How To Treat Leukoplakia With Vitamins

Leukoplakia is a medical condition which causes whitish patches inside the mouth and on tongue. It is a reaction of mucous membrane against chronic irritation. This may also take place on other mucous lined tracts in the body. People with this condition may have an increased chance of falling prey to oral cancer and this is why they are also known as precancerous lesions.

Middle aged men, smokers, HIV positive persons, People with a habit of chewing tobacco and related products are vulnerable to this condition. Human papilloma virus is also one of the causes of this condition.  Oral Leukoplakia is classified into Homogeneous, Non- Homogeneous and Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia. The homogeneous Leukoplakia is the most common type of this condition involving uniform white patches and is not serious.

Whereas Non-homogeneous and proliferative kind is quite uncommon and rare respectively. The latter is a rare but a fairly serious condition which can lead to oral cancer. Surgery including laser surgery is used for removing and treating this condition. There are also certain ways of curing or at least retarding the spread of this condition through vitamins.

Different Vitamins To Treat Leukoplakia

Vitamin A

Epithelial cells are a kind of tissue that forms glands and membrane surfaces of our body. Vitamin A supports the production of these cells. Therefore, Vitamin A and its supplements have been used for treating mild to severe cases of Leukoplakia.

Vitamin A contains retinoid which is effective against most of the skin and membrane infections including Leukoplakia. Apart from the pills and syrup, this vitamin occurs in fruits and vegetables naturally. These are carrots, fish oil, Milk, eggs, oranges, Spinach, broccoli, pumpkin and Sweet potatoes.

Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene is a reddish  orange pigment found in fruits. This pigment is called Carotenoids. Beta Carotene strengthens the immunity of the body. A major cause of Leukoplakia is lower immunity in the body. Consumption of Beta Carotene can help controlling this condition.

In fact beta carotene is also administered to reduce other cancers like breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A which protects and maintains the cellular structure of our body. You can derive this element in your diet through egg, lamb, beef, legumes, melons, cherries, plums, carrots, oranges, mango, papaya, pistachio nuts and cottage cheese.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is generally used and is found effective in rejuvenating the skin and lightening the scars and marks on the body. In this case too, it is found to reduce the lesions caused by Leukoplakia. Though it is not a complete remedial vitamin like Vitamin A, but use of Vitamin E can fade the marks of Leukoplakia away.

For removing the Leukoplakia from roots, intake of vitamin A and in some cases surgery is required. Vitamin E is a more cosmetic option. Rich sources of Vitamin E are Almonds, Almond oil, Avocado, Peanuts, Wheat Germ, Kiwi fruit and Soybean.

A Word Of Caution

Beta carotene supplements should not be consumed by smokers. Beta Carotene is believed to increase the risk of lung cancer amongst smoker. The conditions in a smoker’s body can encourage beta carotene to enthuse free radicals instead of controlling them. The free radicals damage the good cells of the body and cause cancer.

Leukoplakia needs medical attention. You can plan your vitamin rich diet to fight this condition after a complete consultation with your doctor. In some cases, the natural vitamin way might not be enough to eradicate this condition and therefore allopathic and surgical options may be exercised.