If you are suffering from vitiligo, you cannot ignore the role your diet plays in worsening or arresting progression of the disease. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder where the immune cells of the body destroys the melanin producing cells of the skin, leading to loss of skin color. Avoiding foods that reduce melanin production and consuming foods that help in covering the white patches can benefit people suffering from vitiligo. The appropriate vitiligo diet helps in speeding up the re-pigmentation process, probably by restoring the normal function of the immune system.
The Diet For People Suffering From Vitiligo Should Contain The Following Foods:
Leafy Green Vegetables
People suffering from vitiligo can meet their demand for nutrients by consuming at least one portion of a leafy green vegetable daily. Leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of folic acid, which helps in improving the re-pigmentation process. Loaded with antioxidants, leafy green vegetables protect your skin cells from oxidative stress that tend to worsen vitiligo.
Onion
Onion contains compounds that are extremely beneficial for people suffering from vitiligo. Quercetin found in onion helps in preventing hydrogen peroxide induced destruction of the melanin producing cells. Moreover, onion is an excellent source of a powerful antioxidant called thiol that protects the melanocytes from free-radical induced damage.
Walnuts
Walnut is recommended for the vitiligo diet because it is a safe source of omega-3 fats for vitiligo patients. Omega-3 fatty acids help in suppressing production of pro-inflammatory chemicals and free radicals associated with destruction of the melanin producing cells. Moreover, as vitiligo patients are usually advised to avoid animal protein, consumption of walnuts helps in meeting a part of their protein need.
Flaxseed Oil
Another excellent source of omega-3 fats worth including in the diet of vitiligo sufferers is flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is rich in the omega- 3 fatty acid EPA, which studies have shown is especially beneficial in inhibiting production of cytokines that destroy the melanin producing cells.
Crimini Mushrooms
Crimini mushroom is an excellent food for vitiligo patients. It provides vitamin D, which is often deficient in people suffering from vitiligo. Vitamin D suppresses production of immune cells that destroys melanocytes. Furthermore, it is one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin B12, a nutrient that helps in the re-pigmentation process.
Whole Grains
Carbohydrate is the main fuel source of the body. People suffering from vitiligo should meet their carbohydrate need primarily from whole grains. However, avoid grains that contain gluten, as gluten allergy may worsen the disease. Hence, the best grains for the vitiligo diet are corn, brown rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat and oat.
Apple
As a number of common fruits such as citrus fruits, berries, pears and mangoes are not recommended for vitiligo patients, there are few fruit options for the vitiligo diet. Apple is an excellent fruit for vitiligo sufferers. It contains vitamins A and C and a number of B vitamins. Moreover, it is one of the richest sources of quercetin.
Vegetarian Diet
For best result, people suffering from vitiligo are recommended a vegetarian diet. Red meat and fish should be eliminated from the vitiligo diet. Once or twice a week you can consume milk and dairy products and eggs. Avoid all types of acidic fruits, pickles, curd and tomatoes. Apples and bananas are the ideal fruits for the vitiligo diet. You can consume plenty of vegetables. Carrots, radish, beetroot and green leafy vegetables are best suited for the vitiligo diet.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.