Psoriatic Arthritis Diet: The Ultimate Guide | FriscoFIT City-Diabetes Prevention for All Ages and Stages

April 18, 2020

This is my all time favorite compilation of scientific facts regarding DIET and PSO/PSA. Just the Scientific Facts presented in a neutral manner. IF you are suffering from PSO/PSA and want to try improving your inflammatory symptoms with a custom coaching program, Let’s schedule a consult. Remember there is no ONE SIZE fits all DIET or Plan. Your needs are UNIQUE and Specific to you. Your Psoriatic Coach- Gerryl

Happy Reading! As always – Evidenced based Science- Shared for YOU

If you’re among the 30 percent of people with psoriasis who also struggles with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), changing your diet may help control joint pain, swelling, and other life-altering symptoms of this chronic inflammatory condition, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). Adopting healthy eating habits can also prevent or reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses that are more common in people with psoriatic arthritis.

Members of MyPsoriasisTeam who’ve made dietary changes report improvement in psoriatic arthritis symptoms and quality of life:

“I’ve learned that there’s no cure for PsA, however an anti-inflammatory diet is helping tremendously!”
“One of the best things I did was go on an elimination diet.”
“I cut out gluten for a while and noticed a huge improvement.”
“Sugar has a lot to do with my PsA flare ups.”
“Diet is key, but I personally don’t believe that one diet is for all.”

What’s the Best Psoriatic Arthritis Diet?

While no single diet has been proven to treat or cure psoriatic arthritis, there are steps you can take to manage your psoriatic arthritis. In the absence of dietary guidelines for PsA, physicians recommend following a balanced, healthy diet rich in whole, fresh foods – similar to those advised by the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.

Eliminating inflammatory trigger foods may also help control psoriatic arthritis, according to a 2017 national survey of NPF members’ dietary habits. When survey respondents made dietary changes – including cutting out alcohol, gluten, nightshadevegetables and other foods believed to cause psoriatic flares – more than half experienced a reduction in PsA symptoms.

Which diets helped them achieve these results? The Pagano diet (based on the theory that psoriasis is caused by toxic build-up, also known as “leaky gut,” in the intestine), a vegan diet, and the Paleo (caveman) diet were most frequently cited. Gluten-free, low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, and vegetarian diets were also identified as beneficial.

The “best,” most successful diets for psoriatic arthritis incorporate anti-inflammatory and weight-loss approaches, according to researchers in the National Psoriasis Foundation study. Most of the diets mentioned by respondents offer those features.

Researchers caution, however, that treating psoriatic arthritis with diet alone is neither a safe, nor effective way to manage symptoms. Medical treatments that include dietary interventions have the greatest opportunity to reduce disease severity and risk of developing comorbid (multiple) conditions, according to a 2018 systematic review in JAMA Dermatology.

Study authors recommended the following interventions for people with psoriatic disease:

A weight-reduction diet for obese people with psoriatic disease
A gluten-free diet in those testing positive for celiac disease
Vitamin D supplementation for people with psoriatic arthritis

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Psoriatic Arthritis

An anti-inflammatory diet is one of the most popular nutritional choices, among members of MyPsoriasisTeam. Diets in this category include the Mediterranean Dietand DASH Diet.

These diets are high in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and extra virgin olive oil, and eliminate foods that may trigger a flare or worsen disease activity. Foods to limit or avoid on the Mediterranean or Dash diet plans include saturated fats, refined sugars, and refined carbs, such as white bread.

Members of MyPsoriasisTeam report fewer symptoms and overall feeling of well-being after eliminating inflammatory foods from their diets. Here’s what they’re saying:

“Because I have PsA on my hands and feet, I don’t eat foods that cause inflammation. When I do, I’m a lot worse the next few days.”
“For me, sugar triggers full-blown PsA flares.”
“I gave up alcohol last year because the next day I’d be in agony.”
“As long as I stay away from the worst inflammatory foods, I have very little joint pain. Gluten and sugar have been the biggies!”

Staples of anti-inflammatory diets include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, cherries, collards, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and beet greens all contain antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation.

Olive oil. The cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is loaded with heart-healthy fats and oleocanthal, which has similar pain relief properties as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Fish and omega 3s. Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are high in omega-3s – a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) – whose anti-inflammatory properties may help protect people with PsA against heart disease.

Whole grains. Whole grains – such as brown rice, whole grain bread, quinoa, barley, and wheat berries – contain fiber, which may also decrease inflammation.

Nuts. Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and pecans have been linked with lower levels of inflammation in the body.

Beans. High in dietary fiber and protein, beans have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

A diet of anti-inflammatory foods, however, may not work for everyone with PsA or present someone from developing psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis. A 2019 cohort study of 85,000 nurses showed that the risk of developing psoriatic disease was equal, whether they ate an anti-inflammatory diet or not.

The Weight-Loss Diet for Psoriatic Arthritis

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the best diet for managing PsA symptoms is one that helps people attain a healthy weight and takes pressure off the joints. “Changing my diet helped increase my energy levels and lose weight to reduce impact on my joints,” shared one member of MyPsoriasisTeam.A small 2019 study found that obesity not only increases the risk of developing PsA, it’s also associated with higher disease activity, poorer treatment response, and higher risk of other inflammatory conditions. When participants in the study lost weight, joint pain and swelling decreased. The NPF strongly recommends reducing caloric intake among overweight people with psoriatic disease. You should consult your doctor about the best nutrition plan if you’re looking to lose weight.

Other Diets for Psoriatic Arthritis

Gluten-free diet: Skipping gluten is popular among members of MyPsoriasisTeam. “I cut out gluten for a while and noticed a huge improvement,” said one member. But the diet doesn’t work for everyone. “Gluten-free has been hit or miss for me – I had a new flare-up today,” said one member.The National Psoriasis Foundation only recommends a gluten-free diet for people with specific gluten-sensitivities such as celiac disease. There is evidence that celiac disease is more prevalent among people with psoriatic diseases. Testing can determine if you’re sensitive to gluten.Paleo diet: The Paleo (or caveman) diet consists of very high animal protein and low, or no, carbs. Staples include meat, fish, eggs, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Foods to avoid include grains, nuts, dairy, and processed foods.Although there’s no evidence that the Paleo diet can reduce symptoms of PsA, clinical studies have generally found that the Paleo diet can improve BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It may also promote weight loss and reduce joint swelling associated with processed foods. Researchers and physicians, however, caution about the increased risk of heart disease due to higher consumption of red meat and lower consumption of whole grains. The diet may also increase the risk of calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamin deficiencies.Gut-healthy diet: The bacteria in your intestines can affect the immune system, metabolism, and weight. Some scientists have suggested that changes in gut bacteria may also increase the risk of PsA. The Pagano diet, a popular but unproven “leaky gut” plan developed by a chiropractor in 2000, is frequently discussed by members of MyPsoriasisTeam. A 2016 study found that people with psoriasis and PsA may lack several types of healthful bacteria. Eating fermented foods can help boost those levels in your gut. They include: Kimchi, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt, and miso. “I’ve noticed that my PsA is not as hot and niggly since I’ve been drinking kefir, which is anti-inflammatory,” said one member.

Other Psoriatic Arthritis-Friendly Foods

Several foods, herbs, and spices can be added to meals for an anti-inflammatory boost:Green tea: The catechins in tea are known for their rich antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation.Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, ginger has been generally shown to have similar pain-relief properties as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs, according to a 2010 study. “I drink ginger and lemon tea. It helps with inflammation on days I have flare-ups,” said one member of MyPsoriasisTeam.Turmeric: Similar to ginger, turmeric has many anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the key ingredient, is listed in a 2018 review as a natural remedy that might help reduce inflammation in psoriatic disease. “Cooking with turmeric helps, as does ginger and garlic,” shared one MyPsoriasisTeam member.Vitamin D-rich foods: Evidence suggests that people with psoriatic disease have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency than other people. Good sources include: Egg yolk, oily fish, and fortified dairy products, cereals, and orange juice.

Choosing a Psoriatic Arthritis Diet

Researchers encourage people with psoriatic arthritis to keep a food journal, commit to a trial-and-error approach, and recognize that one size diet doesn’t fit all. Some trendy diets may not be safe for people with psoriatic disease, either. Discussing dietary options with your doctor or nutritionist can help you take the first steps toward managing psoriatic arthritis.By joining MyPsoriasisTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, you gain a support group more than 75,000 members strong. Diet is one of the most discussed subjects.Here are some question-and-answer discussions about diets for psoriatic arthritis:

Here are some conversations about diets for psoriatic arthritis:“I’d love some help from other sufferers about their diets.”

“Do certain foods cause flare ups and if so, what foods cause yours?”

“I read that pineapple is high in anti-inflammatory properties. Anyone have insight they’re willing to share?”

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