Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder in which melanin producing called melanocytes in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on different parts of the body. Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes, and the retina. The hair that grows on vitiligo affected areas sometimes turns white. The most extensively accepted opinion is that the depigmentation occurs because Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system responds against the body’s own organs or tissues.
Causes
According to Ayurveda, the primary reason behind autoimmune diseases is virudh aahar sevan, which means eating foods that are opposite in composition and nature. It results in formation of toxins inside your body, which disturbs your immune system. It leads to degeneration of melanocytes, causing vitiligo.
Further, Vitiligo is associated with specific auto-immune and inflammatory disorders like Thyroid, Psoriasis, Diabetes, and Pernicious Anemia. Vitiligo may also be hereditary; that is, it can run in families. Children whose parents have the disease are more likely to develop Vitiligo.
Symptoms
- White patches on skin
- Premature graying of scalp hair
- Loss of color inside the mouth
Ayurvedic Vitiligo Treatment
According to Ayurveda, Shwitra or Vitiligo occurs due to augmentation of Pitta in the body. Pitta symbolizes fire in Ayurveda and is manifested in the skin, along with other body organs. It is of five types. One of them is Bhrajak Pitta, which is responsible for the coloration of the skin. In the case of Vitiligo, Bhrajak Pitta gets imbalanced; resulting in the formation of ama, which then impairs deeper body tissues like rasa dhatu (nutrient plasma), mamsa (muscles), rakta (blood), and lasika (lymph). This eventually causes depigmentation of the skin.
The disease is deep embedded and needs specific herbal treatment for vitiligo that involves the right diet and specialized herbal combinations to calm Pitta and purify ama from the body.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
- Whole grains like porridge and whole wheat products are better than highly refined carbohydrates like pasta.
- Adequate hydration is an important component of healthy diet which should not be ignored.
- Foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green tea should be avoided.
- Avoid eating non-vegetarian foods like fish and red meats, as they may be highly antigenic and may worsen the autoimmune process. Also avoid eggs, milk, and dairy products.
- Alcoholic and flavored drinks, ice creams, chocolates and any form of junk food is not recommended.
- Avoid intake of sour foods like pickles, sour yogurt, and sour strawberries.
- Neem in any form is useful. Mung dal is also good.
Try these remedies and consult a reputed and experienced vitiligo specialist to get quick relief from Vitiligo.
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