Vitiligo is a skin condition in which certain areas of the body lose pigment and turn white. You may have heard a lot about the vitiligo diet. However, there is no recommended diet for vitiligo that is backed by solid scientific data.
However, skin experts recommend a healthy diet to boost the immune system. It is believed that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease and a strong immune system can prevent the spread of depigmentation.
In this article, an alternative treatment for vitiligo is explained in detail through a correct diet and lifestyle to help keep the skin disorder under control.
How To Treat Vitiligo: Diet And Lifestyle
- Vitiligo Definitive Facts
- Vitiligo Sample Diet Plan
- What foods to eat in vitiligo Diet?
- What foods to avoid if you have vitiligo?
- Overcoming Nutritional Deficiencies
- Lifestyle Changes
- Role Of Exercise
- Benefits Of Vitiligo Diet
- Side Effects Of Vitiligo Diet
1. Vitiligo Definitive Facts
People suffering from vitiligo may have to consume a special diet to avoid aggravating the condition of their skin or overcoming nutritional deficiencies.
Because vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, it is prudent to follow a diet rich in phytochemicals, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. This diet will stimulate the immune system and promote healthy skin and can pave the way for skin repigmentation.
If you have vitiligo, avoid consuming pears and blueberries. These fruits are natural sources of hydroquinones, which are known to have depigmenting properties.
Some people also face problems with citrus fruits, while others may find turmeric, which is used as a spice in food, causing problems.
Therefore, if you fall into these categories, you should avoid citrus fruits and / or turmeric.
Some people prefer to avoid red meat and dairy products. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this. If you have an underlying milk allergy, avoid it, as it can negatively affect your vitiligo.
2. Vitiligo Sample Diet Plan
| Meal | What To Eat |
| Early Morning | 1 glass water in a copper glass |
| Breakfast | Options: QuinoaSemolina with veggiesBoiled egg and 1 glass spinach juice/beetroot juice |
| Lunch | Options:Boiled vegetablesVegetable curry (less spicy & oily) and 2 chapatis |
| Post Lunch | 4 almonds |
| Evening Snack | 1 glass fruit juice + 1 multigrain biscuit |
| Dinner | Options: Grilled chicken breast with veggies vegetable clear soup |
This diet table includes foods that allowed for those suffering from vitiligo. In addition to eating leafy vegetables, you can also take supplements (only after consulting your doctor).
3. What Foods To Eat In Vitiligo Diet?
As mentioned earlier, there is no diet for real vitiligo itself. However, you should support your condition by following a balanced and nutritious diet.
Fruits: figs, apricots, ripe mango, dates, apples, and bananas.
Vegetables: Try to eat a plant-centered diet consisting of spinach, beets, carrots, potatoes, kale, radishes, cauliflower, red peppers, bitter gourd, and green beans. Make sure that much of your diet consists of these vegetables whenever it is not difficult to digest them.
Protein: if you crave animal products, opt for chicken breasts, lean turkey cuts, wild fish and organic eggs. It is better to cook them lightly. For vegans, stick with beans, chickpeas, mushrooms, and lentils.
Dairy products: dairy products can be consumed. However, depending on the level of the condition, some patients are advised to avoid dairy products altogether.
Whole grains: oatmeal, brown rice, white rice, couscous, quinoa, and corn.
Supplements: may have deficiencies of vitamin B12, protein, calcium, minerals, and DHA. So take supplements to overcome these deficiencies. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Drinks: fruit and vegetable juices allowed and coconut water (if tolerant).
Herbs and spices: rosemary, thyme, basil, coriander leaves (small amounts), cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. What Foods To Avoid If You Have Vitiligo?
Fruits: redcurrant, orange, nectarine, plum, peach, pineapple, lemon, lemon, melon, watermelon, grapes, papaya, guava, grapefruit, pear, tamarind and any fruit that has a good amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C inhibits the formation of pigments, Therefore, avoid consuming it.
Vegetables: eggplant, tomato, green pepper, onion, and garlic.
Proteins: meat, pork, and fish.
Dairy products: milk, curd, and whey.
Beverages: carbonated and sweetened beverages, packaged fruit juices, coffee, fresh fruit juices rich in vitamin C, and alcohol.
Spices – Saffron
Others: avoid fatty, spicy, processed, packaged, and canned foods. Avoid eating cookies, pickles, and chocolates.
5. Overcome Nutritional Deficiencies
Researchers have discovered that people suffering from vitiligo often have a deficiency of vitamin B12 folic acid and certain minerals such as zinc and copper. You should regularly check your vitamin levels.
If there is a deficit, talk to your doctor about taking supplements or overcoming deficiencies through foods rich in these vitamins.
Vitamin B12 is found naturally in soy milk, fish, shellfish, dairy, and meat. If you are deficient in folate and zinc, include green leafy vegetables, fruits, peas, dried beans, legumes and nuts in your daily diet.
6. Lifestyle Changes
There is no doubt that having vitiligo can depress and annoy you. Therefore, it is important to control your stress levels and maintain a healthy mind. Try yoga or join a vitiligo support group to control emotional stressors.
Get adequate exposure to sunlight. Not only will it ensure that you have adequate levels of vitamin D, but it can also stimulate repigmentation.
Skin melanocytes tend to produce melanin when exposed to sunlight. This facilitates the darkening of the skin to protect it from burns.
Sleep enough. The human mind needs to rest for at least 7 hours every day to function properly.
Eat tasty and nutritious foods. Try or search for delicious easy-to-cook recipes online. Always choose home cooking.
7. Role Of The Exercise
Regular exercise triggers hormones that improve mood. This will help you stay positive by taking measures to cure and prevent vitiligo from spreading further through diet and medications.
The practice of yoga, meditation, dance, and sport will help you feel good about your body and prevent anxiety or depression from overwhelming you.
8. Benefits Of The Vitiligo Diet
- Prevents the spread of skin depigmentation.
- It helps to lead a healthy life.
9. Side Effects Of The Vitiligo Diet
- It can cause nutritional deficiencies.
- It leads to weakened immunity.
Although vitiligo cannot be cured, following a diet that meets the nutritional demands of your body will allow you to live a long and healthy life. And if you learn to deal with your condition, you can lead a stress-free life.
You should also talk to your doctor about taking natural supplements such as Gingko Biloba, as this may delay the progression of depigmentation.
Let us know if this article has helped you and what foods you eat to prevent the spread of vitiligo by commenting on the chart below.
Cheers for good health!
