Home - health - 6 Foods To Eat To Manage Psoriatic Arthritis
6 Foods to Eat to Manage Psoriatic Arthritis

6 Foods to Eat to Manage Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It occurs when a person’s immune system starts to attack the body’s cells, leading to inflammation in joints and the overproduction of skin cells. It affects close to 1-3 percent of the world’s population. It is non-curable, and few treatment options aim to manage the symptoms. Read along to learn about its symptoms, triggers, and more.

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
Many signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. The manifestations of this disease also may vary from person to person. Some of the common indicators of the condition include:

  • Scaly and inflamed skin, especially on the knees, scalp, and elbows.
  • Pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more back, hips, or neck joints.
  • Lack of energy or tiredness.
  • Tenderness in the soles and heels
  • Swelling of a whole toe.
  • Dents or pits in the nails.
  • Inflammation of the eye and blurry vision accompanied by redness or pain.

What triggers psoriatic arthritis?
The cause of psoriatic arthritis is an immune system disorder, where your immune system acts against your body. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to influence this response. Other than these, here are some other elements that can trigger psoriatic arthritis:

  • Having psoriasis is one of the most significant risk factors that increases one’s tendency to develop psoriatic arthritis
  • Obesity
  • Having a family history of the condition
  • A viral or bacterial infection may trigger psoriatic arthritis in some people who have the chance of inheriting psoriasis

Which foods help to minimize the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis may worsen over time. In severe cases, it may even cause permanent damage to your joints, including deformity. People living with this condition are also at a higher risk of getting other serious health problems, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Type-2 diabetes
  • High cholesterol

There is no such definite treatment for psoriatic arthritis that can completely cure it. Instead, the current therapies target relieving the symptoms, where maintaining a healthy lifestyle through dietary changes comes in. A great way to reduce the risk of this condition is to include foods that contain anti-inflammatory compounds and eliminate those that can trigger inflammation.

Let’s take a look at the anti-inflammatory meal components that can aid in subsiding inflammation:

Fatty fish
Adding fatty fish to meals is a great way to prevent this condition. It is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, inhibiting inflammation even before it occurs at your cellular level. Some of the fishes that have high omega-3 content are:

  • Sardines
  • Mackerel
  • Salmon

You can have any of these fish at least four times a week for the best results.

Berries
Berries, especially dark-colored ones, are rich in anthocyanins. These are phytonutrients that help fight inflammation in your body. Unfortunately, that is not all; they are also a great source of vitamin C, which reduces the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Peppers
Chilli and sweet red and yellow bell peppers add a punch to your food and help improve your health by reducing the risk of psoriatic arthritis. According to a research study in the Molecules Journal, they are rich in a naturally occurring alkamide known as capsaicin. Besides having anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties, this compound also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it reduces the pain and tenderness in your joints. In addition, capsaicin reduces Substance P, which is responsible for transmitting the sensation of pain in your nerves and helps people manage painful joints.

Whole grains
Being overweight often is a contributing factor to psoriatic arthritis. Whole grains are rich in fiber and help reduce your risk of obesity. Consuming whole grains regularly makes you feel fuller for longer without eating snacks between meals. This reduces calorie intake and helps you lose weight in the long run. The fiber in whole grains also helps regulate your blood cholesterol levels. This reduces your risk of cardiac disorders resulting from psoriatic arthritis.

Some of the best options to include in your routine are brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, barley, bulgur wheat, and quinoa.

Olives and olive oil
A research study in the Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders – Drug Targets Journal verified that olive oil is rich in monosaturated fats and phenolic compounds with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that drastically reduce an individual’s risk of psoriatic arthritis. They also reduce inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein in your blood. The best way to include olives in your routine is to snack on a few black and green olives between meals. Use olive oil while cooking and as a drizzle for your salad.

Garlic
According to a study in the Phytotherapy Research Journal, garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the body’s inflammation biomarkers. It inhibits the activity of lipoxygenase, which is often responsible for inflammatory flare-ups. It reduces your risk of this condition and offers relief from psoriatic arthritis by helping you manage its painful symptoms. Adding garlic to your dishes will give them a delicious twist of taste and boost your health. Just remember to use fresh garlic instead of its packaged paste.

Conclusion
It should be noted that the development of this disease cannot be prevented as genetic factors determine adding these foods to your routine can help alleviate the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. These will also help keep your weight under check and fight other chronic conditions. However, one must remember that what works for one person may not work for the other. Therefore, before adding these foods to your daily meals, we advise you to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Doing so will give you an insight into what foods work best for you and which don’t.

Latest Articles

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms
health

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa Upadacitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor and helps adolescents and adults with severe or moderate eczema. However, this FDA-approved treatment can cause side effects like fever, cough, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Typically, one starts with 15 mg, but the doctor may advise a 30 mg dose if that does not work. Eucrisa is also a treatment option for eczema. It is for skin-only treatment, so do not get it in contact with sensitive areas and rinse with water in case of contact. Foods to eat and avoid Eczema needs to be managed with a disciplined nutritional regime.
5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature. The only exercise recommended before bedtime is light stretching and simple yoga. These help relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind, preparing them to drift asleep. You can perform intense exercises in the morning or earlier in the evening. If you have some spare time before sleeping, use it for sitting down and reflecting on the happenings of the day instead of exercising. It will help you fall asleep faster. Making poor food choices A meal with lots of refined carbs and sugar is unsuitable for dinner as it can keep you awake at night.
Migraine – Ways to manage the condition
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP protein. Foods to help manage migraine headaches Certain foods are part of the preventive treatment for migraines. While a preventative treatment may not completely stop migraine headaches, it will help reduce the severity and occurrence of these attacks. Bananas Bananas are rich in magnesium. According to some studies, magnesium is deficient in migraine sufferers, and the mineral stops the chemicals that cause pain. Watermelons Watermelons contain around 92% water, and it is a great way to stay hydrated. Dehydration often triggers headaches in general, which could lead to migraine attacks.