There are certain vegetables, called Nightshades, that cause inflammation, and have been known to cause Vitiligo. Some of these nightshades that you should avoid is: tomatoes, white eggplant, paprika, potatoes and tobacco. Processed foods should be avoided as much as possible.
This vitamin C prevents the formation of pigments. Vegetables: If you are suffering from vitiligo problem you should stop consuming the vegetables like tomato, onion, garlic, eggplant, green chilli etc.
According to the Vitiligo Speciality Clinic, there are certain foods that should be avoided to manage the symptoms of vitiligo. Juicy fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges and lemon, fermented foods like yogurt, alcohol and others like red meat, fish can cause the white patches to spread and worsen the condition.
Protect your skin from the sun.
A bad sunburn can worsen vitiligo. If you have a lighter skin tone, there's another advantage to protecting your skin from the sun. Without a tan, the lighter spots and patches are often less noticeable.
Black/Red gram or Desi-chana (Chickpeas), Black dates, Red Radish, Beetroot and Carrot are helpful in Vitiligo and considered as Vitiligo diet. These are seen helpful in pigmentation process and helpful in coverage of white patches.
Topical steroids. Topical steroids come as a cream or ointment you apply to your skin. They can sometimes stop the spread of the white patches and may restore some of your original skin colour.
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 good to cook them lightly.
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as almond, walnuts, avocado and fatty fish forms a vital part of the vitiligo diet as it is known to improve blood circulation, prevent inflammation and trigger the immune system.
We analyzed the mechanism of this folk prescription for vitiligo, concluding that the success of the self-treatment may be mainly associated with hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The antibacterial activity of pentathionic acid (H2S5O6) and the antioxidant activity of cucumber might also play a role in the treatment.
Certain fruits, such as blueberries and pears, contain hydroquinone which minimizes melanin production. So, make sure you do not add fruits, such as blueberries and pears, to your vitiligo diet as they may make your white skin patches whiter and aggravate the condition.
Foods high in Vitamin C
Along with zinc, Vitamin C too is important for the treatment of vitiligo. Vitamin C deficiency is common with many patients suffering with vitiligo. Citrus fruits like orange, lemons and grapefruits contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also found in strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers and broccoli.
Natural sources of foods rich in carotenes which give apricots, melon, pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots tomatoes sweet potatoes, papaya, red and yellow peppers and mango their orange pigment, have been especially beneficial in vitiligo.
Antioxidant-rich foods may help prevent cellular damage and limit inflammation. Fruits, such as raspberries and strawberries, and vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are particularly rich sources of antioxidants.
Fruits like lemons, limes and others that are excessively sour can make this disorder worse. Besides, they contain ascorbic acid which lightens the skin, so eating them might worsen your vitiligo.
However, some tried diets that contain nutrient-dense foods can help prevent vitiligo symptoms. Bananas, apples, leafy greens like kale or lettuce, chickpeas, root vegetables like beetroot, carrot and radish, figs, and dates are all good options.
Consume grains and foods like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, oats, and quinoa. Protein: The best protein sources are lean cuts of meat, including skinless chicken and turkey, eggs, and legumes such as lentils, peas, and beans.
There are not many details in literature regarding the dietary habits to be followed in vitiligo patients, usually sour food items like citrus fruits, milk products, pickle and others are discouraged[11].
A study by Irshad et al. showed that depigmented skin in vitiligo showed partial repigmentation after 4 months of natural herbal treatment using honey [26]. Honey contains molecules such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, polyphenols, and vitamin C.
Avoid junk foods: Studies have shown that children who have a habit of eating a lot of junk are at a high risk of developing vitiligo. Also a lot of intake of chocolates, cheese, and coffee is also not good for patients with vitiligo.
Avoid inflammatory foods for vitiligo.
Sugary drinks. Trans fats, found in fried foods. White bread. White pasta.
Ginger is very much effective for the treatment of white patches. To make this home remedy, take a piece of ginger and blend it with water to make a thin liquid. Pour this juice in a cup with the help of a strainer. Drink this juice twice a day to heal Vitiligo.
To the best of our knowledge, vitamin D significantly affects melanocytes and keratinocytes. Studies suggest that vitamin D3 increases tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in vitro [12], which may lead to repigmentation in vitiligo skin lesions.
Treatment cannot cure vitiligo.
While researchers are looking for a cure, treatment cannot currently cure this disease. Treatment can help restore lost skin color, but the color (repigmentation) may fade over time. To keep their results, many patients have maintenance treatments.