Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the cells that produce skin pigment are attacked and destroyed, resulting in irregular white patches of skin. Many people who experience Vitiligo wonder what they can do about it, and whether their dietary and lifestyle choices can prevent a recurrence or worsening of the condition. So, what is the best diet for vitiligo patients?
What is the best diet for Vitiligo patients?
While there’s no officially prescribed “vitiligo diet,” following a nutritional and healthy diet full of good nutrients and drinking lots of water is beneficial. As with any autoimmune disorder, you may benefit from immune system-boosting foods that contain phytochemicals, beta-carotene, and antioxidants.
Healthy eating is the perfect way to start. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Lots of chicken and fish with the occasional meat dish. The use of fresh herbs and spices to add flavour instead of processed sauces.
The idea is to make sure your body is working as optimally as possible. This means cutting down on that extra piece of chocolate cake or walking to the local shops instead of taking the car. This means eliminating smoking and limiting the use of alcohol!
Healthy eating is the perfect way to start. It will also help to lessen your preoccupation with your Vitiligo No need for strict limitations and deprivations. Don’t think about complicated diets and nutrition. Don’t even cut out the foods you love altogether – adjust portion sizes. Cut down on processed items and stick to tasty, varied, natural and nutritious food. You will have more energy and your mood will be boosted.
You may even lose some extra kilos!
The best way to stick to an eating plan is to make it sustainable. Use easy to make recipes, seasonal food, which is always cheaper, and enough to satisfy the appetite without overeating. Your body will soon stop craving that large bag of crisps and will be happy with a smaller bag. As you get used to this new way of eating, you will find that you can cut out even more of the foodstuffs that are not beneficial to your health.
Be patient.
Whatever you introduce into your diet could have a ‘good’ or a ‘not-so-good’ effect on you. Everybody responds differently to various foods. Remember, you are looking to boost your auto immune system. Consider introducing more immune-system-boosting foods which are crammed full of antioxidants, beta-carotene and phytochemicals. Aim for a balance of protein, good fats, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and minerals in your diet.
It is essential to eat the correct portion of the various food groups essential for a healthy diet.
Ensure you eat the correct portion of protein as it is required to build, maintain and repair tissues, cells and organs in the body. Protein gets broken down into the 20 amino acids, generally called the body’s ‘basic building blocks’ for growth and energy. For instance, one of the amino acids, tryptophan, influences your mood by producing serotonin. Serotonin can reduce depression and improve cognitive function. Eating high-quality protein helps maintain healthy skin, nails and hair.
Good, healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) protect your brain and heart. Healthy fat in your diet helps to improve your mood, absorb vitamins and even keep your waistline in shape. When in doubt, swap animal fats for vegetable oils! Too much animal fats can cause high cholesterol.
Carbohydrates (carbs) are one of the main sources of energy in your body. Choose complex, unrefined carbs (vegetables, whole grains, fruit). For example, eat brown rice and whole wheat bread and pasta instead of white bread, rice, flour etc. Limit your intake of sugars and refined carbs.
Foods that are high in dietary fibre (grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and beans) can improve your skin, help you stay regular and lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes among others.
If necessary, supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals that will give your skin and immune system a boost.
Drink water!
Water makes up about 60% of the body weight in men and 55% of weight in women (Wikipedia).
To function properly cells and organs of the body need water (Medical News Today). Skin becomes more vulnerable to disorders if your body is dehydrated. Dehydration also affects brain structure and can adversely affect neurotransmitters and hormones. Joint cartilage should contain about 80% water, and dehydration can affect the joint’s shock-absorbing ability. Not drinking enough water can affect the digestive system and bowel movement, causing constipation and digestive issues.
Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins
Take measures to halt and lessen the spread of Vitiligo. Use vitamins to boost your immune system and Vitilox Cream to repigment the skin. If the patchiness causes you embarrassment or effects your self-confidence, there are wonderful products in the market that help conceal these imperfections.
At Vitiligo Treatment, besides our specially formulated products to treat Vitiligo, we offer Support, Consultations, and Vitiligo Assessments.
Your free Vitiligo Assessment, which can be found on our website, is assessed by one of our trained consultants. They will evaluate your condition, and help you choose the correct product or products for your treatment going forward.
Remember that at Vitiligo Treatment we do not sell a one product fixes all product, but we do have a range of products required to successfully treat the many different Vitiligo Conditions that do exist.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information pertaining to this article – What is the best diet for Vitiligo patients? – or require any additional detailed information on our products.
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Published by Vitiligo Treatment