Pre-Treatment Diet: Caffeine, Alcohol and Photosensitizing Foods
Three Evidence Grades
| Grade | Item | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clear advice | No alcohol 24 h prior; skip heavy caffeine that day | Alcohol vasodilates and affects clotting and sleep; excess caffeine amplifies jitters and palpitations |
| Conservative advice | Large amounts of photosensitizing foods (wild potherb, celery, topical lemon) avoided 1-2 days around treatment | Weak evidence, cheap to avoid |
| No restriction | Normal meals, hydration, light protein | Neither starving nor stuffing helps the experience |
Specific Questions
- Fasted sessions? No — hypoglycemia plus nerves invites fainting; eat normally, ~70% full.
- Smoking? Less on the day (vasoconstriction); long-term smokers get the recovery caveats (smoking and skin).
- Diet pills/meal replacements? Some carry caffeine and diuretics — into the disclosure list (checklist).
- Chug water? Normal hydration only — “detox by drinking” has no evidence.
How Clinics Deliver This
Fold diet into the booking reminder’s three lines (stop actives / no alcohol / eat normally, not fasted); save “photosensitizing foods” for a verbal note at consult — even disclosures need signal-to-noise discipline.
FAQ
Eat after treatment?
Yes, normally — just avoid immediately scalding food and alcohol (the 48-hour rule).
Faint-prone clients?
Normal meal + sugar on hand + supine positioning — hypoglycemia is a common co-factor in needle faints.