Vitiligo is a genetic, autoimmune skin disorder in which a loss of skin
pigmentation results in white patches on various parts of the body. Current
treatments are aimed at stopping or slowing the progression of lost pigment.
Manipulating one's diet may be helpful in managing certain skin conditions, such
as vitiligo. People with vitiligo may need to follow a special diet to prevent
the condition from worsening or to replenish any nutritional deficiencies that
may occur.
Vitiligo can occur because the cells that produce melanin either die or simply stop forming it and it causes white patches with irregular shapes to slowly enlarge on various areas of the skin.
Food to Eat in Vitiligo Diet
Many people believe that keeping a healthy diet that is specific to vitiligo can control this skin disorder and promote cell regeneration as well as healthy skin.
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains are a crucial part of any vitiligo diet as they contain a great deal of fiber, vitamins and minerals, all of which work together to support a good overall health. Oats are an especially good addition to the diet because they have high amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E has been linked to improving the body’s immune responses as well as helping fight harmful bacteria, which plays an essential role in keeping the skin healthy.
2. Vegetables
Although vegetables are part of any healthy diet, there are certain ones that are excellent to add to a vitiligo diet. Spinach is a great option as it contains many nutrients that can promote skin regeneration and repair the body’s damaged blood vessels. Garlic is also a great choice because it is not only a natural antibiotic, but it also has several different nutrients which work together to help keep our cells health. Cabbage is another great addition to a vitiligo diet because it contains multiple nutrients and other substances that help our body break down any harmful chemicals. In addition to vegetables, certain fruits such as tomatoes and blueberries also have healing properties making them a great addition to a vitiligo diet.
3. Healthy Fats
Someone on a vitiligo diet should always do their best to include healthy fats. Olive oil is an excellent option as it is easy to add to your food. A wide range of nuts are also a great source of healthy fats in addition to protein, but someone on a vitiligo diet should avoid pistachios and cashews.
4. Natural Supplements
There are several natural supplements that have been linked to reducing the effects of vitiligo in terms of depigmentation. Gingko biloba is one example and experts usually recommend finding a standardized extract that comes in 40 milligram doses and taking this three times a day. Some studies have also shown that khellin, which is an extract from the fruit found on khella, a Mediterranean plant.
Food to avoid in Vitiligo people
In cases where pigment loss is widespread and severe, bleaching (depigmentation) of the remaining pigmented patches may be done with hydroquinone, according to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. Since hydroquinone also is present in some food, it may worsen the light skin patches of people with vitiligo if consumed. Blueberries, pears, wheat, and coffee all contain this natural depigmenting agent.
Vitiligo can occur because the cells that produce melanin either die or simply stop forming it and it causes white patches with irregular shapes to slowly enlarge on various areas of the skin.
Food to Eat in Vitiligo Diet
Many people believe that keeping a healthy diet that is specific to vitiligo can control this skin disorder and promote cell regeneration as well as healthy skin.
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains are a crucial part of any vitiligo diet as they contain a great deal of fiber, vitamins and minerals, all of which work together to support a good overall health. Oats are an especially good addition to the diet because they have high amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E has been linked to improving the body’s immune responses as well as helping fight harmful bacteria, which plays an essential role in keeping the skin healthy.
2. Vegetables
Although vegetables are part of any healthy diet, there are certain ones that are excellent to add to a vitiligo diet. Spinach is a great option as it contains many nutrients that can promote skin regeneration and repair the body’s damaged blood vessels. Garlic is also a great choice because it is not only a natural antibiotic, but it also has several different nutrients which work together to help keep our cells health. Cabbage is another great addition to a vitiligo diet because it contains multiple nutrients and other substances that help our body break down any harmful chemicals. In addition to vegetables, certain fruits such as tomatoes and blueberries also have healing properties making them a great addition to a vitiligo diet.
3. Healthy Fats
Someone on a vitiligo diet should always do their best to include healthy fats. Olive oil is an excellent option as it is easy to add to your food. A wide range of nuts are also a great source of healthy fats in addition to protein, but someone on a vitiligo diet should avoid pistachios and cashews.
4. Natural Supplements
There are several natural supplements that have been linked to reducing the effects of vitiligo in terms of depigmentation. Gingko biloba is one example and experts usually recommend finding a standardized extract that comes in 40 milligram doses and taking this three times a day. Some studies have also shown that khellin, which is an extract from the fruit found on khella, a Mediterranean plant.
Food to avoid in Vitiligo people
In cases where pigment loss is widespread and severe, bleaching (depigmentation) of the remaining pigmented patches may be done with hydroquinone, according to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. Since hydroquinone also is present in some food, it may worsen the light skin patches of people with vitiligo if consumed. Blueberries, pears, wheat, and coffee all contain this natural depigmenting agent.
