Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can also affect other connective tissues such as joints. The result is psoriatic arthritis.
This has no permanent cure and needs symptomatic therapy. Diet also plays a major role in the alleviation of pain and swelling. Which are the best and worst foods for this condition?
Psoriatic arthritis
People with this condition have severe pain and swelling of the joints of the body. There is inflammation in the joints mostly of the hands and feet. Small joints show maximum inflammatory changes.
They also experience joint stiffness and this is more in the morning time. There is fatigue and skin lesions may also be present.
Treatment-wise, there is no cure for this ailment. Physiotherapy and certain anti-inflammatory drugs help.
Physiotherapy needs time, effort, and resources besides money. And the medicines decrease the pain and swelling but have their issues and side effects.
Fruits and vegetables (Source: International fresh produce association)Natural therapy is always better and the diet that one consumes can also make a big difference in relieving the symptoms of the disease. Which are the best and worst foods to overcome the pain and swelling?
Best and worst foods for this condition
The diet best for these patients is that which also benefits people with metabolic disorders. Chronic inflammation is part of this disease and measures to overcome this helps.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients of food dishes that aid in this condition are fiber and antioxidants. Hence diet rich in these two ingredients should be part of everyday food intake.
Nuts and seeds (Source: Health grades)Substances with anti-inflammatory properties in them include berries, pineapple that has bromelain, green leafy vegetables, herbs, spices, and green tea.
Fiber has properties to relieve inflammation in the body. Therefore the Arthritis Foundation of the USA states that high fiber content in the diet can decrease swelling and pain.
Additionally, it recommends such patients consume food items high in antioxidants as these mop up the free radicals that can cause pain and swelling in the joint.
Food dishes that are high in both these (fiber and antioxidants) include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, oily fish such as tuna and salmon, and nuts and seeds.
Besides this, food items containing healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are also good for these patients. Vitamin D-rich foods, ginger, and curcumin also assist in pain decrease.
Food items to avoid
These patients should avoid certain food items as they can aggravate the condition. These include refined sugars and red meats. National Psoriasis Foundation states that processed food items are also bad for these cases.
Dairy food can also worsen the symptoms. These also cause weight gain and these can put a load on the already diseased joints.
Processed foods (Source: Food Navigator)Read more: Chronic pain: The four best foods to minimize it!
In 2018, a review study showed that losing weight decreases inflammation and helps such patients. Alcohol can also aggravate the pain and swelling.
Avoid soda, sugary food items, candies, white bread, white rice, cookies, cakes, and snack foods especially those that are fried, processed meat, foods with high trans fats, and alcoholic beverages.