Vitiligo Support Forum

Hello All ~ 

As some of you may know me (from my previous posts) I was born with Vitiligo, and have tried every treatment under the sun (including those so called "cures" on the internet) and have had no improvement.  This left me hopeless and devestated for most of my twenties.  Recently, when the summer started, I was going through my closet to see what clothes I had (and that still fit - girls you'll understand this) and found many skirts/shorts still fit (yay!) - but were brand new.  Some had the tags still on them.  I never wore them because of my spots (I have them on the front/back of my knees, feet, ankles, etc.).  Well, I got PISSED OFF>  I spent a fortune on these F-ing clothes, and never wore them because of my spots.  That was it!  I had it...  My poor husband ran for the hills that day.  LOL

I'm 31 (female), and have been heavily researching the cause of vitiligo.  It is commonly known (among vitiligo sufferers) that it is considered an auto-immune disorder.  What is not commonly know is the white spots are considered a symptom of something else.  Some invisible cause hidden in our body - whether, genetic, chemical, hormonal, biological, etc.  The question is what?  I don't pretend to have the answer (I'm still clueless), but what I have learned is that your diet plays an important role. 

Think about it - in most of the studies I have researched - which has taken months - the vitiligo patients had other auto-immune disorders (thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus/insipidus, etc.) or other symptoms such as; high-blood pressure, vitamin deficiencies, amino acids are low, vasopressin deficiency, vit. def., or even hormone levels are not normal.  If you have some auto-immune disorder such as Vitiligo, you would think that maybe it can be cured or aleviated by a healthy diet.  As most other disorders can be...

So with that said, and piecing together other interesting info. I've found, I have started what I call the "Vitiligo diet" or "V-diet".  I'm not going into the specifics of it here, and would not recommend anyone else try ANY diet without getting the "OK" from their doctor first (like I did), but I figure - what could it hurt. 

I'm thinking there are no side-effects from this diet - other than having a healthier balanced diet, which will make me better in the long run for it.  So, I'll see if this helps generate repigmentation - naturally.  Basically, (and I mean basic) the diet avoids foods that are highly acidic - for example: oranges, lemons, coffee (sucks for me), etc.).  Further, no red meat (chicken and some fish are okay), no processed food, no milk, and nothing with preservatives.  There is more to it - but not enough room - but you get the idea.  Think "is this organic, natural, healthy"?  If not, you don't eat it.  No french fries?  This will be hard.

You can eat lots of other stuff - some I have been eating already, but most I wasn't.  Lots of raw (fresh) fruits (peaches, apricots, apples, bananas, mangoes, black dates), veggies: (lots of carrots, green leaves, beetroots, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts - yuck!, and cabbage).  You'll need nuts, whole grains in bread or pasta, protein - like soy - is huge in stimulating repigmentation.  Oils: veggie/olive are good, nuts: are high content of vits's and are good fats.  Further, lots of water.  Then, more water, and more, until you are constantly walking around with water in your hands. 

NO:  Blueberries, alcohol, ice cream, processed chocolate - but dark natural choc. is good - lots of amino acids in there.  This is similar to a Pure Vegetarian diet.  But there are some fruits harmful to the repigmentation process and must be avoided.  There are lots of supplements to add if you can't get in your diet - like calcium, folic acid, B- vitamins (especially vit. B12).   These are key in boosting your system.  Sun exposure is also very important to stimulate repigmentation - that's how we get tan right...  my plan is min. 30-45 mins. per day - even on cloudy days.  I'll sit, read, and relax in the sun (preferably morning - no afternoon too hot).  Anymore, and I'll burn - which is the opposite of what I'm trying to do.  There is more but not enough room here to type...

A few more tidbits, I found:  Cut out pesticides, harmful chemicals, filter your water, don't use detergents to wash your clothes unless they are chem. free.  Your skin is in contact with your clothes all day/night - so this is key.  I found that vitiligo seems to be showing in areas of the body that have clusters of nerves/or large blood supply.  This could be an indication of an auto-immune disorder or deficiency...  Like me (I'm symetrical).  I decided to treat my body as though I'm the "bubble boy".  My immune system has been "freaking out" and I need to let it rest.  If I cut out the bad things, boost my diet with things it will love, cut out the "crap" that hurts my body, detox the toxins, get enough sleep, remove stress when possible... etc.  You see where this is going.  It makes common sense.  Doesn't it? 

Well, I thought I would take a few minutes to give yawl some updated info. - because I sure as hell would have loved someone to provide this to me years ago.  I hope this diet helps me cure vitiligo forever, and I'll be sure to keep updates as I progress.  If anyone out there has tried these above things, please advise your results, as I'm very interested.  I love a good steak, cheese burger, and fried food (I'm from the Southern United States and we LOVE fried food) so this is a challenge for me.  But, I want these white spots to go away, so I think it's worth it - it's only frigging food right.

NOTE:  From my research, this (what I call) "V-diet" should begin to show improvements within 90-120 days.   Keep your fingers-crossed for me!

Kind regards,

Amita

Hello Amita!

I want to thank you for taking the time to share with us this "V-diet" and to wish you the very best. I'm lucky to not have such a severe case at this point but i see that it is getting worse. It all starte around 2003 with a small white patch in my forearm. At age 37 now, it has spread to my feet, upper thigh areas, chest, and face but in small increments. At this point, I have not tried any of these so called "cures" you find on the net...however i did get lightbox treatment and I was really disappointed to have not seen any progress after 3 months of treatment...just got red as if I was sunburned :( so I stopped. But your theory on the diet makes sense and I think I will give it a shot...after the holidays though....I would really hate to miss all these great foods coming our way. Anyways, thank you once again and please do let us know your process and outcome.

Moreno

Hey Moreno ~ 

I know what you mean about the holiday foods - I am a cookie junkie - the pies, cakes, stuffing!  Awwww, the stuffing!!!  It's gonna be challenging. I will have to eat before I go to parties - but worth it I think!  Still too soon to tell if this is working, but no new spots so far.  The change in diet was simple, just took a little longer at the grocery store (the first few times).  Also, not all things are available at my normal grocery store - so I had to venture out to "Whole Foods" for certain organic things (ingredients, staples: sugar, sea salt, etc.).  I'm not gonna lie - it is a little more expensive for some things, but when you don't buy soda, red meat, or chips (junk food) - your food budget is about the same.  Also, you don't eat out as much - which is good I guess - just more cooking!  I found there are a few locally owned restaurants that use only organic food - so we limit our dining out to those places.  Which is fun - because you appreciate it more! 

I'm sorry to hear that your treatment didn't work - as I was greatly disappointed when mine did not work either.  One thing that I did not mention in my original post is an oitment that I've been using with some success (slow, but promising).  It's called "Protopic" - look it up on "wikpedia.com".  I am hoping with my new V-diet, and continuing to use this ointment - will help it be more effective. 

Protopic is expense, but I buy it in the big bottle not so bad but, you'll need a prescription.  Further, I only apply it to one area - to see if it's working.  The spots on my knees are much smaller (by 50%), and hope they'll disappear at some point.  I hope that gives you some hope that there is at least one thing that might help you... 

I know Vitiligo SUCKS!  No one wants to have it.  But, having faith that one day it will be cured is what keeps us going.  Covering it up now, and coping can only make us stronger, right?  It might take us a little longer to get ready, but not so bad when compared to other disorders/diseases out there.  Take care, and I'll be sure to keep you updated. 

Kind regards,

Amita

Hi Amita, just checking in to see how things are going for you. I'm doing the same diet as you along with the Merryclinic. It's been almost 4 months and many parts of my body are getting tiny dots of pigment, then slowly get larger and filling in with solid pigment. Are you having any luck on the spots that you aren't using Protopic? I know it's a little to soon to tell, huh? My skin in various spots has a yellow or olive tone, the spots used to be milky white. I have no sun now so i hope the healing continues without it. I'm committed to this stinking diet but it's not easy!

ciao,

Gracie

Hey Gracie ~ 

So far, (an it's only been about a month) my knees are filling in with the same tiny dots you mentioned.  I would say that the combination of this diet, and daily application of my Protopic is working.  My right knee is down to a quarter size spot (was about the size of my palm), and my left knee is a little bigger about a 50 cent piece.  I do not have any new spots (again only so far).  Overall, I feel so much better, and my complexion is flawless.  I can't remember the last time I didn't have to use concealer for a zit...  So far results are amazing - even my hair is healthier.  I may have even lost a few pounds - don't weigh myself b/c I can't stand it when the number is higher - but my clothes are really baggy. 

I think this restricted V-diet has kinda let my body calm down, which in turn allows the Protopic to work better (without my body's resistence).  Sounds kinda crazy (out there!), but maybe I am - don't care though - I'm happy!  No THRILLED!!!  My spots are getting smaller, my face has cleared up, and overall healthier.  I hope your results continue getting better, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you...  I'll be sure to post another update of my progress soon.  Take care!

Kind regards,

Amita

Hi Amita!

Its been a long time and I was wondering how is your "v diet" going....

I hope it goes well... Im trying it myself...

Do you know anything about a steroid cream like Elocom? I would love to know about your experience with it if you had.

Thank a lot and good luck,
Inb.

Happy New Year Everyone ~ 

I wanted to take a minute to update my progress with my V-diet...  So far, my knees are almost completely "spot free", and no new spots to speak of.  I will be honest with you - I did have a few cookies over the holidays - but not a lot.  It was the holidays - shoot me!  Also, I'm proud to say, I have not had a cigarette in over 4 months - for you smokers out there - ya know what a big deal that is... quit cold turkey and haven't regretted it yet. 

My husband thought I was crazy to quit smoking, quit all the junk food, and implementing a new "V-diet", but I did it!  I have to be honest and say that I had only one major "sh!t-fit".  It was over "someone" (will remain nameless) who ate the last chunk of my organic (and not cheap) chocolate truffle.  I treated myself to only one a day, and came home (after a hellacious day), and found only the wrapper.  My choc. was gone.  ALL GONE!!!   It was not pretty.  I can't just run out to the store for a choc. run!  This diet is so restrictive it can be difficult when you don't plan out your meals, or don't have a back-up snack to eat.  So, now I have learned to help avoid temptations to one: eat regularly; two: bring little snacks with me when I leave the house (and three: to hide my chocolate!)...  LOL

Anyhoo, all else is great with the diet, and have created a few recipes to please my hubby.  He's Italian, and loves Italian food.  So, we came up with some meals that he loves too. 

To answer your question "Inb" - I have tried Elocom - and it burned my skin.  It felt like I put acid on it and it became blistered...  Not saying that will happen to you or anyone else, just simply saying that's what happened in my case.  I am raving about my results with Protopic though.  I have been applying it to just my knees - for me - to concentrate on just this area, it makes it easier to see the results.  It didn't work all that well before I changed my eating habits, but now, it's working!  YAY!!!

My dermatologist told me that it might take longer on spots I've had for a long time - ex: my knees.  So once these spots are gone, I plan to move to another area that is a new spot.  Hopefully, it won't take as long to fill in...  but we'll see. I'm not sure about using it on my face just yet - I have what I call "raccoon eyes" - ya know spots around my eye area - it almost looks like I tanned in the sun with big sunglasses on - but being sooooo fair skinned, and the kick-ass concealer I use - you can't really tell.  So really not a priority when compared to other spots.

I plan to put more info. together in the near future, and post on here for anyone that may be interested, but wanted to wait for my spots to be completely gone, and see if they come back after I stop using the Protopic ointment...  Or if continuing the V-diet, will be enough...  lots of questions I need answered before I go forward.  One thing is certain though...  it's working.  I am seeing a huge improvement overall - my health is better, lost 12 pounds with no exercise, complexion, hair, nails, vision, etc.  But concerning the members of this forum, and others trying to find a cure for vitiligo (like me) - this does seem to be working for me.  I'll post another update soon. 

Kind regards,

Amita

hello I also have problems with vitiligo since may 2009. i went to a doctor and he prescripted me vitix, daivonex and elocom(local terms), i got no results. that i tryed the UV, and again no resuslts. In september i went to a neurosurgery doctor. He told me to take some relaxing pills at the begining and afther a while to quit that job and search a job that i like. I was working in a place with a lot of stress, in a hypermarket. so now i am working in a car wash. many of my white points have gone, but i still have a white hair. Behind the stress, there is also a huge possibility like vitiligo to appear after a endocrinology disease(thyroid ) so be careful, relax and to a endocrinologist clinic By the way, don't buy treatments from the internet. First ask your doctor about that treatment because you can be allergic to some components. If the doctor is ok with it, buy it from a drugs store. Have a nice day.

Thanks Amita for your wonderful insightful message. After reading your message I created a document which captures everything a patient suffering from Vitiligo should eat. I am attaching the document here for reference of everyone.
If anything looks inaccurate then do let me know. Also, if someone has some suggestion on how to improve this diet then it will be great. We are vegetarians hence the document doesn't cover non-veg stuff.

(My husband is suffering from Vitiligo and I really want to control his diet completely to ensure that this is under control.)

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	TO EAT	DON’T EAT
Fruits	rasp berries, pears, cherries, banana, pineapple, apple, mangos, apricots, grapes, papaya, amaranth	lime oranges and mandarins, grapefruits, Amla, lemon, blueberries
Dry Fruits	Figs (excellent), Apricots, brain, walnuts, almonds (very good), pistachiounut, black dates	cashew nuts
Vegetables	potatoes, Beet, Carrots (good), tomatoes, Cucumbers, Courgettes, Tykva, Cauliflowers, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage (vegetables of different colors), garlic, celery root, peas, beans, portabellas, crimini and button mushrooms, onions, French beans, chillies, red pepper, fenugreek, drumsticks, turnips, green and red raddish, parsley, plumes, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, caraway, anisi	Brinjal, horseradish
Grains	Whole grain food, millet/barley porridge, oats, rice, pasta	No processed grains (White Rice)
Pulses	lentils or pulses especially Bengal gram or chick peas	Parsley
MILK & Egg		NO. No milk, buttermilk, butter, margarine, ice creams
Alcohol	NO	NO
Spices		Pickles, mustard, pepper Fats, spices, salty
Tea and Coffee	Tea is OK. NOT strong.	Coffee
Fried Food		NO L
Chocolate	Dark Chocolate is OK	NO L

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to hear from you.

i am using a mixture of meds - allopathic, homeopathic and babchi oil + neem oil + lots of sunlight ...

my doctor's advice - no food restrictions (assuming i had only vitiligo) - i drink milk 2 times a day - but food restrictions are in place for "Associated diseases" - thyroid, cholesterol, hyperacidity and migraine.

by the way there is no correlation between hypothyroid and vitiligo - 3 doctors have testified to it... and i am also a firm believer...

what i agree is diet plays a v key role in regulating the internal body metabolism which is completely shaken up if you have vitiligo.

Now with no food restrictions clause in my prescription slip - and control on diet coz of associated diseases plus regular medication - i am seeing repigmentation.

I have been posting regularly in the same forum in the section "vitiligo treatments".

I agree to following coz they are GREAT DETOXIFIERS:

1. No smoke, no alcohol, no chocolates, no coffee, no meat, no fish, no chicken (actually habitually i cannot stand non-veg food now)

2. Lots of green vegetables and fruits

3. Figs (dried) and almonds

4. Low salt

Hi,

I am sure you will get over this. I am going through the same. Your diet and attitude is similar to mine. I am hoping to improve my white patches by 50% in next 3 to 4 months.

Good luck.

Regards,

Thanks a lot. Have you seen any improvements on the patches. Unfortunately, I have seen no improvement - There is a significant depigmentation on hands and there is absolutely no improvement on that front.

Any pointers would be helpful.

yes there is an improvement in hand and other spots - diet has no role to play in controlling spread or repigmentation...

you can live your life as normal as you wish to...

you need a doctor who understands this and can guide u... seems ur from India... consult your local hospital... and ask for pulse therapy.

Folic acid when used with vitamin B12 and sun exposure helps in re-pigmentation. These two nutrients are treated together because if both are deficient and only one nutrient is taken it can mask changes. This masking can be dangerous as it may trigger the further progression of vitiligo. A number of different supplements especially for vitiligo are available but before taking any combination of supplements one should consult a doctor as different combinations of supplements can be hazardous.

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Humic Acid