Scleroderma is a chronic, rare, autoimmune disease in which normal tissues are replaced with thick fibrous tissues. In this condition, our immune system triggers cells to produce too much collagen which results in thickening and fibrosis of the skin. Scleroderma is usually a skin disorder but it also affects the lungs, kidneys, muscles, and joints. A balanced diet is very beneficial for scleroderma because people with scleroderma experience symptoms like poor appetite, weight loss, and malnutrition. This balanced diet helps to maintain the ideal weight and avoid the risk of heart, lung, and kidney problems. Here, we need to avoid foods that aggravate symptoms such as citrus fruit, greasy fried food, spicy food, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
| AVOID | ALLOWED TO TAKE |
| VEGETABLES | VEGETABLES |
| Canned & Frozen Vegetables, Raw Vegetables, Tomatoes, Eggplant/Brinjal, Garlic, Onion, Ginger | Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Sweet Potato, Potato, Pumpkin, Coriander, Broccoli, Cabbage, Spinach, Carrot, Lettuce, Turnip, Beans, Beetroot, Bell Pepper, Chicory Greens, Brussels Sprouts, Kale |
| FRUITS | FRUITS |
| Canned & Frozen Fruits, Citrus Fruits like Orange, Mango, Strawberry, Lime, Lemon, Grapes, Blueberry, Pineapple, Kiwi, Sour Cherries, Blackcurrant, Plum | Banana, Dates, Watermelon, Muskmelon, Custard Apple, Peach, Pomegranate, Figs, Sapodilla, Apple, Guava |
| PULSES | PULSES |
| All other Heavy Lentils | Yellow Lentils, Green Lentils, Split Pigeon Peas, Split Grams |
| MILK PRODUCTS | MILK PRODUCTS |
| All Other Dairy Products | Cow’s Ghee |
| DRY FRUITS & SEEDS | DRY FRUITS & SEEDS |
| Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Ground Nut, Pistachio, Cashew | Almonds, Walnuts, Raisins (Soaked in Water Overnight) |
| CEREALS | CEREALS |
| Refined Grains, White Refined Flour and its Products | Whole Grains, Wheat, White Rice, Brown Rice, Oats, Sorghum, Quinoa, Amaranth, Finger Millet, Foxtail Millet, Little Millet, Kodo Millet, Soybean FlourNote: Multi Grain Flour – Wheat Flour (50%) + Soybean Flour (20%) + Ragi Flour (30%) |
| OILS | OILS |
| Unsaturated Fats, Refined Oil, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil | Olive Oil, Soybean Oil, Canola Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Almond Oil |
| SPICES | SPICES |
| Excess Salt, Green & Red Chili, Clove, Black Cardamom, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Pimiento | Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Thyme, Fennel, Fenugreek Seed, Green Cardamom, Mustard SeedsNote: Nearly all the Spices are to be Limited. Only Plain and Simple Food is to be Preferred |
| FLESH FOODS / NON-VEG | FLESH FOODS / NON-VEG |
| Avoid All other Non-Vegetarian Food | 1-2 Egg White, Shredded Chicken Soup (Once in 3 Days) |
| OTHER FOODS | OTHER FOODS |
| Packaged, Canned, Processed, Fried, Spicy, Junk, Cream-based and Bakery Products, Refined Sugar, Alcohol, Tobacco, Soft drinks, Squashes, Jams, Sauces, Pickles, Coffee, Tea, Chocolates, Vinegar, Ice-cream | Homemade Food Only, Homemade Soup – Carrot / Pumpkin / Spinach, Jaggery, Powdered Jaggery, Honey, Coconut Water, Sugarcane Juice, Broken Wheat Porridge, Semolina, Poha, Vermicelli, Sprouts |
HOME REMEDIES
- TURMERIC – Take 1 tsp of turmeric powder and mix it with water and make a paste, Apply this paste to affected areas.
- SPINACH – Add Spinach to your daily diet in the form of Soup or Mild Salads.
- FISH OIL – It can be applied on patches. Fish oil reduces inflammation.
- PEPPERMINT OIL – Mix 5-6 drops of peppermint oil with coconut oil properly and apply it on the affected area.
- ALOE VERA – Applying Fresh Aloe Vera Helps in Relieving Burning – if present.
HERBAL TEAS
- Boil ½ tsp each of fennel, coriander, cumin in 3 cups of water till it’s reduced to 1 cup, strain and drink.
- Fresh Homemade Green Tea without Lemon.
OTHER TIPS / RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCLERODERMA PATIENTS
- Do not skip any meal, especially Breakfast.
- Eat small meals frequently rather than large meals.
- Increase Consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Must Drink 8- 10 Glasses of Water Daily, it detoxifies.
- Walking for 30 min is Recommended.
- Whole Fruit should be Preferred to Fruit Juices.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol.
- Food items not mentioned in this diet chart can be consumed in moderation.
- In General, all kinds of artificial, packed, industrial, and processed food items should be avoided.
- Behavior plays an important role in preventing diseases, so keep yourself away from negative thoughts, anger, greed, and Ego.