Maintain A Healthy Weight
Being overweight can drive up your inflammation. Where body fat is distributed can contribute, as well. For instance, a large waist circumference is typically associated with excess inflammation.
Researchers recognize that there is a connection between inflammation and obesity, although more needs to be learned. At the very least, talk to your doctor to determine the ideal body mass index for your frame, and work toward that goal.
You dont need to lose a lot of weight to improve inflammation. Reducing your weight by between 5% and 10% significantly lowers your level of inflammation, according to the Obesity Action Coalition.
Recommended Reading: Is Bee Pollen Good For Arthritis
Foods To Limit With Psoriatic Arthritis
In general, with psoriatic arthritis, you should limit alcohol, foods high in sugar , and artificial sweeteners that contain aspartame. Also, limit the amount of processed foods and foods high in saturated fats and trans fats you eat.
These foods may have the potential to exacerbate joint pain, swelling, and other psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Avoiding Common Trouble Foods
The typical offenders known to cause inflammation include fried foods, soda, processed meats, and refined carbohydrates like white flour and sugar. Avoiding these foods and products may seem like a no-brainer for psoriatic arthritis and your overall health, but other recommendations may be less intuitive.
For instance, some experts advise eating more nightshade vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, to reduce arthritis symptoms. At the same time, other people report improvements from taking nightshades out of their diet. One member of MyPsoriasisTeam said, I strongly believe that a leaky gut is linked to psoriasis. We tend to only treat the outside even when problems are internal You can cut out certain foods to help with this. Certainly, for me, tomatoes and strawberries cause joint pain.
Try keeping a food diary and logging your symptoms to determine what works. A food diary can help you identify trigger foods and expand your list of safe snacks.
A few members of MyPsoriasisTeam have also undergone food allergy testing to find specific ingredients they may be sensitive to, such as gluten. Although research doesnt support a gluten-free diet for psoriatic arthritis, taking gluten out of your diet could significantly improve your symptoms if gluten sensitivity is identified during food allergy testing.
Read Also: What Medicine Can You Take For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psa Vs Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis , like PsA, is an inflammatory type of arthritis related to problems with the immune system, according to the NPF. Both may appear similar on the surface, but there are key differences when you look deeper. Here are some of the main ones:
Treatments for PsA and RA are similarincluding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , steroids, and biologicsbut because of all the differences in these two conditions on a microscopic level, they may respond differently to medsso its important to get the right diagnosis.
How Weight Impacts Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
Researchers say that fat tissue in the body releases inflammation-causing proteins, which can further exacerbate an already inflamed body. Fat is essentially an inflammatory organ, says Alexis Ogdie, MD, Director of the Penn Psoriatic Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Whats more, extra pounds may put even more impact on the joints than youd think. The rule of thumb is that every 10 pounds on the body is 25 pounds to the knee, says Ogdie.
Also Check: What Is Psoriatic Arthritis Pain Like
Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis
Swollen toes and fingers are the most common signs. At times, deformities and swelling of feet and hands may also be noticed.
Foot pain at the points where ligaments and tendons attach to the bones can also be noticed. For instance, at the heels back or in the sole.
A few people can also develop lower back pain known as spondylitis. Spondylitis, in general, leads to joints inflammation between the pelvis and spine.
Eye redness and pain, changes in nails, tiredness, and stiffness in mornings, and fatigue are also other symptoms.
Tips To Manage Psoriatic Arthritis Fatigue
If you have psoriatic arthritis and need a nap to get through the day, some simple changes can boost your energy and make you feel better.
Show Sources
Recommended Reading: Are Tomatoes Good For Arthritis
What Are The 6 Worst Foods For Arthritis
Here are 8 meals and drinks to keep away from in case you have arthritis., Added sugars. You ought to restrict your sugar consumption it doesnt matter what, however particularly in case you have arthritis. Processed and pink meats. Gluten-containing meals. Highly processed meals. Alcohol. Certain vegetable oils. Foods excessive in salt. Foods excessive in AGEs.
Foods To Eat With Psoriatic Arthritis
Anti-inflammatory omega-3s such as fatty fish , seaweed and algae, chia seeds, walnuts, and edamame.
High-antioxidant vegetables and fruits such as dark berries, dark, leafy greens, nuts, dark chocolate, dried ground spices, and a little bit of coffee and tea.
High-fiber whole grains such as corn, whole wheat, whole oats, wild and brown rice, and quinoa.
So, the above are the foods to eat and foods to avoid with psoriatic arthritis.
You May Like: Is Colchicine Good For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Choosing The Right Fats
Research suggests that eating foods with healthy fats may help reduce the symptoms of PsA, including psoriasis. They also have other health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease.
Healthy fats
- Monounsaturated fat: Researchers have found a link between these types of fats and reduced symptoms, such as pain and swelling. Foods that are high in monounsaturated fats include vegetable oils , avocados and many nuts and seeds.
- Omega-3 fats: Eating foods rich in omega-3 can help reduce inflammation. Foods rich in omega-3 fats include:
- fish: oily fish, such as sardines and salmon
- fish oil supplements: see Fish oils for more information
- ground linseeds and linseed oil
- canola oil
- walnuts.
Harmful fats
- Saturated fat: This is a type of fat that comes mainly from red meat, poultry and full-fat dairy products. Saturated fat increases inflammation and cholesterol levels, particularly unhealthy LDL-cholesterol. These fats can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Excuse Me Is That Gluten
We know youre sick of hearing about gluten, but heres some science to handle the haters. People with psoriasis have a higher riskfor celiac disease, and vice versa.
If youre sensitive to gluten, going gluten-free may help reduce psoriatic flare-ups and lessen their severity. Fortunately, gluten intolerances can be detected through a blood test. Talk to your doctor if you suspect this might be the case.
Ready to give it a try? Shop for some starter cookbooks.
Also Check: Is Tylenol Arthritis The Same As Regular Tylenol
Vitamins And Psoriatic Disease
There is no direct link between vitamins and dietary supplements and psoriatic disease. However, many with psoriatic disease find that including vitamins and supplements in their diet helps their skin clear and may ease joint pain.
Dietary supplements can be extracts or concentrates, and they can occur in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids or powders.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness. This can also lead to an inconsistency when it comes to active ingredients. Itâs important that you talk to your doctor before adding any vitamins or supplements to your treatment plan, as some may interfere with your medications.
Here are some of the more popular vitamins and supplements used to combat psoriatic disease.
I Heard I Should Avoid
Some people with PsA report improvements after avoiding certain foods. However, this may be due to individual food intolerances. These types of foods include:
Nightshade foods:This food group includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and capsicum. Nightshades contain solanine, which is thought to cause inflammation and trigger psoriasis flares. There is no proof that these foods make PsA symptoms worse. In fact, nightshades contain nutrients vitamin C and vitamin A and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Acid-producing foods:Arthritis is not caused by eating acidic foods like oranges, lemons or tomatoes. Very few foods are as acidic as our digestive juices. acidic foods are usually very rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial to the immune system. So, avoiding these may do more harm than good.
Dairy products:Dairy products, like milk, cheese and yoghurt, contain an acid which can cause inflammation. However, there is no proof that dairy products cause arthritis. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium and protein, important building blocks for strong bones and muscles. People with PsA are at higher risk of osteoporosis so dairy products may be extra important to maintain bone health. Remember, full-fat dairy and sugar-sweetened dairy products can contribute to weight gain, which can cause inflammation. Sticking to low-fat dairy or alternative diary choices, like almond or soy milk may help control weight and help reduce inflammation.
Read Also: What Is The Best Way To Treat Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis Diet Guide: Foods To Eat And Foods To Avoid
Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis that causes inflammation, pain, and swelling. It is commonly associated with a skin condition called psoriasis. About 30 percent of people diagnosed with psoriasis will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis.
Dietary interventions and natural remedies are used to manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and are used as an add-on to standard medical therapies.
There isnt one diet that will help everyone with psoriatic arthritis and diet changes wont cure the disease, but they may help to reduce inflammation and weight and lead to an improvement in psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Does Weight Affect Psoriatic Arthritis
The simple answer is yes. Extra body weight increases the stress on joints, particularly the knees, hips and lower back. Weight can also increase your risk of developing psoriasis and increase the severity of existing psoriasis. If you are overweight, losing weight will decrease the stress on your joints, reduce pain and make it easier for you to move around.
Recommended Reading: Does Exercise Help Arthritis In Back
You May Rethink Your Career Choices After A Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis
For Paige Meleney, 29, a small animal veterinarian in Cleveland who learned she had psoriatic arthritis in elementary school, living with this condition meant rethinking the career she had always envisioned for herself.
My goal was to do musical theater and to sing on Broadway someday, and I performed throughout middle school, high school, and college, explains Meleney, who chronicles life with her condition on . I remember when I finally had to have the big conversation with my parents.
She knew a career in musical theater would not only be physically demanding, requiring a lot of dancing and late nights, but could also be financially unstable. Although there was a chance that I could have fulfilled that dream, the reality was because of my arthritis I needed to pursue a career where I could have health insurance to maintain my disease and pay my bills, she explains.
Accepting a new vision of yourself and reinventing your dreams can help build your resilience and open the door to new possibilities. While Meleney decided to pursue a degree in biology instead of musical theater, she looked for a way to keep pursuing the things she loves.
I ended up finding an a cappella group in college that I loved and sang with 24/7. That kept me sane while I got my biology degree, she says. I use music in different ways its just not my career. I do love my job as a veterinarian though, so I cant complain.
Talk With Others Who Understand
MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriatic arthritis. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 98,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with different forms of psoriatic conditions.
Are you living with psoriatic arthritis? What are your favorite go-to snacks? Share your suggestions in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on MyPsoriasisTeam.
You May Like: What Exercise Is Good For Arthritis
Healthy Weight And Arthritis
If youre overweight or obese, the extra load on your joints may be making your arthritis symptoms worse, especially if the affected joints include your hips, knees, feet or spine. Theres also a clear link between being overweight and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.
To lose excess weight you need to be active, but this can be challenging for people with arthritis due to pain or stiffness. See your doctor, dietitian or health professional for information and advice.
Also Check: What Foods To Eat If You Have Arthritis
Change The Type Of Fat In Your Diet
People with RA have a higher risk of developing heart disease than those who dont have the disease. The amount and type of fat you eat and use in cooking may influence blood cholesterol levels, and might also influence the level of joint pain and inflammation. Reducing your intake of saturated fat and replacing it with a smaller amount of unsaturated fats may help to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. See our Fat Facts sheet for more information.
Recommended Reading: What To Eat For Arthritis In Hands
Pros And Cons Of A Gluten
With a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of celiac disease and gluten intolerance in recent years, mainstream grocery stores, restaurant chains and bakeries are introducing more and more gluten-free products.
Following a gluten-free diet requires you to become educated on all the hidden sources of gluten, as well as educating loved ones. To avoid all gluten, you must read labels carefully . You need to avoid not only wheat but its derivatives: durum, graham, kamut, semolina and spelt. The same goes with barley derivatives: malt flavoring and malt vinegar, as well as rye, MSG and soy sauce. Remember, just because a food is labeled wheat-free doesnât mean itâs gluten-free.
Some manufacturers add sugar, saturated fats and preservatives to their gluten-free offerings to make them taste better, but they also add calories. Just because a diet is gluten-free it does not mean itâs calorie-free. You still need to apply the principles of a balanced diet.
On the other hand, says Jerry Bagel, M.D., director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey in East Windsor and a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation medical board, if someoneâs skin improves as a result of a gluten-free diet, itâs likely the patientâs digestive system is improving as well, and absorbing more nutrients.
What Is An Anti
Because PsA is an inflammatory condition, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may help to control symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet consists of:
- fruits and vegetables
- Whole grain bread, pasta and cereals
- lean proteins, like fish, nuts and seed
- healthy fats, like avocado and olive oil
An anti-inflammatory diet may also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Read Also: Does Vinegar Help Arthritis Pain
Reduce Your Added Sugar Consumption
Cutting back on the amount of added sugar in your diet might ease your psoriatic arthritis symptoms while improving your overall health.
Excessive added sugar might increase inflammation in your body, warns the Arthritis Foundation. Since sugar also packs in calories, it can contribute to weight gain, putting more pressure on your achy joints.
When you do want to eat something sweet, instead of baked goods, packaged desserts, candies, or beverages with added sweeteners, consider eating berries and other types of fruits that are high in antioxidants, such as:
- tart cherries
Experts Call For Awareness Early Diagnosis Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Healthcare professionals have called for massive awareness and management of rheumatoid arthritis to prevent disease progression, stating that early diagnosis and initiation of effective treatment improve clinical outcomes for patients with the disease.
The autoimmune experts who spoke during a virtual media roundtable hosted by Pfizer Biopharmaceutical on the Prevalence and Social Burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Nigeria said the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, is ideally done as soon as the patient starts with disease symptoms in order to get the disease into remission or have minimal signs and symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small joints of the body. Patients with the disorder present with pain, stiffness and warmth of the affected joints and the disease may lead to disability or premature death, if not treated early and appropriately.
Sharing medical insights on the condition, a Consultant rheumatologist, Dr Hakeem Olaosebikan, at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, explained that early management and treatment would decrease the progression of joint disease as the disease process can cause progressive damage to joints with resultant loss of function, which in many patients, will mean that they are unable to fulfil work obligations or cope with activities at home.
He disclosed that one or two patients are diagnosed weekly with the disease in most tertiary hospitals.
Don’t Miss: How Much Curcumin Should I Take For Arthritis