Vitiligo is a disorder where the skin loses color in certain areas, causing white patches. This lack of pigmentation may also extend to hair in affected areas. The size and rate of white patches will vary from person to person.

In many cases, the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, however there are several factors that may be involved:

• Vitiligo can be caused by an autoimmune response, as the immune system attacks the cells that create pigment (melanocytes).
• Metabolic waste (ama) is the root cause of many autoimmune disorders in Ayurveda as it overstimulates the immune system during the cleanup process.
• In Ayurveda, vitiligo is considered to be microbial in nature (krumi).
• Excess heat in the body (tejas) can cause vitiligo by burning the component responsible to giving color to the skin, melanin (bhrajaka pitta).
• Vitiligo can also be hereditary in some cases.

If metabolic waste or microbial pathogens is the source of vitiligo, ensure you are eating a diet appropriate for your body type and avoiding incompatible food combinations. A kitchari cleanse can also be useful in some cases to clear ama. Bhringaraj, used topically as an oil, helps recolor the skin after depigmentation. Viganga is used in formulas for vitiligo and other disorders of skin pigmentation. It is also one of the top herbs for clearing bacterial overgrowth. Bakuchi is an herb that stimulates melanoblastic cells to create normal pigmentation.

Disclaimer: 'Vitiligo / white patches' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.

DIET REMEDIES FOR 'VITILIGO / WHITE PATCHES'

HERBS & PRODUCTS FOR 'VITILIGO / WHITE PATCHES'

AVOID DIETS, LIFESTYLES & HERBS THAT AGGRAVATE THESE EFFECTS

Symptoms Tell A Story

The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & biocharacteristics. If you notice a biocharacteristic or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.

BIOCHARACTERISTIC	FOODS TO AVOID	DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE?
VATA	AVOID VATA FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE VITILIGO / WHITE PATCHES	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Vata' dosha.
TOXIC ABOUT TOXIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body. LEARN MORE ABOUT TOXIC	AVOID TOXIC FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE VITILIGO / WHITE PATCHES	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Toxic' guna.

To learn more about the symbols above, click on them.

SEE A DIET WHICH REMOVES THESE CAUSES

ADDRESS ISSUES IN STAGE OF DISEASE 3

If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are becoming stronger and weakening your body's resistance. Most people have a weakness in one or more organs. These areas of weakness are the 'weak link in the chain.' They are first to succumb when an imbalance reaches a tipping point. Repairing imbalances in this category often represent your last opportunity to prevent disease. At any moment, these imbalances could overwhelm weakened tissue and develop into a disease. You may feel pain or discomfort in the weakened area. At this stage you will need to support the weakened tissue with specialized foods and herbs for the weakened tissue.

REDUCE THESE RELATED SYMPTOMS & HABITS

Biocharacteristics of the 1,152 People Reporting Vitiligo / white patches

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.

John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.

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