If you’ve been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, you’ve probably thought about how you might change your diet to help manage your disease.
You’ve likely heard about the benefits of eating anti-inflammatory foods. Perhaps you’ve considered eliminating certain foods to see if it helps ease some PsA symptoms. Perhaps you and your doctor have discussed the importance of losing some weight, or you have started adding some supplements to your daily routine.
Figuring out what to eat — and what not to eat — with an inflammatory condition like psoriatic arthritis can be admittedly tricky. Scientific research is often limited and conflicting. While there is evidence that food and dietary supplements may help manage some symptoms, changes to your diet should bethought of as complementary to the medication and overall treatment plan you and your rheumatologist have determined is right for you.
While there’s no specific best diet recommended for people with psoriatic arthritis, research has linked eating the diet typical of the Mediterranean region of the world with decreased inflammation in patients with PsA. This type of anti-inflammatory diet focuses on whole, plant-based foods that are rich in healthy fats and phytonutrients. This diet emphasizes whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, olive oil, as well as fruits and vegetables. These anti-inflammatory foods may also help keep blood sugar stable and may even help you lose weight. By losing weight, you can decrease the amount of pressure on your joints and further decrease inflammation, improve your responsiveness to certain medicines, and help lower your chances of having other health problems.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” diet when it comes to what foods NOT to eat when you have psoriatic arthritis. Certain people are sensitive to foods, including dairy, gluten, sugar, or processed meats. You can try eliminating or reducing the amount of these foods in your diet to determine if they trigger symptoms for you. The best way to do this is to work with a dietitian who can help you identify triggers while still eating nutritious, well-rounded meals.
In general, food high in sugar or high trans-fats are problematic for inflammation. The biggest culprits include sugary drinks such as soda, desserts, fried foods, fast food, and too much cheese or creamy sauces.
Being overweight is common in psoriatic arthritis. It can be hard to manage your weight when it is painful to exercise. Arthritis pain may also affect your food choices. With all of the hurdles PsA can pose, weight loss may feel unattainable for some patients. However, there are many benefits to developing healthy eating and exercise habits in PsA that make it worth the effort.
1. Inflammation
Fat tissue releases proteins called cytokines, which cause inflammation in the body.
2. Arthritis disease activity
Several studies show weight loss in obese patients with psoriatic arthritis may lead to improved disease activity or progression.
3. Medication effectiveness
Some medications are less effective among patients that are overweight
Some people with arthritis report benefitting from complementary medicine in conjunction with the standard treatment approaches prescribed by their physician. Always consult with your healthcare professional. Some herbs, supplements, vitamins, or minerals can interact with medicines or cause side effects, so it is best to discuss any supplements you are considering with your physician before starting them.
Below are a few nutritional supplements that have been advocated for use in psoriatic arthritis to consider discussing with your rheumatologist. Many products are available, and it is difficult to know what to believe in. Quality of supplements is important, and you can find links to purchase those products that we stand by.
A natural vegetable extract made from avocado oil and soybean oil. May improve pain or function.
Made from 20-26% GLA. Also called borage seed oil. Rich with essential fatty acids. May ease inflammation or act to block inflammatory cells.
Extracted from pineapple enzymes, Bromelain has been the subject of multiple research studies that have identified both anti-inflammatory and analgesic(pain-relieving) properties. Our recommendation: Pure Encapsulation Bromelain
Supplement made from the cartilage of cows, pigs, or fish. It’s designed to help replace worn-down cartilage in your joints, to reduce pain and inflammation, and improve joint function.
Herbal supplement taken in capsule form. It’s rich in alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3fatty acid that builds healthy cells. It’s used to ease joint inflammation.
This is a flavonoid, or plant chemical, found in foods and drinks like apples and tea. It’s thought to help with inflammation.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb bone-building calcium, which is important for people with RA who are at a greater risk of osteoporosis. The “sunshine vitamin” has also been found to improve response rates in those on antirheumatic treatments. Vitamin D deficiency in people with PsA, on the other hand, has been linked to more chronic pain and lower quality of life scores.
Supplements that contain ginger, turmeric, and holy basil, which are all known for their inflammatory properties.
A natural supplement made from 15-20% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Rich in omega-3and omega-6 fats. May ease inflammation.
Also called Indian Frankincense. Made from the boswellia serrata plant. May ease pain and improve joint function.
Made from oil in hot chili peppers. It can be applied as a topical cream, gel, or patch. It depletes the amount of a neurotransmitter called substance P that sends pain messages to the brain. It can distract you from sensing pain in a joint or muscle. Take care not to touch the eyes or mouth after applying capsaicin to the skin; use gloves.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked in multiple studies to improvements in joint pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 supplementation may bean excellent addition to the medication regimen prescribed by your rheumatologist. While omega-3 fatty acids can be found in diets rich in fish, they are also available in supplement form.
Supplement made from the shells of fish like shrimp or crabs (avoid if with shellfish allergy). Glucosamine is used to slow deterioration of joint cartilage, relieve joint pain related to osteoarthritis, and improve joint mobility.
This centuries-old spice often used in curries is touted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The potential health benefits stem from curcumin — turmeric’s most active compound.
https://creakyjoints.org/education/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/
https://creakyjoints.org/diet-exercise/weight-loss-tips-inflammatory-arthritis/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/bromelain-for-arthritis/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/turmeric-curcumin-for-arthritis/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/vitamins-supplements-inflammatory-arthritis/
https://creakyjoints.org/education/treatments/arthritis-herbs-supplements/
Here are some additional articles and videos to help you eat well and get proper nutrition with PsA.
https://creakyjoints.org.au/diet-and-exercise/gluten-free-diet-and-arthritis-does-it-help-improve-symptoms/
https://creakyjoints.org/education/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/
https://creakyjoints.org/diet-exercise/weight-loss-tips-inflammatory-arthritis/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/bromelain-for-arthritis/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/turmeric-curcumin-for-arthritis/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/vitamins-supplements-inflammatory-arthritis/
https://creakyjoints.org/education/treatments/arthritis-herbs-supplements/
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