Living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) means managing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often caused by inflammation in the body. While medications play a key role, diet can also significantly affect your inflammation levels, potentially contributing to flare-ups.
Incorporating certain anti-inflammatory foods into your meals can help support your treatment plan and potentially ease PsA symptoms. Today, we’ll explore the best foods to help reduce inflammation and manage the pain and discomfort that comes with PsA.
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis and Inflammation
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to joint inflammation and skin symptoms. The chronic inflammation from PsA can cause damage to joints if left unmanaged. There’s no cure for PsA, so managing symptoms and reducing inflammation is a big part of controlling the condition.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Psoriatic Arthritis
Diet alone won’t cure psoriatic arthritis, but certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that may support your overall health and reduce flare-ups. Let’s take a look at some of the best foods for reducing inflammation and managing your PsA symptoms.
1. Omega-3 Rich Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These healthy fats help reduce the production of inflammatory molecules, offering relief from joint pain and swelling in those with PsA. Good sources of Omega-3 include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna, as well as chia seeds, flaxseed, and walnuts.
2. Leafy Greens and Vegetables
Vegetables, particularly leafy greens, are loaded with antioxidants that help fight inflammation. They are rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in PsA patients. Focus on vegetables like spinach, kale, chard, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
3. Berries and Fruits
Fruits, especially berries, are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation. They can also support overall immune health, which is particularly important for autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis. Boost your diet with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, as well as oranges, pineapples, and cherries.
Diet and Psoriatic Arthritis: Foods to Avoid
Just like some foods can reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms, others can make your PsA worse. Here are some of the foods you might want to avoid when it comes to managing your PsA.
1. Processed and Sugary Foods
Processed foods, particularly those high in refined sugars, can trigger inflammation and worsen PsA symptoms. These foods contribute to increased inflammation markers and can lead to weight gain, which puts additional stress on your joints. Try to limit your intake of soda, candy, and baked goods, as well as your fast food and processed snacks. Instead, opt for whole, unprocessed foods when possible.
2. Red Meat and Saturated Fats
Red meats, particularly those high in saturated fats, may increase inflammation in the body. Replacing red meat with lean protein sources like fish, poultry, or plant-based proteins (such as beans and lentils) can help keep inflammation in check. Instead of butter, try switching to healthier fats like olive oil or avocado oil.
Contact Us to Discuss the Best Diet for Your PsA Symptoms
While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for psoriatic arthritis, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and antioxidant-rich fruits may help reduce inflammation and support your overall health. Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and red meat can also make a difference in managing your symptoms.
If you’re not sure where to start, contact our experienced rheumatologists to discuss managing your PsA symptoms. We can help you establish a dietary plan and provide other tips for living with PsA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
