Understanding Vitiligo: Insights, Research, and Hope

Choosing a treatment for vitiligo can feel overwhelming. With so many creams, light therapies, surgical options, and cosmetic approaches, how do you know what's right for you? In this episode of Vitiligo Voices, Nathalie breaks down the four main categories of treatment, explains the pros and cons of each, and shares a simple framework to help you decide what fits your life and goals. Whether you're just starting your vitiligo journey or reevaluating what you've tried before, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for your next steps. What you'll learn in this episode: The four main categories of vitiligo treatment Questions to ask your dermatologist before starting How to set realistic goals for your treatment The mindset shifts that make the process easier Tune in and discover practical, empowering insights to help you navigate your vitiligo treatment options.

In this episode of Vitiligo Voices, we dive into one of the most common questions about vitiligo: Can it be cured? Host Nathalie Pelletier discusses the latest advancements in vitiligo treatment, including FDA-approved topical therapies like ruxolitinib, promising oral JAK inhibitors such as upadacitinib, and cutting-edge gene therapy research. We also cover the emotional and psychological aspects of living with vitiligo and share practical advice for those affected. Tune in to stay informed about the newest breakthroughs and discover what they mean for you or your loved ones.

'Living with Vitiligo: Finding Hope and Support,' the episode explores the journey of living with vitiligo and offers a source of inspiration and guidance. Join us as we delve into the emotional aspects of vitiligo, sharing personal stories and expert insights on coping strategies, self-esteem, and building resilience. Discover the power of community and the importance of finding support in navigating the challenges of this skin condition. From discussions on the latest research to practical tips for managing vitiligo, our episodes are designed to empower and uplift. If you or someone you know is touched by vitiligo, this podcast is your companion in finding hope and embracing diversity. Tune in for valuable resources, personal narratives, and expert advice on living a fulfilling life with vitiligo. Subscribe now and embark on a journey of resilience and empowerment."

In this podcast episode, Nathalie explores the topic of using red light therapy and changing your gut microbiome to heal vitiligo. The host will conduct an experiment in which will be exposed to red light therapy and also changed her diet to include foods that promote a healthy gut microbiome. Nathalie explains the science behind these two interventions and discusses the potential benefits of using them together to help heal vitiligo.  This episode provides valuable insights into the latest research on vitiligo and offers hope to those looking for new and innovative ways to manage this skin condition.

Nathalie discusses a passage from the book, The Four Agreements, that has helped her and others to decide that vitiligo doesn't own them.

In this Episode, Nathalie and Chris James Mooney Discuss all things vitiligo. Mooney is a fellow vitiligo speaker and writer from St. Louis but also, a father. Over the past few years, we have gotten a flood of emails regarding, how to discuss vitiligo with one's child. I hope the advice shared between the two of us gives you some clarity and peace when having to speak about vitiligo with kids. Here are the links to Follow Chris Mooney! Recent Published Article "Beautiful Black Butterfly" by Chris J. Mooney http://www.blurb.com/b/8785746-issue-103-enchanting-model-m… Personal Vitiligo Activist Page https://www.facebook.com/Mooney2018SpeakersLegacyTour/ Let's Do It Radio (Co-Host) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doitallinthemall https://vitiligocover.com/shop https://shop.vitiligocover.com Vitiligo Cover lotion: sponsor

In this episode, Nathalie and Emerald talk about the importance of gut bacteria to our overall health. Nathalie introduces her new vitiligo healing experiment with turmeric. Show notes: Lactobacillus is a type of 'good' bacteria found in yogurt, among other foods. The role of the gut microbiome — the bacteria which live in our gut — has become a focus of research interest recently. The researchers found a mechanism for how this change in the gut led to depression (it is through a metabolite called kynurenine). Simply put, 'your brain spurts happy chemicals which reward you with good feelings when you do something it perceives as good for your survival'. We have two different brain systems – the limbic system and the cortex – which keep us alive and protect our DNA. The limbic system produces the neurochemicals that tell your body what's good or bad for you. It's a survival mechanism: in the presence of something good, the brain releases four main 'feel-good' chemicals – endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine – and in the presence of danger, the 'bad feeling' chemical – cortisol – comes in. Oxytocin is the 'bonding' chemical. Endorphin is nature's pain relief – it's stimulated by pain. Dopamine helps us release the energy we need to get the rewards we want Serotonin How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs The idea that alterations in thought, either self-induced or due to psychotherapy, can alter brain metabolism is not new- like meditation. Exposure to bright light is a second possible approach to increasing serotonin without drugs. A third strategy that may raise brain serotonin is exercise. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077351/ Gut bacteria may hold key to treating autoimmune disease Defects in the body's regulatory T cells (T reg cells) cause inflammation and autoimmune disease by altering the type of bacteria living in the gut, researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have discovered. T reg cells suppress the immune system and prevent it from attacking the body's own tissues by mistake. Defects in T reg cells therefore lead to various types of autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases can also be caused by changes in the gut microbiome, the population of bacteria that reside within the gastrointestinal tract. The researchers discovered that by feeding the mice with Lactobacillus reuteri, they could "reset" the gut bacterial community and reduce the levels of inflammation, significantly extending the animals' survival. Newly reported on May 8, 2018, according to a new Yale study, researchers also found that the autoimmune reaction can be suppressed with an antibiotic or vaccine designed to target the bacteria In models of genetically susceptible mice, the researchers observed that in tissues outside the gut, E. gallinarum initiated the production of auto-antibodies and inflammation -- hallmarks of the autoimmune response. They confirmed the same mechanism of inflammation in cultured liver cells of healthy people, and the presence of this bacterium in livers of patients with autoimmune disease. "Treatment with an antibiotic and other approaches such as vaccination are promising ways to improve the lives of patients with autoimmune disease," he said Research sources: https://www.psychologies.co.uk/self/how-to-boost-your-natural-feelgood-chemicals.html https://www.spring.org.uk/2017/03/probiotics-depression.php https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-12/rup-gbm121516.php https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180308143102.htm Show notes here: https://vitiligocover.com/vitiligo-voices-importance-of-gut-bacteria-to-overall-health-s4e2/

Nathalie Pelletier and Emmy discuss what self-love looks like and tools to get you there. The road to inner peace can be hard and rocky but there is light at the end of the journey. Lets not let our Vitiligo hold us back from taking this road less traveled. We are all in this together. At the end of this podcast, Nathalie goes into detail on the past experiments she has done for repigmentation of vitiligo. Mantras to help you when loving yourself is tough. 1. I am strong and courageous. 2. I choose to be kind, gentle, and patient with myself. 3. I choose positive thoughts. 4. I am perfect, whole, and loved. 5. I am doing better every day. https://www.gaia.com/article/10-powerful-self-loving-mantras https://vitiligocover.com/

Nathalie speaks with Dr. Orest Szczurko about his clinical trials testing the results of natural health products to cure and/or prompt repigmentation to the white patches of vitiligo.

In my second experiment to repigment the white patches of vitiligo I am going to use neem oil. Do you want to watch more videos about vitiligo?! Join me

Nathalie speaks with Rita V. Patel, MD of the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine about a new clinical study for vitiligo cure.

Download Episode! Nathalie discusses different UVB treatments available, medications used, insurance coverage of UVB treatments for vitiligo, and the results that she experienced in her vitiligo.

Why Stress May Trigger Vitiligo and How to Reduce Stress In Your Life.

Nathalie talks with her daughter, Emerald, about how vitiligo effects their lives and Emerald shares what it's like to love and live with someone who has vitiligo.

Nathalie Pelletier talks with Morris Wisdom about the effects of diet on autoimmune diseases and vitiligo.

Nathalie and Joanne discuss useful coping techniques for living a happy life with vitiligo. Also, Nathalie answers emailed and call-in questions.

Nathalie Pelletier speaks with  Lachlan Hay, Head of Global Network and Communications at Clinuvel AG, and he explains exactly how Scenesse works on vitiligo.

Interview by Nathalie Pelletier with the owner of Golden Grocer health food store about vitamins for vitiligo.

Nathalie Pelletier and Joanne Giovanni talk about using the techniques and ideas found in the best selling book by Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements, to empower you!

Nathalie and Joanne discuss the book "Can't shove a great life into a small dream" and how we can apply the lessons and stories to living with vitiligo.