Till now, no cure is known for vitiligo, but it’s very much possible to live a healthy and productive life with vitiligo. Start by eating the right foods indicated below to help you cope with the skin condition better. In reality, no food combination can be called ‘vitiligo diet.’ However, you should look at supporting your condition by following a balanced and nutritious diet. These foods can help you do that.
Vegetable
Selecting a diet that has the proper amount of vegetables is very important. So, if you are interested in exploring vegetarianism or veganism, give it a try. Consume a plant-centric diet, comprising of spinach, beetroot, potato, cabbage, radish, cauliflower, and green beans. Carrots are particularly helpful in stopping the progression of vitiligo.
Lean Protein
Protein comes from certain animal products and may not be sufficient in vegetables only. So, eliminate red meat and pork, but still, eat fish or eggs to maintain a high protein diet. 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 and keep them least oily.
Fruits
It’s important to avoid fruits with an ample amount of calcium, which inhibits the formation of pigments. Include fruits like fig, apricot and ripe mango in your diet. Make sure a major bulk of your diet consists of these fruits as long as you do not find it difficult to digest them.
Organic Foods
It’s always better to lean towards the organic foods, but sometimes, doing so can be cost prohibitive. Choose whatever suits your budget. Stick to organic eggs, kidney beans, chickpeas, mushroom, and lentils.
Whole Foods
If you’re staying away from processed foods, add whole grains to your diet. This way, you will be able to minimize the amount of gluten (something that isn’t recommended in vitiligo) in your diet. Eat brown rice, corn and least processed cereal.
Herbs and spices
You can include rosemary, thyme, basil, and coriander leaves in your diet. Small amounts of clove, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg are excellent additions to your diet too.
Beverages
Water cleanses and can eliminate some of the toxins that have built up from some of the previous diet decisions. Also, according to Ayurveda, drinking water from a copper vessel is one of the most effective and economical ways to stop the progression of vitiligo patches. Make fruit juices (not of citrus fruits) and coconuts water your best friends. Have one glass carrot juice daily for at least two months to get the best results.
Supplements
Many vitiligo fighters may have vitamin B12, protein, calcium, minerals, and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) deficiencies. Hence, you can include certain supplements in your diet to overcome these deficiencies. It’s best to consult your doctor beforehand.