Diet for psoriatic arthritis

Mediterranean diet

While there is no single definition of what constitutes a Mediterranean diet, it is generally considered to include fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (such as olive oil), seafood, nuts, seeds and legumes, moderate amounts of red meat, and carbohydrates. The name comes from the fact that Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece have followed this style of eating for many centuries. The Mediterranean diet also has fewer sweets, desserts, and butter.

Why might it be helpful in psoriatic arthritis?

The Mediterranean diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish (especially high-fat fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines), nuts, and seeds (such as flax and chia seeds). Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and joint stiffness. Olive oil can also help arthritis: Studies have shown that olives and their derivatives (such as olive oil) have anti-inflammatory properties and may prevent cartilage damage due to osteoarthritis. Both red meat and refined sugar, which are considered inflammatory foods, are limited in this diet. In general, this is a well-balanced diet. The Mediterranean diet contains more fresh whole foods and less processed food.

Precautions for people with psoriatic arthritis:

The Mediterranean diet is very healthy, but it does not have a set amount of recommended fats or calories. The use of fats is not regulated here, so it is important to keep track of the amount eaten. And the Mediterranean diet is not only a diet, but also a lifestyle: sharing meals with friends, and family, and being more physically active are less likely to contribute to obesity.

Paleo diet

This diet, also known as the paleo or caveman diet, is modeled after what humans might have eaten around 2.5 million years ago during the Paleolithic era. A typical Paleo diet might include lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds—foods that would have come from hunting and gathering rather than agriculture. Foods that are not considered part of the Paleo diet include grains (such as wheat, oats, and barley), legumes (beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts), dairy products, potatoes and refined sugar, salt, and highly processed foods.

Why might it be helpful in psoriatic arthritis?

Those who follow this type of diet tend to cook more and avoid processed foods. This diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and limits foods thought to cause inflammation, such as refined sugar, processed foods, and high-fat meats.

Precautions for people with psoriatic arthritis:

It lacks grains, dairy, and legumes, so it lacks the fiber that maintains regularity and lowers the risk of cholesterol and diabetes. Constipation may occur. A lack of dairy products can be especially problematic, as the psoriatic disease can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Dairy products are needed to protect bones. While some people with psoriatic arthritis report that eliminating dairy from their diet improves gastrointestinal symptoms if you don't have a problem with dairy, eliminating it may not be worth it. And while you can lose weight on a paleo diet — which is good for treating psoriatic arthritis — it could be because entire categories of foods have been eliminated from the diet.

Vegetarian or vegan diet

A vegan diet is a diet that focuses on plants (nuts, seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables) and sometimes dairy products. A strictly vegetarian diet does not include meat or fish, but some variations may include fish (pescatarians) or occasionally meat or poultry (semi-vegetarians). A vegan diet excludes meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as anything that could be considered an animal product, such as gelatin or honey.

Why might it be helpful in psoriatic arthritis?

A 2017 study published in the journal Public Nutrition found evidence that following a vegan diet for at least two years led to lower levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation in the body.

Precautions for people with psoriatic arthritis:

The problem with a vegetarian or vegan diet is whether a person is getting enough important nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron. When the body lacks essential nutrients, it takes a lot of work to replace them, and this can be a problem in a chronic condition like psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, you need to eat as balanced as possible so that the body always receives good nutrition and enough energy to be healthy and manage its condition.

Gluten-free diet

A gluten-free diet eliminates foods that contain the protein gluten, including grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. While a gluten-free diet is essential for people with conditions such as celiac disease or wheat allergy, there is little strong medical evidence to support eliminating gluten from your diet unless you have a contraindication to it. However, the gluten-free diet has gained wild popularity in recent years among those who do not have a diagnosed gluten intolerance. According to research, some of the claimed benefits of a gluten-free diet include increased energy, weight loss, and improved overall health.

Why might it be helpful

in psoriatic arthritis?

Having an autoimmune condition such as psoriatic arthritis increases the chances of developing celiac disease (an immunological disease caused by gluten). Studies have proven that there is a link between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Although there is not yet a clear picture of this possible link, some people with psoriatic arthritis report that after eliminating gluten from their diet, joint pain is reduced.

Precautions for people with psoriatic arthritis:

To eliminate gluten from your diet, you should consult with a nutritionist or qualified physician to ensure you are getting enough fiber and other nutrients.

Diet Pagano

This diet was developed by an American named John O. A. Pagano, a graduate of Lincoln College of Osteopathy. He owns the book “Treatment of psoriasis. The natural way." The basic concept was that all types of psoriasis are caused by a buildup of toxins in the gut. Pagano's diet mainly consists of fresh organic fruits and vegetables and small amounts of wild meats and organic greens. It excludes all red meat except lamb, all sweeteners, anything processed with preservatives or additives, and fried foods. It also excludes white potatoes, chocolate, yeast, eggs, shellfish, citrus fruits, and any nightshade (such as tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers).

Why might it be helpful in psoriatic arthritis?

People with psoriatic disease report that following the Pagano diet helps relieve symptoms. While there is no conclusive evidence as to whether any particular diet is most effective for psoriasis, one beneficial thing is weight loss, which in turn helps reduce joint stress and inflammation.

Precautions for people with psoriatic arthritis:

As with any diet, it's important to work with a dietitian nutritionist to make sure you're not missing out on any of the key nutrients that your body and brain need to function properly. Trust the experts.

Things to Remember with Any Psoriatic Arthritis Diet

• No matter which diet you choose, avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, processed foods, and red meat, and add healthy foods such as fish, nuts, and seeds that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
•  While weight loss is helpful for psoriatic arthritis, too much weight loss can be a sign that you are missing something in your diet.
• Try not to change your diet too often. A drastic change in metabolism can stress the body and aggravate inflammation.
• There is no single diet that is right for everyone with psoriatic arthritis. Some may have gluten intolerance, while others may benefit from avoiding nightshades.
•  Diet is only part of the treatment for psoriatic arthritis. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising and discussing other treatments with your doctor, is also part of the treatment. Diet is a way to relieve symptoms and manage your condition.
• If a diet can help you manage psoriatic arthritis with less medication, that's great.