Foods That Will Help You Improve Your Vitiligo
Have you heard that there are foods that can improve the appearance of vitiligo skin? Although the literature is not entirely conclusive on this issue, there are certain products with anti-inflammatory nutrients that act to benefit the appearance of the epidermis.
According to several studies, this disorder affects 1% of the general population. In addition, people who suffer from it and their families are at increased risk of developing other immune pathologies such as type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia and Addison’s disease.
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterized by damage to the skin’s pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), called melanin . As a consequence, irregular white spots appear.
In general, the affected areas are the face, hands, neck and abdomen, although in some cases it can also appear in the nostrils, oral tissue and genital area. Although this disorder is cutaneous, it can generate low self-esteem and damage the quality of life in those who suffer from it.
Treatments for the disease
Treatments for vitiligo include strategies that restore normal color to the affected areas. They range from the use of drugs that modify the immune system and repigmentation, to surgeries with grafts or micropigmentation of the skin.
In addition to these alternatives, one of the measures that can be taken is to follow healthy nutritional habits. On this we will delve more in the article. Keep reading!
Foods to improve vitiligo: what nutrients do they contain?
As mentioned before, there is not enough evidence on what would be a totally effective diet to treat vitiligo, however, it is advisable to provide foods that are beneficial for the immune system. Therefore, it is recommended to include those that contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, such as the following:
- Vitamins A, C and D.
- Folic acid.
- B12 vitamin.
However, keep in mind that, although the following contain these nutrients, their intake does not guarantee to cure this condition. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for expert and personalized advice.
Milk and derivatives
Among the nutrients provided by dairy, is vitamin D. Several studies have shown that there is a deficit of this substance in autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo.
Thus, it is involved in the synthesis of melanin, the survival of melanocytes and the suppression of the immune reaction. A therapeutic option that is used with relative success is the combination of vitamin D with phototherapy sessions. In theory, as an adjuvant, it enhances the effects.
Due to the action it exerts, it is considered a hormone. In addition to being found in foods of animal origin, it can also be obtained with supplements or by the synthesis of the skin, when exposed to solar radiation.
In addition to this, dairy also provides vitamin A. This plays an essential role in maintaining normal skin color. Likewise, it can be identified in other dietary sources, such as beef liver and fish from the salmon family.
Green leafy vegetables, fruits, and orange and yellow vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and mango, contain beta-carotene, a precursor of this substance. Anecdotally, let’s remember that they are part of the dietary plan of those who want to tan more quickly.
Eggs and meats
Foods of animal origin are the only ones that contain vitamin B12. Although this is actually of bacterial origin, they are not found in vegetables due to their sanitization.
This substance prevents the production of a compound called homocysteine. Thanks to this, it protects the melanocytes from damage and encourages the correct production of melanin. In this process, vitamin B12 works in conjunction with folic acid or vitamin B9. The latter predominates in green leafy vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
Citrus
Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which is a substance that activates collagen synthesis, protects the skin, and even repairs it from damage and wrinkles. Therefore, consuming these foods helps to maintain the normal pigment of the epidermis.
In fact, there are studies that suggest that vitiligo patients treated with micropigmentation, in combination with vitamin C, do better in the end.
What should be clear about foods to improve vitiligo?
Although this condition has no cure, the intake of nutrients that protect the immune system, such as vitamins A, C, D, folic acid and B12 , can be considered as an option. Citrus fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and milk are some of the foods that contain these substances.
If you notice that you have white spots, you may have this disorder. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult a skin specialist for accurate information.
