Q On days I drink alcohol or eat spicy food, the itching at night seems worse. Does food really make a difference?
A Yes, alcohol and spicy food dilate blood vessels and raise body temperature, which can temporarily worsen itching. Stimulating foods and caffeine can also make nerves more sensitive, contributing to nighttime itching. During flare-ups, cutting back on these and watching how your body responds can help.
Detailed Answer
Alcohol and spicy food cause vasodilation and raise body temperature, lowering the itch threshold. Caffeinated drinks can also increase nerve stimulation and worsen symptoms.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, spicy and stimulating foods are seen as adding heat to the body, which worsens symptoms for those already dealing with excess internal heat. Reducing stimulating foods during flare-ups is generally recommended.
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