What you can't eat when you get a tattoo (and what to eat)

2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37

When getting a tattoo, it is recommended to avoid, for a period of 2 to 4 weeks, foods rich in sugar, such as sweets, soft drinks, ice cream, cakes and stuffed cookies, because they can stimulate inflammation in the body, delaying and making it difficult for the tattoo to heal.

Furthermore, these foods, known as "smooth foods" can favor the development of allergic reactions, which can also interfere with the tattoo's healing process.

To improve healing, it is important to prioritize anti-inflammatory and healing foods, such as nuts, red fruits, salmon, chia and sesame, for example. See other anti-inflammatory foods to eat after getting a tattoo.

What not to eat after tattooing

The main foods to avoid for 2 to 4 weeks after getting a tattoo are:

1. Sausages,such as sausage, salami, bologna, jerked beef, jerky and ham;
2. Foods high in sugar,such as soft drinks, juices, chocolate, sweets, ice cream, cakes and stuffed cookies;
3. High-fat foods,such as bacon, pizza, hamburgers, fried foods and packaged snacks;
4. Refined cereals,such as white bread, white flour and white pasta;
5. High-fat proteins,such as pork, sirloin, ribs and duck meat;
6. Seafood,such as shrimp and crab;
7. Fatty dairy products,such as whole milk, full-fat yogurt, butter, and yellow cheeses;
8. Processed foods,such as fast food, instant noodles, cubed or sachet seasonings, and ready-made sauces;
9. Alcoholic beverages,such as beer, wine and sparkling wine.

In addition to interfering with the tattoo healing process, these foods also favor the emergence of some diseases, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and atherosclerosis, for example.

What can happen if I eat these foods?

Eating inflammatory foods regularly or in large amounts after getting the tattoo stimulates inflammation, which can result in the appearance of signs and symptoms such as:

• Swelling and redness at the site;
• Intense tattoo itch;
• Pain in the tattoo area;
• Low fever and presence of pus, which may be indicative of infection;
• Keloid formation, which is a raised scar.

In addition to being careful with food, it is also important to follow some precautions, such as using healing and antibiotic ointment on the tattoo for 15 days, applying sunscreen and preventing the tattoo from being directly exposed to the sun. Check out other precautions you should take after getting a tattoo.

What to eat after tattoo

After the tattoo, it is advisable to prioritize healing and anti-inflammatory foods, which will prevent inflammation and help healing. Therefore, the foods that should be prioritized after getting the tattoo are:

• Lean proteins,such as eggs, fish, chicken breast and lean beef, such as muscle and duckling;
• Fresh vegetables and fruits,such as orange, strawberry, pomegranate, cashew, tangerine, tomato, and carrot;
• Natural herbs and spices,such as turmeric, pepper, rosemary, thyme, mint and cilantro;
• Foods rich in omega 3,such as flaxseeds, walnuts, olive oil and almonds;
• Foods rich in zinc,such as sesame, pumpkin seeds and wheat germ;
• Whole grains,such as brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and whole-grain bread.

In addition, it is essential to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water a day, because water helps transport nutrients and improves skin elasticity, promoting good healing.