Three good diets for people with psoriatic arthritis

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fresh fruits, fish and seafood, and olive oil or a vegan diet may help reduce symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that affects many organs in the body, from the immune system, digestive system to the large joints in the lower limbs, fingers, toes and spine. A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help control the disease better.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet comes from countries in the Mediterranean region. This eating pattern prioritizes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, fish, seafood, beans, nuts, and limits red meat, processed foods, and sweets.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and stiffness. Fish such as salmon and sardines, and nuts including walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide omega-3s.

According to a 2019 study from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, olive oil and other ingredients in this diet have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis.

Meanwhile, red meat and refined sugar are inflammatory foods that are limited in this diet. A 2021 review published by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, based on 251 studies, found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduced the severity of psoriasis.

Title — Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is good for people with psoriatic arthritis. Photo: *Mai Cat*

Plant-based diet

A plant-based diet (vegetarian) includes lots of nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and sometimes dairy. Some plant-based diets may include fish and poultry.

A vegan diet does not contain animal products, including milk and milk products, gelatin, or honey.

A 2017 meta-analysis by Ryerson University, Canada and several other organizations, based on 18 studies, on 2,300 people, found that people who followed a vegetarian diet for at least two years had lower levels of inflammation in their bodies. Adopting a vegan, low-fat diet can potentially improve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

A vegetarian or vegan diet can leave you lacking essential nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron. You should consult your doctor or dietitian before starting any diet.

Gluten-free diet

This diet cuts out foods that contain the protein gluten, such as flour, bread, wheat, barley, and rye.

People with psoriatic arthritis, in addition to the autoimmune condition psoriasis, are twice as likely to have celiac disease. This makes many people gluten intolerant.

A review from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens found that adopting a gluten-free diet reduced the severity of psoriasis. Some people with psoriatic arthritis reported less joint pain after eliminating gluten from their diet.

People with psoriatic arthritis who experience symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation should consult their doctor before adopting a gluten-free diet.

Diet can help reduce symptoms and control psoriatic arthritis, but it is not a cure. Exercise, reduce stress, get enough sleep, and follow your doctor's treatment plan to control the disease.

Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )

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