Vitiligo and Gluten Sensitivity

Without a doubt I can tell you my vitiligo is worsened by gluten (a protein found in grains, such as wheat and barley). I know this because I have had repigmentation while on a gluten-free diet. And out of stupid incredulity, I have come off the gluten-free diet, only to see my vitiligo return and worsen. This has happened five times without failure! My own doubt stems from doubting that what I eat can have such a big impact on my health. But the connection is there. In fact, I recently went on a trip and ate everything that was offered to me. The price: my vitiligo started really acting up.

I first heard about the connection between gluten-sensitivity and vitiligo here from someone on the forum. I should mention that I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and so, intestinal problems such as those related to gluten sensitivity are not a surprise. That being said, when I mention this connection to the scientists I've met at vitiligo conferences and my own doctors, they think the connection is nonsense. In fact, in one of our own web conferences here on Vitiligo Friends, a guest doctor categorically said that what you eat does not affect your skin. I'll let you decide for yourself if that makes sense.

Thankfully, there is more evidence coming out about this topic. This video has a lecture from Dr Peter Osborne, describing the different variations of gluten sensitivity. Thirty-seven minutes into the video he highlights vitiligo as one health condition that is showing a connection with gluten sensitivity. If you suspect that your vitiligo may be worsened by what you eat, particularly, if you have a sensitive digestive system, then I suggest you watch this video and consider trialling a gluten-free diet. I myself am going to get thoroughly tested to pinpoint the problem.

I can tell you that a gluten-free diet is a bit of a hassle in the beginning. But because it's essentially a low-carb diet, you lose weight. And when is that ever a bad thing? And if you find it helps you repigment, like I have, then it's obviously worth it.

Trust me, no one wants there to be no connection more than me. I prefer eating whatever I like. And although I was tested and found to be negative for Celiac Disease but positive for IBS, it's hard to know what to do when my personal experience shows such a strong relationship between my vitiligo and gluten-sensitivity. I'm open to the possibility that I may be sensitive just to wheat or barley but not gluten as a whole - though not sure what difference that would make. But that's why I'm going to my doctor to see what kind of further testing I can have done. Only concern there is that I'll probably need to ingest the food for the test.

As for following a gluten-free diet, it will be difficult at first, only because there'll be things you'll see you want but can't have. And then you realise it's like belonging to an exclusive food club. You realise you can stuff yourself, it just needs to say "Gluten-free" on the label. (Supermarkets usually have a section devoted to GF products. You may have even passed it in your local store without noticing.) So you may not be able to eat a Cinnabun but you can have any of one of a host of GF baked goods. Some things are naturally gluten-free such as meats, although pre-made meats/meals sometimes have gluten added to them. The diet really comes down to low-carb, fresh foods. For the finer points, I suggest joining a gluten-free online group. The Celiac Foundation also has a section devoted to diet. GL on GF!

Replies

Vitiligan Princess August 19, 2011 at 8:29am

I saw that forum about the gluten free diet for us Vitties's. I too have stopped eating wheat, but barley too??? I LOVE barley, that stinks, I have been using multi grain breads, but staying away from anything whole wheat. I also noticed that if i saw repigment somewhere and didnt treat it contiuously that the vitiligo would come back thriving, so i too beleive that it always comes back worse, what else should i stay away from food wise in that area??? also the doctor that said what we ingest in our bodies does not effect our skin is sadly mistaken, everything we ingest, cigarettes, food, drug, drink, meds even... effect our skin. He needs to go back to school or somethin ;0) thanx for this post!!!
- Sunny Divz > Vitiligan Princess August 21, 2011 at 1:04pm
  
  Hi Vitiligan Princess, I would look into the Paleo eating life style. Which includes fruits, veggies and all types of meat do try to stay away from anything that is processed as most of the process stuff has gluten :( it is hard at first, but once you find out how to make the meals and learn the different combinations, it's a piece of cake. I saw my dermatologist this past week and she was amazed at my progressed. She suggested I stick with my gluten free diet and keep a record to see where it takes me. Good luck!
  - Vitiligan Princess > Sunny Divz August 21, 2011 at 1:14pm
    
    Thanx Sunny, your words and wisdom are greatly appreciated, thanx for your input <3 Good luck on your journey!
Sunny Divz August 14, 2011 at 10:01am

wow, interesting video. I have been on a gluten free diet for about 60 days now and after 10 years of all sorts of medical treatment with no results. I am finally starting to see pigment in areas where it was 100% de-pigmented. I did the gluten free by accident (Paleo diet) to loose some weight and to my surprise my pigment started dramatically coming back. I will post pictures soon. I will be visiting my dermatologist this coming week to see what he has to say about this. I'll update later.
Antuana Jackson June 1, 2010 at 4:56pm

oy I tell you..you can diagnos anything in the internet. I came across this link about 300 things that can be caused by celiac disease and I have about 4 of them under the different categories. I am going to include the link because vitiligo was on there as a symptom. I never thought about changing my diet but I think I am going to give this a try. I am not familiar with a gluten free diet any tips you can share on what to eat will be great. Thanks.

http://www.glutenfreeworks.com/symptomology.php
- Alexander Quin > Antuana Jackson June 1, 2010 at 7:56pm
  
  Trust me, no one wants there to be no connection more than me. I prefer eating whatever I like. And although I was tested and found to be negative for Celiac Disease but positive for IBS, it's hard to know what to do when my personal experience shows such a strong relationship between my vitiligo and gluten-sensitivity. I'm open to the possibility that I may be sensitive just to wheat or barley but not gluten as a whole - though not sure what difference that would make. But that's why I'm going to my doctor to see what kind of further testing I can have done. Only concern there is that I'll probably need to ingest the food for the test.
  
  As for following a gluten-free diet, it will be difficult at first, only because there'll be things you'll see you want but can't have. And then you realise it's like belonging to an exclusive food club. You realise you can stuff yourself, it just needs to say "Gluten-free" on the label. (Supermarkets usually have a section devoted to GF products. You may have even passed it in your local store without noticing.) So you may not be able to eat a Cinnabun but you can have any of one of a host of GF baked goods. Some things are naturally gluten-free such as meats, although pre-made meats/meals sometimes have gluten added to them. The diet really comes down to low-carb, fresh foods. For the finer points, I suggest joining a gluten-free online group. The Celiac Foundation also has a section devoted to diet. GL on GF!
- Alex Greiss > Antuana Jackson June 1, 2010 at 7:10pm
  
  Just because it's considered 'incurable' doesn't mean it can't be cured. Eat for your blood type, take vitamins... people have repigmented like this. it's been a while now that that's no secret.
Antuana Jackson June 1, 2010 at 4:38pm

This is an interesting read... one of the things it discusses is diet changes for auto-immune diseases.

http://www.ultrawellness.com/blog/autoimmune-disease
Nathan Yeti June 1, 2010 at 12:16pm

FYI. Just came back from our dermatologist. Brought up this conversation. Our derm thinks that, to his knowledge, there is no scientific proof. We decided to give it a try to see how it will impact. Will let you know in a 60 days.
- Alexander Quin > Nathan Yeti June 1, 2010 at 7:42pm
  
  It's somewhat of a Catch-22. There is no scientific evidence because scientists won't research it. But they won't research it because there is no evidence. (And this applies to nearly everything food related, btw.) Kinda like when you're trying to get your first job. No one will hire you without work experience but how will you get work experience if no one will hire you? Only answer is for people to push the conversation until they catch on.
  
  Good luck and keep us posted.

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