Vitiligo Diet – What Is It & How Does It Help Treat Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of skin pigments on certain areas of the skin, leading to pale, whitish patches (1). While many follow certain vitiligo diets to deal with this condition, most of them lack proper scientific evidence. In addition, as vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, a diet that works on the immune system may greatly help.

Continue reading to learn more about this condition and understand what kind of diet may be suitable to slow down depigmentation. You will also know what lifestyle changes you can adopt.

How To Treat Vitiligo – Diet And Lifestyle

1. Vitiligo Definitive Facts
2. Vitiligo Sample Diet Plan
3. Foods To Eat
4. Foods To Avoid
5. Overcoming Nutritional Deficiencies
6. Lifestyle Changes
7. Role Of Exercise
8. Benefits Of Vitiligo Diet
9. Side Effects Of Vitiligo Diet

Vitiligo Definitive Facts

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• People with vitiligo may have to consume a special diet to prevent worsening of their skin condition or to overcome nutritional deficiencies.

• Since vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, it is prudent to eat a diet that is rich in phytochemicalsⁱ  XChemical substances plants make to protect themselves against diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and other plant viruses. , beta-caroteneⁱ  XOne of the carotenoids, a group of colorful pigments, present in many fruits and vegetables, and which is transformed into vitamin A in the body. , and antioxidants. Such a diet will boost the immune system and promote healthy skin, and may pave the way for repigmentation of the skin.

• If you have vitiligo, avoid consuming pears and blueberries. These fruits are natural sources of hydroquinonesⁱ  XA skin-lightening chemical that bleaches the skin and is beneficial for treating various types of hyperpigmentation. , which are known to have depigmentation properties.

• Some people also face problems with citrus fruits, while others may find turmeric, which is used as a seasoning in foods, causing problems.

• Hence, if you fall under these categories, you should avoid citrus fruits and/or turmeric.

• Some people prefer to avoid red meats and dairy products. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this. If you have an underlying allergy to dairy, you should avoid it as it may adversely affect your vitiligo.

Did You Know?

World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25 to raise awareness about vitiligo around the globe.

Vitiligo Sample Diet Plan

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This diet chart includes foods that are allowed for individuals with vitiligo. Apart from eating leafy veggies, you may also take supplements (only after consulting your doctor).

Foods To Eat

As mentioned earlier, there is no real vitiligo diet per se. However, you should look at supporting your condition by following a balanced and nutritious diet.

Fruits – Figs, apricots, ripe mango, dates, apples, and bananas.

Vegetables – Try to consume a plant-centric diet consisting of spinach, beetroot, carrot, potato, cabbage, radish, cauliflower, red chili, bitter gourd, and green beans. 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 best to cook them lightly. For vegans, stick to kidney beans, chickpeas, mushrooms, and lentils.

Dairy – Dairy products can be consumed. However, depending on the level of the condition, some patients are advised to completely avoid dairy products.

Whole Grains – Oats, brown rice, white rice, couscous, quinoa, and corn.

Supplements – You may have vitamin B12, protein, calcium, minerals, and DHA deficiencies. Hence, take supplements to overcome these deficiencies. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Beverages – Allowed vegetable and fruit juices, and coconut water (if you are tolerant to it)..

Herbs & Spices – Rosemary, thyme, basil, coriander leaves (small amounts), clove, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Foods To Avoid

Fruits – Gooseberry, orange, nectarine, prune, peach, pineapple, lemon, lime, melon, watermelon, grapes, papaya, guava, grapefruit, pear, tamarind, and any fruit that has a good amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C inhibits the formation of pigments (2). Therefore, avoid consuming it.

Vegetables – Eggplant, tomato, green chili, onion, and garlic..

Protein – Beef, pork, and fish.

Dairy – Milk, curd, and buttermilk..

Beverages – Carbonated and sweetened drinks, packaged fruit juices, coffee, vitamin C-rich fresh fruit juices, and alcohol.

Spices – Turmeric

Others – Avoid oily, spicy, processed, packaged, and canned foods. Avoid consuming wafers, pickles, and chocolates.

Overcoming Nutritional Deficiencies

Researchers have found that people with vitiligo often have a deficiency of vitamin B12 folateⁱ  XA water-soluble, naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 found in a variety of foods such as beans, peas, nuts, and dark-green leafy veggies. (3), and certain minerals such as zinc and copper (4), (5). You should get your vitamin levels checked regularly. If there is a deficit, speak to your doctor about taking supplements or overcoming the deficiencies through foods rich in those vitamins.

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in soy milk, fish, shellfish, dairy products, and meat (6). If you have folate and zinc deficiency, include leafy green vegetables, fruits, peas, dried beans, legumes, and nuts in your daily diet (7) (8).

Trivia

According to a study, women with vitiligo tend to have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (9).

Lifestyle Changes

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• Having vitiligo can impact one’s social experiences and mental health negatively. Hence, it is important to manage your stress levels and maintain a healthy mind. Try doing yoga or join a vitiligo support group to manage emotional stressors.

• Get adequate exposure to sunlight. Not only will it ensure that you have adequate levels of vitamin D, but it may also stimulate repigmentation (10). The melanocytes in the skin tend to produce melanin when exposed to sunlight. This facilitates darkening of the skin to protect it from getting burned.

• Get enough sleep. The human mind needs to rest for at least 7 hours every day to function properly.

• Eat tasty and nutritious foods. Experiment or search online for delicious recipes that are easy to cook. Always opt for home-cooked food.

• Revive an old hobby or pick a new one.

• Avoid negative people and negative thoughts.

Role Of Exercise

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Regular exercise triggers mood-enhancing hormones. This will help you stay positive as you take measures to cure and prevent vitiligo from spreading further through diet and medication. Power yoga, meditation, dancing, and playing a sport will help you feel good about your body and prevent anxiety or depression from weighing you down.

Benefits Of The Vitiligo Diet

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• Prevents the spreading of skin depigmentation.
• Helps to lead a healthy life.

Side Effects Of The Vitiligo Diet

• May cause nutritional deficiencies.
• Leads to weakened immunity.

Infographic: Celebrities Who Embraced Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by white patches on the skin. While it cannot be treated, you can manage the condition with a healthy diet and exercise. In the below infographic, we have compiled a list of celebrities who embraced vitiligo and inspired many others to lead a fulfilling and confident life. Scroll down to know more!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to cure vitiligo?

Vitiligo has no definite cure as of now. However, lifestyle changes, healthy diet, exercise, and being mindful of nutritional deficiencies may help prevent the spread.

Is tea good for vitiligo?

While it has not been established for humans yet, research on mice suggests that green tea could have beneficial effects on vitiligo (11).

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Merlin Annie RajRegistered Dietitian Nutritionist

   

Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. She has 14 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She was awarded the ‘President’s Award’ at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association, 2014. Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet...more

Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information. After completing her master's in biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology,...more