Dietary Treatment For Vitiligo Patient

Dietary Treatment For Vitiligo Patient

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which certain areas of the body lose pigments and turn white.It is believed that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, and a strong immune system can prevent the spread of the depigmentation.People suffering from vitiligo may have to consume a special diet to prevent worsening of their skin condition or to overcome nutritional deficiencies.

Since vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, it is prudent to eat a diet that is rich in phytochemicals, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. Such a diet will boost the immune system and promote healthy skin, and may pave the way for repigmentation of the skin.

*Foods To Eat :

Fruits – Fig, apricot, and ripe mango.

Vegetables – Try to consume a plant-centric diet comprising of spinach, beetroot, carrot, potato, cabbage, radish, cauliflower, red chili, bitter gourd, and green beans. Make sure a major bulk of your diet consists of these vegetables, as long as you do not find it difficult to digest them.

Protein – In case you yearn for animal products, opt for chicken breast, lean cuts of turkey, wild fish, and organic eggs. It is best to cook them lightly. For vegans, stick to kidney beans, chickpeas, mushroom, and lentils.

Dairy – Dairy products can be consumed. However, depending on the level of the condition, some patients are advised to completely avoid dairy products.

Whole Grains – Oats, brown rice, white rice, couscous, quinoa, and corn.

Supplements – You may have vitamin B12, protein, calcium, minerals, and DHA deficiencies. Hence, take supplements to overcome these deficiencies. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Beverages – Allowed vegetable and fruit juices, and coconut water (if it suits you).

Herbs & Spices – Rosemary, thyme, basil, coriander leaves (small amounts), clove, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

*Foods To Avoid :

Fruits – Gooseberry, orange, nectarine, prune, peach, pineapple, lemon, lime, 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 chili, onion, and garlic..

Protein – Beef, pork, and fish.

Dairy – Milk, curd, and buttermilk.

Beverages – Carbonated and sweetened drinks, packaged fruit juices, coffee, vitamin C-rich fresh fruit juices, and alcohol.

Spices – Turmeric

Others – Avoid oily, spicy, processed, packaged, and canned foods. Avoid consuming wafers, pickles, and chocolates.

*Overcoming Nutritional Deficiencies :

Researchers have found that people suffering from vitiligo often have a deficiency of vitamin B12 and certain minerals, such as zinc and copper. You should get your vitamin levels checked. And if there is a deficit, speak to your doctor about taking supplements or overcoming the deficiencies through foods rich in those vitamins.

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in soy milk, fish, shellfish, dairy products, and meat. If you have folate and zinc deficiency, include leafy green vegetables, fruits, peas, dried beans, legumes, and nuts in your daily diet.

*Lifestyle Changes:

There is no doubt that having vitiligo can make you depressed and upset. Hence, it is important to manage your stress levels and maintain a healthy mind. Try doing yoga or join a vitiligo support group to manage emotional stressors.

Get adequate exposure to sunlight. Not only will it ensure that you have adequate levels of vitamin D, but it may also stimulate repigmentation. The melanocytes in the skin tend to produce melanin when exposed to sunlight. This facilitates darkening of the skin to protect it from getting burned.

Get enough sleep. The human mind needs to rest for at least 7 hours every day to function properly.

Eat tasty and nutrition-dense foods. Experiment or search online for delicious recipes that are easy to cook. Always opt for home-cooked food.

Revive an old hobby or pick a new one.

Let go of negative people and negative thoughts.

*Role Of Exercise :

Regular exercise triggers the mood enhancing hormones. This will help you stay positive as you take measures to cure and prevent vitiligo from spreading further through diet and medication. Power yoga, meditation, dancing, and playing a sport will help you feel good about your body and prevent anxiety or depression from weighing you down.