like ginger, cinnamon, or cumin.
• Fruits: Instead of oranges and strawberries, enjoy other fresh fruits that are in season.
• Juices: Substitute orange juice with apple juice, dark grape juice, or diluted lemon juice.

Bestow Recipe Books and Online Cleanses

For those looking to dive deeper into skin-friendly eating, Bestow's recipe books offer a wealth of options that avoid heating foods and focus on whole, nourishing ingredients. The Bestow Treats I & II books feature recipes for delicious, nutrient-rich sweet treats that satisfy cravings without compromising your skin's health.

Additionally, Bestow offers free online cleanses—seasonal 7-day programs that provide a supportive framework for your skin-clearing journey. These cleanses include meal planners, shopping lists, recipes, and self-care rituals, all designed to nurture your skin from the inside out. You can explore the Bestow Online Cleanses to kickstart your journey to healthier skin.

By making mindful choices about what you eat and drink, you can help your skin stay calm, clear, and radiant. Your journey to healthier skin starts with the choices you make every day.