Vitiligo Diet:

A nutritious, well-balanced, healthy diet is strongly recommended in cases of vitiligo. It is even more important than supplements. It can help balance your immune system and protect you from disease. It will also help recover from skin discoloration by providing essential vitamins & minerals that take part in the process that leads to the formation of new pigment. Recently a group of compounds known as phytochemicals have been the focus of research. They have been proven to protect against cell damage and disease. The following is a list of recognized foods with powerful natural chemicals that will boost your skin capacity to recover and stay healthy. No supplement can substitute a rich diet. A "vitiligo diet" may include:

Whole-grain food (great source of fibers, vitamins, minerals and "oligoelements").

Spinach (loaded with iron, and folic acid, helps reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that may damage blood vessels. It contains phytochemicals that help prevent degeneration (ex. macular degeneration in the eye) and protect your skin.

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, etc. - Contains abundant phytochemicals (good, protective substances found in vegetables and fruits) that may prevent skin cancer and balance the immune response, vitamin C, beta-carotene (it should not be overcooked).

Vegetables of different colors - Each one contains different types of phytochemicals plus vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Different sources of protein (if possible include fish and soy products).

Nuts (if not allergic) - Rich in vitamin E, contain protective phytochemicals and "good fats", all beneficial for your skin.

Oats - Help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure but it also contain vitamin E like compounds (tocotrienols), which protect the skin.

Garlic - Protects the heart and skin, has antibacterial, antifungal properties.

Blueberries - Probably contain more anti-oxidants than any other fruit or vegetables. Contain powerful phytochemicals: anthocyanins that not only protect the skin but boost brainpower including memory.

Green tea - Source of vitamin C and phytochemicals known as polyphenols (100 times more oxidant power than Vit C) plus antibacterial properties, and prevention of cancer and heart disease.

Tomatoes - Contains lycopene, the most powerful antioxidant among the carotenoids. Carotenoids gives fruits and vegetables an orange color. Also a great source of Vit C.

Olive oil - "Good, protective fat", helps absorb beneficial substances in vegetables.

Fruits - Contain different combinations of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants of great benefit for your body in general and very importantly, for your skin.

Enough fluids - No less than 6 glasses of water per day, this simple aspect should not be underestimated regarding its impact on skin protection and recovery.

Supplement your treatment with 7 to 10 servings of fruits or vegetables a day. One serving of a vegetable or fruit is:

- 1 medium sized vegetable or fruit - ½ cup (125 ml) juice - ½ cup (125 ml) raw, cooked, fresh, frozen or canned, vegetables or fruits - 1 cup (250 ml) raw, leafy vegetables - ¼ cup dried fruit

Adding a supplement with all the main vitamins & minerals is recommended.