Patients with urticaria should avoid certain foods that may trigger or worsen their symptoms. It is recommended to maintain a light diet and observe your own reactions to specific foods.
Specific food types to be aware of include:
1. Foods high in histamine
Some foods naturally contain high levels of histamine, which may trigger allergic reactions. Common examples include stale fish, pickled foods (such as salted vegetables and ham), some cheeses, and fermented soy products.
2. Allergenic proteins
Some high-protein foods are common allergens, such as seafood (shrimp, crab), nuts (peanuts, almonds), eggs, and milk. If you know you are allergic to them, you should avoid them as much as possible.
3. Spicy or irritating foods
Spicy seasonings (chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns), alcoholic beverages, and excessively hot foods may stimulate the dilation of blood vessels in the skin, easily triggering itching or hives.
4. Food additives
Artificial colors, preservatives (such as sodium benzoate), and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are present in some processed foods, and a small number of sensitive individuals may experience discomfort after consuming them.
In your daily diet, it's recommended to keep a food diary and observe any changes in your skin after eating. If symptoms recur, consult a doctor for allergen testing. Also, pay attention to a balanced diet, choose fresh ingredients, and primarily use steaming or boiling methods when cooking. Avoid blindly restricting your diet, which can lead to malnutrition.
