Dietary Changes for Psoriatic Arthritis
The treatment of psoriatic arthritis combines medication like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immuno-suppressants, physiotherapy, and joint replacement surgery. Since the condition is chronic and consuming medication is a long-term affair, there could be some side effects. It can range from nausea, diarrhea, lung infection, and bone marrow suppression. That is why it is essential to manage your condition with a diet and natural remedies. Today, doctors and nutrition experts have designed new diets to manage diseases. For PSA, many diet plans can reduce swelling and pain in the joints, fatigue, and psoriasis.
Diet to manage weight
People with a high BMI and those who are obese are more likely to get psoriatic arthritis. Hence, your diet should focus on losing bodyweight and unhealthy fat. A diet to lose weight would eliminate fat, rich dairy products, sugar, fatty meat, and starch. Instead, it will include more fresh fruits and vegetables. Use low-fat and plant-based alternatives instead of dairy products. This diet may also exclude fatty meats and replace it with lean meat and fish. Along with a diet, you also have to be physically active and participate in some hectic or mild exercise depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Gut-friendly diet
Studies show that people with infection in the gut are more prone to psoriatic arthritis. Gut health also affects immunity and weight. This gut-friendly diet will include probiotics that can improve gut health. Good sources of probiotics are kimchi, yogurt, miso, and sauerkraut. However, if you have high blood pressure, you should limit the intake of salt. A gut-friendly diet also includes larger amounts of fiber to improve metabolism. Some good sources of fiber are whole grains, vegetables, beans, and legumes.
The Mediterranean diet
This diet gained popularity when doctors observed that the incidence of arthritis and Alzheimer’s were low in Crete. The focus of a Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based protein and fats. This diet also has a higher component of anti-inflammatory foods. Other plant-based sources of fat that can be used are sunflower and avocado oil. You should also completely avoid red meat and sugar. The major source of protein will be chickpea, lentils, pulses, and fish. The only two sources of dairy that are encouraged are cheese and yogurt. This diet reduces inflammation and helps with weight loss and blood pressure.
Paleo diet
The Paleo diet has done wonders for those who are struggling to lose weight. This diet focuses on eating only protein (fish and egg and copious amounts of fruits and vegetables). Paleo rules out grains, sugar, carbs, and dairy completely. However, there is no evidence yet if a Paleo diet affects or improves the condition of psoriatic arthritis. However, those who are affected and are obese can consider this as a weight loss plan. They have to exercise caution in the portions of meat, as it is not recommended for most people suffering from this condition.
Before adopting a particular diet always, consult a doctor or a nutritionist so that there are no adverse effects on your health. Do not switch from one diet to another often. Carefully observe the impact of diet on your symptoms and choose one that suits you best.