Whether it’s milk, cheese, or ice cream, dairy is a popular addition to any diet, but is could this be the culprit behind your under-eye bags?
According to PureWow, dairy can induce an inflammatory reaction for certain people and this can result in under-eye bags. Women, in particular, can be especially sensitive to dairy, as well as people with lactose intolerance. That said, cutting down on dairy should reduce under-eye bags over time.
Keep reading to find out which other foods may be causing those stubborn under-eye bags as well as what you can do to quickly get rid of them!
Which Foods Cause Under-Eye Bags?
While you may suspect that dairy is the underlying cause of your under-eye bags (and it very well could be), have you ever thought it may be something else? That said, here are some common foods that can cause inflammation and under-eye bags:
Tomatoes
There is nothing more frustrating than thinking you’re making healthy diet choices only to find out you’re unknowingly self-sabotaging! When it comes to dietary choices, tomatoes generally are considered healthy, however, they may potentially be causing your under-eye bags. Why? Well, tomatoes belong to the nightshade family and this means that they contain solanine.
While solanine is generally safe, it can become toxic when ingested in large quantities. If the body reacts to the solanine negatively, it will naturally induce inflammation and puffiness. So, if you are especially prone to inflammation, then it’s definitely a good idea to cut down on foods high in solanine.
Wheat Bread
Are you unknowingly allergic or intolerant to the wheat found in your bread, pizza, or pasta? If you find that you often feel bloated and puffy after eating these types of foods, then you shouldn’t rule out the possibility that they are causing your under-eye bags!
The only way of finding out is by eliminating these foods from your diet for a week or two and monitoring your under-eye situation. If you notice an improvement, then you know what the culprit was!
Spicy Peppers
Remember I mentioned tomatoes as being members of the potentially inflammatory nightshade family? Well, peppers are not only members of the same group, but they also contain an inflammatory compound known as capsaicin—a double-whammy!
So, what exactly is capsaicin? Essentially, this compound is found in hot, spicy foods and is the very thing that gives them that hot, burning taste. It quite literally causes your body tissue to become inflamed and burn, and your under-eye area is, unfortunately, no exception.
Sugar
Sugar is added to nearly everything we eat, and it tastes incredibly good! Oh, and did I mention that it’s totally addictive? To compound matters, sugar can wreak havoc with your skin and, you guessed it, your under-eyes. In fact, white sugar, in particular, is extremely inflammatory! Essentially, it takes your body a lot of effort to digest sugar.
As a result, the kidneys have to work overtime to break it down and this process requires extra water to do so. If you’re eating too much sugar and not drinking enough water, your body will gradually become dehydrated. When this happens, the body retains the water that it can and this water retention results in baggy, puffy-appearing eyes.
Fast Food
Fast food items such as pizza, burgers, fries, and anything else related are typically jam-packed with sodium. In fact, one serving of fast food can contain more than your entire daily limit of sodium! Too much sodium in your diet means that your body will quickly become dehydrated.
As a result, you’ll find that your body retains water and causes your body to appear puffy and bloated. Since the skin beneath your eyes is so thin and sensitive, this is one of the first places you’re likely to notice swelling.
So now that you know which foods could possibly be causing those under-eye bags, it’s time to cut them out! That said, this process is not going to happen overnight. If you’re in a rush and have a big event coming up, you’re probably looking for an under-eye bag quick-fix—which brings me to my next point.
How Can I Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags in 1 Day?
As humans, we tend to lack patience and want quick results, especially when it comes to our appearance! While this isn’t always realistic, the below tips are, in fact, proven to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags in one day or less, so keep reading for your quick fix.
Cold Compress
If you’re looking for immediate relief from puffy, dark-appearing eyes, then cold compress is your friend. Placing cold pressure against your under-eye bags helps to constrict the blood vessels that create a dark, swollen appearance.
There are a few ways that you can do this, but a cold, clean cloth soaked in water will do the trick if you hold it against your under-eye area for a few minutes. You can also put two teaspoons into the freezer for 15 minutes and hold them beneath your eyes for the same results, it’s up to you!
With the spoon method, you may need to swap out the cold ones when they get warm, so put a few teaspoons in the freezer to prepare and you can change them up.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are naturally good at reducing inflammation and providing a soothing effect on the skin—including your under-eye bags! On top of providing a cooling, hydrating effect, cucumbers also contain quercetin which is an antioxidant that gets rid of histamine.
As a result, the puffiness and swelling should naturally go down in a relatively short period of time (especially if the puffiness is caused by an allergic reaction).
Chilled Tea Bags
Another excellent way to get rid of under-eye bags is by dunking two teabags into cold water and then placing them in the fridge for a further 15 minutes to get them extra cold. Simply lie with your head slightly elevated and hold the teabags on top of your eye bags for 20-30 minutes.
Once the time is up, simply remove them and rinse your eyes with cool water. You should notice that your under-eyes appear less swollen after a few minutes.
This method is effective as tea contains tannins which have astringent properties, meaning that they draw fluid out and tighten skin, minimizing the appearance of under-eye bags.
Cosmetics
If all else fails, then makeup is your friend! Try investing in a lightweight, creamy concealer designed specifically for your under-eyes so that it doesn’t cause any unnecessary irritation. Gently apply some beneath each eye and gently dab it in until it has properly blended—enjoy your flawless skin!
Final Thoughts
Under-eye bags are generally the result of an underlying cause that is connected with long-term lifestyle choices. Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, and taking good care of your skin are all ways to ensure you look your best. That said, if you do suspect that dairy is the cause of your under-eye bags then it’s definitely worth eliminating or at least reducing it from your diet until you see an improvement.
