Best Diet Plan for Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE) Patients

Foods to Eat in Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE)

1. Antioxidant-Rich Diet Plan

The compounds that protect the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress are known as antioxidants. As we know, oxidative stress that occurs due to the UV rays trigger the inflammatory pathway in the skin in PMLE. So, diet plans that focus on antioxidant-rich foods will support PMLE safely and effectively.

• Whole Grains and Legumes: Plant-based proteins, polyphenols that support detoxification, digestion, etc. must be included in the diet like quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, brown rice, barley, etc.
• Vegetables: Vegetables that are full of beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and vitamin E like green leafy vegetables i.e. moringa leaves, spinach, etc., carrots, beetroots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, etc. must be included in the diet.
• Fruits: Fruits that are high in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and vitamin C like pomegranate, citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, grapefruits, Amla, Papaya, etc. should be included in the diet.
• Nuts and Seeds: Omega-3- 3 fatty acid, lignans, selenium, Vitamin E rich nuts and seeds should be included in diet like sunflower seeds, almonds, walnut, chia seeds, flax seed, etc.
• Herbs and spices: Herbs that combat oxidative stress are turmeric, ginger, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.
• Oils: Olive oil, Ghee, and coconut oil reduce oxidative stress and can be used in PMLE.

Diet Chart Rich in Antioxidants

2. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

As we all know, inflammation is the body’s defense mechanism that helps to remove foreign and harmful stimuli and begins the healing process with the help of the immune system. An anti-inflammatory diet strengthens skin, modulates immune response, reduces inflammation in PMLE. Fermented food like probiotic rich buttermilk, curd, kimchi, whole grains, healthy fats through avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, omega- 3 rich fatty acids can be included in the diet.

3. Include Vitamin D in Your Diet

Most people think that Vitamin D plays an important role only for bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis, but Vitamin D is linked with health benefits that extend far beyond its mentioned actions. As Vitamin D is important to modulate immune response, its deficiency may lead to immune system dysregulation and increased inflammation and hypersensitivity when exposed to the sun. Along with this, inadequate vitamin D in the body reduces skin tolerance to exposure to the sun and, upon exposure, leads to inflammatory reactions. So, vitamin D must be included in the diet from a source other than direct exposure to sunlight. Dietary sources of vitamin D that can be included in diet are:-

• Egg Yolks
• Red meat
• Oily fishes like salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines
• Liver
• Fortified foods like various breakfast portions of cereal, fat spreads, etc.
• Canned Tuna
• Mushrooms treated with UV light
• Soy, oat milk, almond

4. Pitta Pacifying Diet

As per Ayurveda PMLE mainly occurs due to aggravation of Pitta, specifically Bhrajaka Pitta in the body. So, adding a Pitta pacifying diet to the individual suffering from the PMLE will balance the internal heat of the body and reduce inflammation. Pitta pacifying food is as follows:-

• Include sweet and bitter vegetables in the diet like bottle gourd, ash gourd, bitter gourd, and green leafy vegetables except spinach and mustard.
• Include hydrating food in the diet like coconut water, melons like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, fresh coconut, etc.
• Legumes like Masoor Dal, chickpeas, Moong Dal, etc. should be included in the diet.
• Rose water, hibiscus tea, and coriander water (Dhanyaka Hima) act as the best pitta-pacifying herbal beverages.

Diet Chart to Balance Pitta Dosha