Posted by Admin on May 5, 2018 in Treating Vitiligo, Vitiligo FAQs, Vitiligo Information
Vitiligo Diet Recommendations:
Vitiligo is a skin condition in which certain parts of the body loses pigmentation causing the skin to turn white. The loss or destruction of pigment called melanin causes these white patches. This pigment, melanin, is responsible for giving colour to the skin. Vitiligo Treatment has carefully compiled this article on Vitiligo and your diet to give you an understanding of how to manage your diet.
Treat Autoimmune conditions with proper diet for best results. Vitiligo treatment is no exception.
So what does a Vitiligo diet look like?
Skin specialists, physicians and dermatologists agree that a healthy anti-inflammatory diet for boosting ones immune system is required for Vitiligo sufferers. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease thus a strong immune system is necessary to stop the spread of Vitiligo and also help in re-pigmenting the skin.
So where to start?
Below is an easy to follow guide on a beneficial diet to preventing the further spread of Vitiligo and help in the re-pigmentation process.
Fruits and vegetables:
Patients with Vitiligo should follow a mainly plant based diet. Ensure that the bulk of your diet consist of vegetables. Although most people think of fruits as the most beneficial source of anti-oxidants, vegetables are generally an even healthier option. Vegetables are lower in sugar than fruit, more nutritious and have an even higher anti-oxidant content.
Vegetables:
Kale, spinach, dandelion greens, broccoli, chlorella, beetroot, carrots, potato, cabbage, radish, cauliflower and bitter gourd, chickpeas, and other green leafy vegetables. Fruits: Figs, apricots, dates, and ripe mangoes.
Proteins:
Red meats and processed meats must be avoided. The reason for this is that they are seen to be hard to digest and pro-inflammatory which can aggravate Vitiligo. This was proven by Researchers at the University of California who found that red meat contains a molecule (Neu5Gc) which isn’t naturally found in humans. This mean that after ingesting leads to the formation of anti-bodies that can trigger inflammation. You don’t need to avoid red meat completely rather cut it down to once or twice a week.. Opt for healthy substitutes such as chicken, wild fish and eggs.
Grains:
Avoid eating processed or refined grains. Eat whole grains if you are not gluten intolerant/allergic as they contain lots of fiber which assist in the removal of toxins from the body. Maximize your oats intake as oats contain a high content of Vitamin E boosting skin health. Other whole grains include, brown rice, couscous, quinoa and corn.
Going Gluten Free:
To eliminate possible allergies patients are advised to test for gluten sensitivity. The other option is to experiment with a gluten free diet. Many Vitiligo sufferers have reported significant improvements after adopting a gluten free diet.
Sugar:
Consuming too much sugar can trigger excessive inflammation which in turn irritates the autoimmune system. Remember, a single large soda has more than 9 teaspoons of sugar! Sweetened soft drinks and fruit juices are a major sources of sugar that most people overlook. Rather, opt for natural sweeteners instead, such as honey, stevia or molasses to flavor your foods and drinks.
Beverages:
Vitiligo sufferers must avoid soft drinks, carbonated drinks, sweetened drinks, coffee (caffeinated) and alcohol. Instead of sweetened drinks choose healthier options such as vegetable juice, filtered water or even a nice cup of anti-inflammatory jasmine tea?
Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are extremely beneficial in many ways. This supplement strengthens your immune system, assists with inflammation and promotes circulation. Vitiligo patients experience benefits from foods which are rich in Omega 3 such as flax seed oil, walnut, chia seeds, and wild fish. Alternatively they can take an Omega 3 supplement (vegetarian options include Omega 3 derived from flax seed or Algae).
Probiotics:
Consuming fermented probiotic foods has a wide range of benefits! For instance the micro-flora that live in fermented foods create a protective lining in your intestines. Probiotics shield your intestines from pathogens and lead to an increase of healthy antibodies. The result is a strong immune system and resistance to conditions such as Vitiligo. And, as an added bonus, they help regulate your appetite by reducing cravings of sugar and refined carbs. Some of the best fermented probiotics include Kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso and kimchi.
Junk Food:
Studies show that children who are at higher risk of developing Vitiligo do so because of the habit of eating lots of junk foods. Children who follow a nutritious diet show low risk of developing the condition. Try to eliminate all sources of junk food including trans-fats, processed grains, pre-packaged foods, fried foods, processed ingredients, chemicals, preservatives due to the fact that they have no nutritional value.
Dairy:
Consumption of dairy, such as cheeses, milk, ice-creams and chocolate can be consumed but in limited quantities. The fact is dairy causes digestive problem in about 60% of the world’s population because it cannot adequately be digested. Avoid dairy totally if you have an allergy towards dairy because this may aggravate your skin condition.
Hydration:
The health of your skin is largely reliant on your hydration levels. Thus you should drink a lot of fresh, clean water throughout the day to keep the skin hydrated. The daily recommended allowance of at least 2 litres of water a day is beneficial for healthy skin. In other words this is equivalent to 8 glasses of water daily. In fact adding coconut water to your diet regime balances your electrolytes whilst helping reduce stress!
Supplements:
Studies have shown that people with Vitiligo are often deficient in certain vitamins, most commonly Vitamin D, folic acid, Vitamin B12, copper, and zinc. A two year study of Vitiligo patients, conducted at University Hospital in Sweden, into the use of vitamins proved the Vitiligo have a vitamin deficiency. Results proved that using the vitamin B12 and Folic Acid improved the chance of re-pigmentation in 50% of participants. Participants showed that re-pigmentation is enhanced as a result of exposure to the sun together with the vitamins.
We do stock the Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in the correct dosage to slow down and in many cases stop the further spread of Vitiligo. A combination of Vitilox Vitamins, Vitilox Pigmentation Cream have resulted in amazing success amongst our patients.
Remember to keep us updated on how this article has helped you see results in your Vitiligo treatment.
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Published by Vitiligo Treatment.
Tags: Supplements, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid, Vitamins, Vitiligo and your Diet, vitiligo cured, Vitiligo Treatment, Vitilox Vitiligo Pigmentation Cream