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 immune system disorder, 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 the pigment loss. You will also know what lifestyle changes you can adopt.

At A Glance: Vitiligo Diet

• Principle: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals that help reduce oxidative stress and slow down depigmentation of the skin.
• Purpose: To prevent the spreading of skin depigmentation and boost the immune system.
• Who It Is For: People with vitiligo (an autoimmune skin condition).
• Duration: Long-term
• Who Should Avoid: People with gluten sensitivity, pregnant women, and children.
• Cons: May lead to weakened immunity due to low intake of vitamin C.

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

• People with vitiligo may have to consume a special or nutrient-dense diet to prevent the 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  Chemical substances plants make to protect themselves against diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and other plant viruses. , beta-caroteneⁱ  One 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 an immune-boosting diet may help strengthen 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  A 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 vitiligo awareness about vitiligo around the globe.

Vitiligo Sample Diet Plan

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).

Does The Vitiligo Diet Work? What Chrissy Arsenault, RDN, Says

According to Chrissy Arsenault, RDN, “Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment in certain areas, resulting in white patches on the skin. While there is no specific diet proven to cure or prevent vitiligo, we do know that certain nutrients play a role in skin health and a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being. Antioxidants help protect the skin from harmful free radicals, which are believed to play a role in various skin conditions like vitiligo. Incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into the diet can provide a range of antioxidants. I typically recommend my clients to consume 2–3 colors of fruits and veggies at every meal as a rule of thumb.”

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-based 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 consume a dairy-free diet.

Whole Grains – Include a diet comprising whole foods in your lifestyle. Consume 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  A 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.

If you want to know how to increase melanin production naturally, then it is best to consume foods rich in vitamins B12, C, D, E, amino acids, and antioxidants. 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).

A blogger shared her experience with vitiligo and how eating liver helped keep her vitamin B12 level in check. She said, “I have been incorporating beef, chicken and lamb liver into my diet every week. My B12 levels are awesome now (i).”

Trivia

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

Lifestyle Changes

• 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. Vitiligo occurs when there is a melanin deficiency in the body. This condition is also known as hypopigmentation.

• 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.

A study was conducted in November 2019 on 1176 patients to understand the prevalence of anxiety amongpeople with vitiligo. The study found the prevalence rate of anxiety among these patients to be 35.8%. Furthemore, the prevalence of anxiety was 47.3% in females and 42.4% in males respectively.

Role Of Exercise

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

• 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!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to cure vitiligo?

Vitiligo has no definite cure as of now. It is a chronic condition. 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).

Which dal is good for vitiligo?

While there is no specific dal that has been proven to be effective in treating it, consuming a variety of lentils like moong, masoor, chana, and urad dal may help manage the symptoms.

Is ghee good for vitiligo?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the vitamin and fat content in ghee may help improve this condition. However, more studies are warranted to prove this claim.

Can vitiligo spread after 2 years?

Yes, the chance of progression is 50% in the case of focal vitiligo (a rare type where depigmented patches develop in a small area), which may eventually progress to non-segmental vitiligo (12).

Does vitiligo spread with age?

The disease’s progression differs from person to person and it can occasionally spread over time.The rate at which vitiligo will advance over a period of years is unknown. In some cases, the state could persist for a very long time without altering.

Can a vitiligo diet be combined with other treatments, such as light therapy or medication, to enhance the results?

Studies suggest that combining a gluten-free and vitamin B-12-rich diet with topical steroid treatment may lead to better repigmentation in people with vitiligo compared to topical treatment alone (13).

How can I ensure that my vitiligo diet is balanced and sustainable in the long term?

Consult your doctor to understand the right treatment options and diet required to manage the symptoms. Do frequent follow-ups and avoid restrictive diets to help improve the symptoms of vitiligo.

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

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Make informed food choices when it comes to vitiligo. Watch this video to get an insight on the foods that you should avoid at all costs if you have vitiligo.

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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.

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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.

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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