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How Do I Choose the Best Vitiligo Diet?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder which causes various areas of the body to lose pigment, creating a blotchy look to the skin. It is believed by many that a healthy vitiligo diet can help to control the disorder and promote healthy skin and cell regeneration. Some of the recommended foods on this diet include whole grains, tomatoes, spinach, fish, and soy. Some of the foods which should be limited or eliminated from the vitiligo diet include some berries, cashews, mango, and tea. Choosing the best type of diet for vitiligo on an individual basis is often a matter of trial and error and should take into consideration factors such as personal preference, existing health concerns, and food allergies or sensitivities.
Whole grains are an important part of a vitiligo diet. These grains are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber which support overall health. Oats may be particularly beneficial due to the high levels of Vitamin E contained in the oats. This vitamin is known to improve the body's natural immune responses and may also help fight harmful bacteria.
Certain vegetables should be incorporated into a vitiligo diet whenever possible. Spinach contains substantial amounts of various nutrients which may help to repair damaged blood vessels and promote skin regeneration. Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and contains a wide variety of nutrients which work to keep the cells healthy. Cabbage contains many nutrients and contains substances which help the body break down harmful chemicals within the body. Fruits such as blueberries and tomatoes are also known for their healing properties and are a great addition to this type of diet.
Healthy fats are an essential part of a proper vitiligo diet. Olive oil is one of the best sources of this type of fat and can easily be added to most diets. Most nuts are ideal for those with vitiligo, as they contain healthy fats as well as protein. Cashews and pistachios are the chief exceptions to this rule, as they are not typically recommended for those with vitiligo.
Some foods should not be added to a vitiligo diet, especially in high quantities. These foods include mango, red chili, and tea. Some berries are not recommended for those who suffer from vitiligo. These berries include blackberries, raspberries, and cherries. In addition to the various foods that are recommended parts of the diet for those with this autoimmune disorder, it is important to drink plenty of water in order to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
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![A vitiligo diet can include blueberries, which contain healing properties.]()
By: Brian JacksonA vitiligo diet can include blueberries, which contain healing properties. -
![Drinking eight glasses of water daily helps keep skin healthy and supple.]()
By: anyaivanovaDrinking eight glasses of water daily helps keep skin healthy and supple. -
![Because of their high Vitamin E contents, oats should be included in a vitiligo diet.]()
By: eAlisaBecause of their high Vitamin E contents, oats should be included in a vitiligo diet. -
![Spinach contains significant nutritional value and may help repair blood vessels and promote skin regeneration.]()
By: anjelagrSpinach contains significant nutritional value and may help repair blood vessels and promote skin regeneration. -
![It's believed that a health vitiligo diet can control the disease and promote healthy skin.]()
By: nadineIt's believed that a health vitiligo diet can control the disease and promote healthy skin.
Discussion Comments
I have had vitiligo for eight years now and I tried different treatments, including PUVA, topical steroid, meladinine cream/solution with exposure to sunlight/PUVA, oral meladinine, oil of bergamot. The vitiligo covers my neck, and one-fourth of my face. I looked for another dermatologist because I lost hope with my past dermatologists. Then somebody recommended a good natural treatment and it worked very well. Now I'm 90 percent cured with only 1 1/2 months of treatment.
In my humble opinion, you can never go wrong by following a healthy diet of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, plus restriction of processed/refined foods and red meat. I have also been reading that many people have had success with various vitamin and herbal supplementation in treating vitiligo. You would certainly want to consult a professional before proceeding, but it doesn't hurt to explore any healthy alternative that can help alleviate the condition.
It can be confusing when reading advice about this condition, because what seems to help one person doesn't always help everyone; for instance some advise supplement with vitamin C and others say to avoid too much vitamin C (from food or supplements). So like the article said there will be some trial and error involved when choosing a diet that will be helpful.
Although whole, natural food is, in general, good for you, some articles point out that barley, rye, and wheat should be avoided since they contain a factor called azelaic acid which appears to have melanin (skin pigment) inhibiting properties. One thing they all seem to agree on avoiding is junk food; no sugar, no fried or smoked food, no chocolate, :-( and no refined foods.
My final two cents… use common sense and drink plenty of water. :)
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