For managing your vitiligo naturally you must have sufficient information about vitiligo and healthy living. This can help you formulate a plan to address vitiligo through natural means. Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make pigment (color), melanocyte in the skin are destroyed.

Melanocytes are the main cells that produce melanin which gives color to the skin. In some cases these melanocytes does not get completely destroyed and in that case it is easier to restore pigment. You should follow a diet plan which would minimize the inflammation that characterizes the loss of skin color in people with vitiligo.

FACT

It is important to remember there is no simple nutritional answer or ‘vitiligo diet’ to vitiligo that is well supported by scientific data. People with vitiligo may need to follow a special diet to prevent the condition from worsening or to replenish any nutritional deficiencies that may occur. Since it is an autoimmune disease, a healthy diet with balanced nutrition rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, betacarotene from a variety of sources (raw Veggies and fruits) is a good way to support the immune system. A diet with a good supply of nutrients that promotes healthy skin may aid in the pigmentation process.


Dr. Grimes has said that blueberries and pears contain natural hydroquinones, which are depigmenting agents, and should thus be limited or avoided. Citrus fruits can cause problems for some people, though not for others. Turmeric, often used as a seasoning, has caused problems for some people, so one might consider limiting or avoiding its use. Some people recommend dairy or red meats or other foods be avoided, but there is no evidence of these impacting vitiligo unless there is some underlying allergy to the products.

VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES

Researchers have observed that people with vitiligo have deficiency of vitamin B12 so they can take supplements that contain each of the major B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C daily. Before taking any supplements to replenish lost nutrients, try eating foods that are rich in them. Vitamin B12 can be found in meat, soy milk, dairy products, fish, and shellfish. Folate, the natural form of folic acid, can be found in fruits, dried beans and peas, and fruits. Zinc can be found in beef, shellfish, nuts, and legumes.

To briefly summarize these dietary and lifestyle measures, they are:

• Eat a plant-centered diet – the bulk of your food choices should be vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains that your body doesn’t have trouble digesting.
• Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12 and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid that strict vegans tend to be deficient in).
• Ensure adequate vitamin D status through diet and sunlight exposure and supplementation if necessary.
• If you choose to eat some animal products, stick with small amounts of organic eggs and wild fish. Closer to raw is best. Lightly cooked is acceptable.
• Strive to be emotionally balanced. Work at being a master of managing emotional stressors.
• Get high quality sleep as often as possible. For most humans, nine to ten hours of restful sleep every day is an optimal amount.

These measures give your melanocytes all the support that they could ask for to produce pigment in areas that need it, as well as to minimize new bouts of inflammation that can create more loss of skin color.

But there is one other essential stimulus for re-pigmentation: sunlight exposure.

Your melanocytes produce pigment (melanin) in response to sunlight exposure, as melanin serves to protect your skin against burning. Dr. Ben Kim

Cleansing

Cleansing of the body with a special attention to the Liver and Bowel often helps to get rid of Vitiligo. But be careful if you have never paid attention to your health and decided to cleanse your body, you may incite intensification of all chronic disorders that they already have. In this case start from a diet, quitting alcohol and smoking and starting physical exercises. You should attempt cleansing under supervision of a health care provider.

A useful link to managing Vitiligo naturally Emily’s Vitiligo

Because people react differently to diet or lifestyle modifications, consult with a naturopath skilled in managing Vitiligo. You may consult with Dr. Wanakee – Naturopath