Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory arthritis condition, occurs when your body's immune system attacks healthy skin cells. According to the Arthritis Foundation, psoriatic arthritis creates localized inflammation and irritation on your joints. Although there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, you can create diet adjustments to decrease associated symptoms.
Vegetables
Vegetables assist psoriatic arthritis by providing your body with essential minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. They also contain antioxidants, which decrease free radical damage and strengthen your immune system. According to Dr. Phillip Mease in the book "Atlas of Psoriatic Arthritis," antioxidants found in vegetables, such as selenium and vitamin A, are often effective at reducing your psoriatic arthritis flare-ups and other symptoms. For best results, choose green, yellow, orange and red varieties of vegetables such as mustard greens, romaine lettuce, carrots, yellow peppers, red peppers, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes and spinach.
Fruits
Like vegetables, fruits contain healthy amounts of nutrients such as vitamins E, C, B and A. In addition to enhancing your immune functions, they may also reduce psoriatic arthritis pain and swelling since most fruits contain insufficient amounts of calories and fat. MayoClinic.com advises to maintain a healthy weight to limit strain on your joints. Examples of fruits for psoriatic arthritis include oranges, watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, apples, kiwi, pears, peaches, cantaloupes, tangerines and grapefruit.
Whole Grains
Since it is important to increase your nutrient intake and limit calories simultaneously, whole grains are beneficial foods to consume for psoriatic arthritis. Whole grains contain antioxidant nutrients such as iron, thiamine, niacin, biotin and selenium. They also contain fiber, which improves your satiety and overall body functions. According to MayoClinic.com, consuming plant-based foods such as whole grains helps you maintain a healthy weight and improve your psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Whole grain examples include bulgur, whole rye, millet, spelt, buckwheat, oatmeal, popcorn and wild rice.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are effective for reducing inflammation in your body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, they may also reduce arthritis inflammation and promote overall body functions. Omega-3 nutrients are typically found in fish source such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, halibut and sardines. They are also found in canola oil, walnut oil, walnuts, soybean oil, soybeans, flaxseed, flaxseed oil and pumpkin seeds.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Psoriatic Arthritis-Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- ArthritisToday.com: All About Psoriatic Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: What is Psoriatic Arthritis
- "Atlas of Psoriatic Arthritis": Dr. Phillip Mease; 2008
- Whole Grain Council: What are the Health Benefits?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
