Natural Foods to Include in a Psoriatic Arthritis Diet

Natural Foods to Include in a Psoriatic Arthritis Diet

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory medical condition that affects different parts of the body. It features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales on the elbows, knees, or scalp. Most people get psoriasis first and are then diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. In the latter condition, people suffer from joint pain and inflammation. Over a long period of time, these joints can get damaged. In such inflammatory conditions, it is best to avoid certain foods that increase the inflammation and also include certain other foods that will subside the swelling. Herein, we discuss the top natural foods someone with psoriatic arthritis should include in their diet.

Food and dietary habits play a crucial role in containing and also reducing the inflammation. Eating certain kinds of natural foods can reduce inflammation caused due to psoriatic arthritis, so it is essential to include those in the diet.

1. Anti-inflammatory Omega-3s
People suffering from psoriatic arthritis should include Omega-3 fatty acids in their regular diet. They are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Imbibing these foods into your diet as part of the natural foods for those with psoriatic arthritis will help to a great level. Foods containing 0mega-3 fatty acids include

  • Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna
  • Olive oil
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Flax and chia seeds
  • Nuts
  • Avocados

2. High-antioxidant fruits and vegetables
Antioxidants are compounds that can reduce the harmful oxidative stress from chronic inflammation. It has been observed that people with arthritis have a low antioxidant status and hence, need to eat certain natural foods to reduce the inflammation caused due to psoriatic arthritis. Fill your grocery shopping cart with fruits like dark berries, vegetables like dark, leafy greens, ginger, nuts, and dried ground spices. Even dark chocolate and tea and coffee helps in this condition.

3. High-fiber whole grains
Obesity is a fall out of psoriasis and thus, a risk factor for psoriatic arthritis too. The most common cause of obesity is insulin resistance and the intake of high-sugar foods. Thus, it is suggested to have unprocessed whole grains in plenty. They have fiber and other nutrients and are digested slowly, so there are lesser spikes in insulin. Eat corn, quinoa, oats, and brown and wild rice as part of high-fiber whole grains.

4. Healthy fats
Natural foods for treating psoriatic arthritis include healthy fats. Using extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or other vegetable oil for cooking food will make quite a difference. Animal fat should be avoided and low-fat dairy should be included instead.

5. Vitamin D
It is known that people in this condition are deficient of vitamin D. While most vitamin D comes from sun exposure, other dietary sources, like egg yolk, oily fish, and fortified dairy products like cereals and orange juice, are essential.

6. Curcumin
It is an ingredient found in turmeric and is one of the best natural foods for people suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Adding just a pinch of turmeric in your food will help in dealing with the condition. All you need to do is or mix it with warm water and drink daily.