Psoriatic Arthritis refers to a swelling of the joints caused by psoriasis. One way patients can find some relief is through a specific dietary regime.
Psoriasis is a skin condition, an immune-mediated disease that features thickened scaly patches on several areas of the body, including the elbows, the knees, or even the scalp.
People use the term Psoriatic Arthritis to describe a form of arthritis or inflammation of the joints related to cases of Psoriasis.
At first glance, there seems to be no connection between Psoriasis and Arthritis. Researchers are still unsure as to how one condition causes the other.
However, some experts theorize that while the body tries to fight infection on the skin, the immune system can start attacking healthy cells in the process.
The destruction of healthy cells results in inflammation that causes pain and stiffness in the joints.
There are some ways to treat this condition. And while medical experts don’t consider it a cure, changing the dietary habits of a patient could alleviate the symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis.
Helpful Habits
In 2017, a group of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), conducted a study that gauged the effect of a patients’ diet in cases of Psoriatic Arthritis.
The results indicate that reducing sugars, alcohol, gluten, and nightshades (which includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers), led patients to show a remarkable improvement in the symptoms of their condition.
Other foods such as salmon with its omega-3 fatty acids, along with vegetables and vitamin D help to reduce the inflammation. Adding extra virgin olive oil to meals can help to deal with such conditions too.
Given other studies displayed similar results, several experts in this particular field had created aids or guides to help patients to improve their dietary habits.
Pagano Diet
Many people follow the argument of toxic build-up playing a significant role in the development of Psoriasis.
Going by that logic, Dr. John Pagano designed a dietary regime made up of 70% to 80% fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. With the rest of the diet consisting of wild meats and organic grains.
Some believe that following such instructions could result in detoxification, which would help the body to heal Psoriasis naturally.
The first step involves internal body cleansing by going through a 3-day apple only diet.
After that, patients should eat mostly dark green, leafy vegetables, fish, lamb, poultry, rice, nonfat milk, and baked goods that don’t contain yeast or eggs.
Patients can add to all of this omega-3 fatty acid, which people can obtain from fish oil.
Those who follow this dietary regime should have their meals made up of mostly alkaline and acid forming foods with some little protein.
Vegan Diet
According to a study conducted in 2015, people follow a vegan dietary regime show a remarkable reduction in C-reactive protein, which plays a significant role in chronic and acute inflammation.
In fact, one small study conducted in 2010 dealing with 53 cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis who followed a vegan diet resulted in a noticeable improvement in tender and swollen joints, pain, stiffness, and grip strength.
This same group of patients would later transition to a lactovegetarian diet but still display the same improvement in their symptoms.
The vegan diet consists of consuming only fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes; and excluding all animal products.
Paleo Diet
It refers to a dietary regime that works as an anti-inflammatory diet.
Some doctors claim it works, but people don’t base those statements on studies or research; the evidence that of this diet’s success it’s mostly anecdotal.
The Paleo Diet consists of consuming fish and seafood, grass-produced meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, and the healthy oils of olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado or even coconut.
Fishes such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the inflammation caused by Psoriatic Arthritis.
When it comes to protein, grass-fed meat is rich in essential anti-inflammatory fats.
Patients who follow this diet must avoid dairy products (including milk and cheese), grains (like wheat, rice, barley, corn, and rye), legumes, starchy vegetables (such as potatoes), processed foods and sugars as well as salt.
When patients don’t eat refined sugars and saturated fats, they can avoid excessive weight gain, which can worsen a case of arthritis.
However, all of these diets have both their advantages and their drawbacks. That is why people must consult with a nutritionist before choosing which plan to follow.