Vitiligo is an autoimmune problem that lasts for a long time and causes patches of skin to lose pigment, or color. This happens when the skin cells that make pigment, called melanocytes, are attacked and killed. This turns the skin a milky white color.
When you have vitiligo, the white spots usually show up on both sides of your body, like on both hands or knees. Sometimes, color or pigment can be lost quickly and over a big area. There are two major types of vitiligo, that is segmental vitiligo and non-segmental vitiligo.
What causes vitiligo?
Researchers believe vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes. Also, scientists are still looking into how genes and family background may be linked to vitiligo. Sometimes, something like a sunburn, a bad mood, or being around a drug can cause vitiligo or make it worse. Reach out to the best dermatologist in Coimbatore if you notice any signs of vitiligo.
Is diet helpful in vitiligo management?
As research in this area moves forward, there may be more choices for people with vitiligo. But even though there isn’t enough evidence to support a “vitiligo diet” that will help with symptoms, you can take steps to improve your health by dealing with the possible causes of the condition.
What foods can you include in your vitiligo diet?
Consume nutrient-rich foods:
Vitiligo may be caused by an autoimmune process that is set off by a lack of nutrients, so eat a healthy vitiligo diet with lean meats, healthy fats like oily fish and extra virgin olive oil, and a lot of veggies.
Because phytochemicals and antioxidants protect the skin from damage, it may be good to eat and drink a lot of antioxidant-rich foods and drinks, such as green tea, dark-colored veggies and fruits, activated nuts, herbs, and spices.
Whole grains:
Try to eat less processed grains or stay away from them altogether, since they are often stripped of important nutrients found in whole grains. Eat brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, oats, and quinoa, which are all carbs.
Proteins:
Lean cuts of meat, like chicken and turkey without the skin, eggs, and legumes like lentils, peas, and beans are the best places to get protein. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna. These acids help protect your heart and reduce inflammation.
What are the vitiligo foods to avoid?
Gluten:
Celiac disease (CD) or gluten intolerance often happens at the same time as other autoimmune diseases, and there is a lot of evidence that gluten can cause symptoms outside of the digestive system. People with celiac disease and eczema have been found to have alopecia areata and vitiligo.
Turmeric:
Curcumin, a yellow pigment that fights cancer, inflammation, and free radicals, is the main active yellow pigment in turmeric. But several studies have shown that turmeric or curcumin from turmeric can help reduce oxidative stress in people with severe vitiligo and stop the skin from getting darker again. Studies also show that removing turmeric from the vitiligo diet can help people with vitiligo get their color back. People with vitiligo should stay away from turmeric in their meals because of this.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is known to make the body’s oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species go up. This can make the signs worse, so people with vitiligo shouldn’t drink too much alcohol. Alcohol can also make your skin burn, itch, turn red, or have other similar effects.
What are the benefits of following a vitiligo-diet?
Since vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, eating a well-balanced diet with a lot of antioxidants can help keep your immune system healthy and work with your other vitiligo treatments.
Studies show that vitiligo is caused by stress to the cells that make melanin, which causes depigmentation. Oxidative stress, which is when the balance between making molecules with oxygen and letting them build up, can also hurt these cells. Consuming the best food for vitiligo significantly helps when followed along with treatment.
Other diets vs vitiligo diet:
Since there is no specific diet to treat vitiligo, it makes sense that many people will try different diets and foods to see if their symptoms get better. The vitiligo society says that a gluten-free diet might help because it removes the things that might cause inflammation. Also, some people have reported that their symptoms temporarily reduce once they remove gluten from their diet.
What are the options other than vitiligo diet to manage vitiligo?
As trauma and emotional stress may be the cause of the condition, it may be helpful to find a way to deal with your worry that works for you. Self-exploration and awareness are often the most important first steps on the path to better health.
When you know and act on your beliefs and true self, you don’t have to worry about things that don’t matter and your life has meaning and purpose. If you’re upset and stressed out, you might be going in the wrong direction. Take a step back and rethink what’s most important to you.
Important Takeaway:
Treating vitiligo is not completely possible as it is an autoimmune disorder. Although following a healthy vitiligo diet helps along with the treatment to provide effective results. Vitiligo requires constant care and the right lifestyle is important to keep the vitiligo from spreading. Book an appointment with a specialist for best vitiligo treatment in Coimbatore to manage the symptoms of vitiligo.
