Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as almond, walnuts, avocado and fatty fish forms a vital part of the vitiligo diet as it is known to improve blood circulation, prevent inflammation and trigger the immune system.
The positive effect of fish oil on skin diseases such as vitiligo was indicated in another study in India (48). One reason that fish oil affects the skin diseases is the presence of omega-3 fatty acids that can prevent drying and scaling of skin in eczema, acne, and other skin diseases.
A diet for vitiligo should also include foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, as these have anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the inflammation that contributes to the development of vitiligo.
Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder caused by the destruction of functional melanocytes. Vitamin D is an essential hormone synthesized in the skin and is responsible for skin pigmentation. Low levels of vitamin D have been observed in vitiligo patients and in patients with other autoimmune diseases.
Light therapy.
Phototherapy with narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB) has been shown to stop or slow the progression of active vitiligo. It might be more effective when used with corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. You'll need therapy two to three times a week.
Black/Red gram or Desi-chana (Chickpeas), Black dates, Red Radish, Beetroot and Carrot are helpful in Vitiligo and considered as Vitiligo diet. These are seen helpful in pigmentation process and helpful in coverage of white patches.
Sometimes an event – such as a sunburn, emotional distress, or exposure to a chemical – can trigger vitiligo or make it worse.
Vitamin B12 has been shown to be useful for repigmentation in patients suffering from vitiligo. Folic acid (or vitamin B9) has been proven to be significant for treating vitiligo.
Omega-3 fats help lower the production of melanin (when it's caused by sun damage), reducing the risk of UV-induced hyperpigmentation [3, 4].
Omega-3 may minimize wound infections and speed up healing, which is useful in cases of hyperpigmentation that are due to skin trauma. DHA can also inhibit melanin production, which may reduce the risk of UV-induced hyperpigmentation.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in certain foods. They can serve to regulate the skin's oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Omega-3s can also help soften rough, dry skin and have a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.
Studies suggest that vitamin D3 increases tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in vitro [12], which may lead to repigmentation in vitiligo skin lesions. Calcipotriol and tacalcitol, which are vitamin D analogs, are also known to induce repigmentation in patients with vitiligo [13,14].
According to the Vitiligo Speciality Clinic, there are certain foods that should be avoided to manage the symptoms of vitiligo. Juicy fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges and lemon, fermented foods like yogurt, alcohol and others like red meat, fish can cause the white patches to spread and worsen the condition.
Topical steroids. Topical steroids come as a cream or ointment you apply to your skin. They can sometimes stop the spread of the white patches and may restore some of your original skin colour.
A non-vegetarian diet, including meat, eggs, and dairy products, is a good source of Vitamin B12. The normal B12 consumption is 2.4 μg per day. Only fifty to sixty percent is absorbed [16,17]. Vitamin B12 has been shown to be useful for repigmentation in patients suffering from vitiligo.
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as almond, walnuts, avocado and fatty fish forms a vital part of the vitiligo diet as it is known to improve blood circulation, prevent inflammation and trigger the immune system.
Potential triggers include sunburn, exposure to certain chemicals, and trauma or injury to the skin, according to the article in F1000 Research. These triggers can also prompt vitiligo to spread in people who already have the condition.
Avoid junk foods: Studies have shown that children who have a habit of eating a lot of junk are at a high risk of developing vitiligo. Also a lot of intake of chocolates, cheese, and coffee is also not good for patients with vitiligo.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin, which means that someone with vitiligo has an immune system that is malfunctioning in a small way. The normal role of the immune system is to protect you from infections and cancer.
Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein found in whey, is a non-enzymatic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. A mouse study revealed the ability of lactoferrin to downregulate levels of TNF-α and IL-6, which are supposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
Thyme oil, myrrh and neroli extracts have shown to have very strong anti-oxidant properties in cell culture studies [20]. The repigmentation in vitiligo is believed to be linked to a synergistic effect of all the antioxidant action of these herbal bio-actives.
The variations in the NLRP1 and PTPN22 genes that are associated with an increased risk of developing vitiligo likely affect the activity of the NLRP1 and PTPN22 proteins, making it more difficult for the body to control inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking its own tissues.