Vitiligo Diet: 6 Essential Indian Foods for Skin Health

Have you ever seen somebody with white skin patches? Do you ever wonder why these patches develop? In medicine, this condition is referred to as leucoderma or vitiligo.

Vitiligo is much more than just a skin condition. Leukoderma, often known as vitiligo, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune cells malfunction and target the melanocytes that produce the melanin that gives skin its colour. It affects almost  2% of the population worldwide.

In vitiligo, white or discoloured areas on the body result from a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin colour. The extent and rate of discolouration of skin varies and is unpredictable.

It is an auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system malfunctions and attacks not just healthy cells and tissues but also exogenous invaders like viruses and bacteria.

In Vitiligo or Leucoderma, the immune system attacks melanin-producing skin cells in addition to dangerous infections. Because of this, the skin develops white areas where there is a lack of melanin.

Even though some people choose ayurvedic or other sorts of therapy, which may be somewhat helpful. The symptoms may potentially come back, which might be problematic.

While some foods that are high in phytochemicals and antioxidants may reduce the progression of the condition, others may increase skin discolouration.

Vitiligo and diet

While there is no known cure for vitiligo, eating a balanced, wholesome diet may help with symptom management and promote skin health in general. The vitiligo diet is not a one-size-fits-all remedy but rather a set of dietary guidelines designed to supply vital nutrients to maintain skin health and control inflammation. Even while vitiligo may not be reversible with diet alone, it can be managed more effectively as part of a holistic strategy.

We’ll discuss the vitiligo diet in this blog post and how specific foods can help to nourish your skin from the inside out.

Any autoimmune disorders can be improved by gut healing, and Vitiligo can be treated with the right diet. The primary cause of autoimmune diseases like vitiligo is inflammation in the stomach.

Before designing a suitable diet for Vitiligo patients, the following considerations must be examined.

• An antioxidant-rich diet helps reduce bodily inflammation.
• Foods that are good for vitiligo symptoms.
• Foods that promote melanocyte regeneration and repigmentation.

Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet

Every meal should contain whole foods. Your body will be nourished with vital nutrients if you eat a lot of whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and veggies and fruits. Well, in addition to providing our bodies with the necessary calories, whole meals also provide them with vitamins and disease-fighting antioxidants, which in turn aid in lowering inflammation in skin cells.

Proteins are crucial nutrients for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In our body, proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are then used by inflammatory cells to renew and repair healthy cells.

There is less likelihood that you would seek processed and junk food because whole foods will keep you full for a long period. As a result, obesity—a key contributor to bodily inflammation—will be avoided.

Add more veggies and fruits

Any type of autoimmune, inflammatory, and tissue-damaging reactions are brought on by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is more prevalent in skin cells when someone has vitiligo.

Fruits and vegetables are abundant in phytonutrients, which give the body a variety of polyphenols and antioxidants. These nutrients protect cells from oxidative stress by scavenging free oxygen radicals. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fibre, which is important for a healthy gut. Therefore, a combination of antioxidants and fibre will effectively treat vitiligo.

Eat two parts of fruit and four portions of veggies each day. Consume fruits and vegetables of various colours regularly. Fruits and vegetables of different colours have different nutrients. For vitiligo, vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin B-12 (folic acid), vitamin D, and beta carotene are necessary. Include the substances that can supply these vitamins, such as fruits and vegetables.

Note- Excess consumption of vitamin C may have the opposite effect on individuals suffering from vitiligo

The minerals copper, iron, and zinc aid in halting the progression of vitiligo and preventing its recurrence. Consuming a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables can help us attain our recommended daily intake of these minerals.

Auto-immune illnesses frequently involve digestive problems. The fibre included in fruits and vegetables helps maintain a healthy stomach. Additionally, they help in the maintenance of beneficial gut microorganisms, which promote the synthesis of vitamin B12.

Add some healthy fats

A poor fat source in your everyday diet might significantly exacerbate Vitiligo symptoms. Instead of hydrogenated and processed fats, choose the food wisely. Fats from healthy sources also protect us against inflammation.

For preparing everyday cuisine at home, pick cold-pressed or Kachi Ghani Sarson/mustard oil, til/sesame seed oil, Mungphali/groundnut oil, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, or Jaitun Oil. Healthy fats should always be ingested in moderation.

Add moderate amounts of Ghee (homemade or organic) (2 tablespoons per day).

Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained by eating nuts and seeds. Every day, include one source of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. In addition to fish, important sources of omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts and flax seeds.

Foods high in antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidation, a chemical process that harms bodily cells. Foods high in antioxidants may lessen inflammation and prevent cellular deterioration. Antioxidants are particularly abundant in fruits and vegetables like kale and spinach as well as berries like raspberries and strawberries. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables of various colours can help a person consume a variety of these chemicals because different fruits and vegetables have different antioxidants.

Additional plant-based foods that contain antioxidants like nuts and seeds, whole grains, and spices should be considered in the diet.

Vitamin and Minerals diet

Patients with vitiligo can benefit greatly from eating foods high in vitamins and minerals such as apples, carrots, radishes, etc. People with vitiligo should eat dates, chickpeas, and green leafy vegetables because they are high in iron.

Due to its ability to induce pigment, beetroot must be consumed regularly.

Patients with vitiligo must consume meals that enhance and boost immunity. The foods that should be consumed in vitiligo include colourful fruits and vegetables (apart from citrus fruits), nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and dry fruits like figs and almonds.

Stay hydrated

For general health, including skin health for those with vitiligo, being hydrated is essential. Maintaining appropriate hydration is essential to good health in general and is especially important for those who have vitiligo. Properly hydrated skin can lessen the visibility of depigmented patches and encourage an even skin tone in people who are suffering from vitiligo. Hydration aids in the body’s natural detoxification processes by assisting in the removal of waste and pollutants. Your skin cells may benefit from a healthier environment overall as a result.

Adequate hydration encourages healthy blood circulation, which helps the skin cells to receive vital nutrients and oxygen. This may help with cellular regeneration and repair. Try to consume water throughout the day. Keep yourself hydrated by keeping a reusable water bottle near you at all times.

Takeaway

Hearing a diagnosis of leucoderma or vitiligo might be upsetting. Living with vitiligo can be highly difficult as you get criticised for your appearance. People frequently face judgement, ridicule, or exclusion from the social group, which undermines their self-confidence.

A diet cannot entirely reverse Vitiligo, just like it cannot with any other autoimmune disorder. However, a healthy and balanced diet will aid in managing Vitiligo symptoms, prevent re-pigmentation, and stop the remission of skin patches in the treated area.

Vitiligo Treatment in Delhi can be controlled by diet by being aware of the items that should be consumed and avoided. Follow a correct Indian diet for Vitiligo to have a joyful and high quality of life; Remember that developing Vitiligo is not the end of life!!

Even though certain Indian foods are typically linked to skin health and may be advantageous for those with vitiligo, it’s crucial to speak with a doctor before making any big dietary adjustments. Each person’s experience with vitiligo is different because it’s a complicated condition. A dermatologist or certified dietitian can help you create a well-balanced food plan that meets your specific requirements and supplements your treatment approach.

These fundamental Indian dishes can be a tasty and delightful method to boost skin health in your diet. Always keep in mind that a comprehensive approach to health can improve overall well-being and skin radiance. This includes a balanced diet, consistent exercise, stress management, and appropriate skin care.