Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammation in the tendons and joints. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, itchy skin, and scaly reddish skin. Common areas of the body that are affected can include fingers, knees, feet, ankles, elbows, lower back, and other areas. This inflammatory disease received its scientific name because its onset was associated with people who were afflicted with psoriasis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this inflammatory disease, but it can be managed.

Medication, specific exercises, and a healthy diet can prevent PsA from crippling the body. A healthy psoriatic arthritis diet is proving to act like medicine when combating psoriatic arthritis because many foods contain antibiotics and anti-inflammatory enzymes. Foods that are naturally filled with vitamins, fiber, and minerals help to combat PsA symptoms, such as swelling and joint pain. An anti-inflammatory diet containing vegetables, herbs, fruits, and certain meats are the main components of a diet that has proven beneficial when living with PsA. These can include the following:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

Clinical trials have shown that foods containing fatty acids can help with the pain and joint swelling when eaten daily. Some good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and extra virgin olive oil. Physicians also approve of PsA patients taking supplements that will help them get all the omega-3s they need.

2. Herbs and spices

Adding spices and herbs to any food always enhances the flavors of a dish. Herbs and spices contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that have helped to ease body pains. There is curry powder, rosemary, turmeric, curcumin, and ginger.

3. Vitamin D foods

Vitamin D has long been noted for its ability to combat pain associated with arthritis. Eating yogurt, eggs, and mushrooms will give you relief when you consume them multiple times a week. Physicians also approve of taking Vitamin D supplements in addition to natural foods.

4. Leafy vegetables

Green and leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients, like vitamins A, C, and K, which are known to protect the cells from free-radical damage. Not only are they full of antioxidants, but they are also a great source of calcium. Try eating more spinach, kale, swiss chard, broccoli, and bok choy.

5. To stop pain, don’t eat this

Even more important than adding the right foods that allow you to live with PsA is to eliminate the foods that cause more harm than good. Limit the following foods and drinks:

● Alcoholic beverages

● Artificial sweeteners

● Processed fast foods like hot dogs, fries, and sausages

● Foods that are high in sugar, like cakes, cookies, and candies

● Processed white bread, white rice, white flour, and white pasta

● Processed and sugary cereals

6. Simple dietary changes

As a PsA patient, it’s integral for your health to become familiar with the foods that could cause pain, swelling, and inflammation. Be cognizant of foods that are labeled as containing trans fat, like packaged lunch meats, or saturated fats. Doctors state that small changes to your diet can help with PsA. As identified in the healthy foods list shown above, people have benefitted by including foods that are healthy for the heart and abdomen, helps you with your weight, is low in bad fats, sugar, and salt, and includes plenty of fiber. Plant-based foods are the healthiest type of diet today.