Patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, experience swollen joints, the appearance of red, itchy and scaly patches on the scalp, knees, and elbows. The most effective way to manage this condition is to make dietary changes. Changes in your daily diet and lifestyle can be the most effective treatments for psoriatic arthritis. While there is no solid evidence to suggest that diets can cure the condition, research shows that eating healthier meals lessens the symptoms.
Popular diets that can be natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis include the following:
1. Anti-Inflammatory diet
This diet restricts fatty foods like refined sugars, fatty red meats, dairy products, and vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes that may trigger inflammation. Instead, you must opt for fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and vegetables like sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, and blueberries as alternatives.
2. Weight loss diet
Losing weight is always beneficial in managing arthritic pains. If you are obese, it increases the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. So, by losing weight, you can make the symptoms less acute. Fat tissues release proteins that cause the swelling. But when you follow a weight loss diet plan, you limit the intake of fats from carbs and sugars. Instead, you will eat fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.
3. Paleo diet
It is popularly called the caveman diet as it includes fish, meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruits, but no grains, sugary snacks, beans, or dairy foods. There is no proof yet that this diet will prevent psoriatic arthritis, but it is sure to ease symptoms since you avoid fatty and dairy foods. You must, therefore, consult your doctor before starting this diet.
4. Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet
It is similar to the Paleo Diet, where you cut down on refined sugar and gluten-rich foods. In the elimination stage, you avoid foods like legumes, grains, eggs, coffee, dairy products, food additives, oil, and sugar. The focus is on avoiding inflammatory foods and eating nutrient-rich foods, fermented foods, bone broth, among others. You can reintroduce the eliminated foods in your diet. This will help you understand which food items suit you the best.
5. Mediterranean diet
A diet that is high in virgin olive oil will help to ease symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. It is possible because olive oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contains oleocanthal that is beneficial for swelling. This diet demands you get whole grains, cold-water fish, veggies, and fruits in your meals.
6. Gluten-free diet
It is said to be one of the most effective natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis. Since almost 25% of patients are sensitive to gluten, the proteins present in barley and wheat this diet helps reduce symptoms. Gluten is not present in vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, dairy foods, and potatoes, and these products can be safely consumed.
7. Low-FODMAP diet
This diet is highly recommended when you have irritable bowel syndrome, and it may be effective for psoriatic arthritis too. It involves consuming carbs that are fermentable, like monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides. These are found in honey, wheat, onions, fruits, legumes, garlic, and artificial sweeteners.
8. Pagano diet
Those affected with psoriatic arthritis say that symptoms become better on following this diet. It focuses on increasing the intake of veggies and fruits, cutting down on fast foods. This acts as a natural treatment for psoriatic arthritis.
