• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • BDO TV
  • Find A Doctor
  • Subscribe
Home / Health Conditions / Psoriatic Arthritis / 3 Diets Proven to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis

3 Diets Proven to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis

psoriatic arthritis diet

Changing your diet is rarely considered a primary treatment modality for most diseases, except diabetes, certain digestive disorders (such as celiac disease), and other specific health conditions. There is insufficient clinical research to suggest that dietary changes will cure psoriatic arthritis (PsA). But many people with psoriatic arthritis report that changes in diet improved their symptoms. Some research data supports these claims that eating and avoiding certain foods helps alleviate some PsA symptoms. So, what are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, and what type of eating plan is said to help improve this chronic (long-term) condition? 

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term (chronic) inflammatory disorder that attacks the skin and joints. The first symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) typically appear between ages 30 and 50, though it can occur at any age. Other facts about psoriatic arthritis include:

  • Approximately 1 in 3 people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
  • Approximately 85% of those with PsA develop skin symptoms such as red, flaky patches (known as plaques) before they develop joint symptoms
  • Although psoriatic arthritis is nearly 50% less likely to occur in Blacks than Caucasians, the condition has a worse psychological impact on Blacks than in Caucasians (according to a study in Clinical Rheumatology).
  • Black people with psoriatic arthritis are less likely to use medication to relieve skin symptoms than Caucasian people. Still, in studies, only one in four people achieved significant relief of symptoms (including those who took medication).

RELATED: Daily Self-Care Practices With Psoriatic Arthritis

Diets For Psoriatic Arthritis Symptom Relief

Three eating plans, including a low-calorie, anti-inflammatory, and gluten-free diet, have been shown to improve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. There are several possible explanations for why these diets work for some people with PsA. For example, certain foods may worsen inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis. Furthermore, taking charge of your diet and other aspects of your health (such as exercising regularly) is known to reduce inflammation associated with PsA, improve the immune system, and lower stress that often exacerbates (worsens) the symptoms of the disease.

You May Also Like
15 Natural Remedies for Aches and Pains

Low-Calorie Diet

Besides contributing to the development of psoriatic arthritis, obesity may increase flare-ups or make them worse. The body releases inflammatory substances, such as cytokines, from fat tissue, which increases inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis. A 2015 study published by the British Journal of Dermatology concluded that eating low-calorie meals and exercising three times per week reduced the severity of psoriatic symptoms in 48% of those in the study. Here are some tips for reducing calories in your daily diet: 

  • Remove skin and trim fat from meat and poultry 
  • Bake or broil foods instead of frying or deep frying
  • Using fresh herbs can help replace some of the flavor lost by reducing grease and fat
  • Exchange complex carbohydrates (sugars) found in white sugar, white flour, white pasta with whole grains, and other complex carbohydrates (such as whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, and barley) 
  • Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods loaded with sugar and salt 
  • Use a healthy, low-calorie natural sweetener (such as stevia) 
  • Avoid chemically made sweeteners such as NutraSweet, aspartame, and other brands 
  • Eliminate saturated fats and trans fats (often found in processed and fast foods)
  • Substitute saturated fats for healthy fats such as those from wild-caught salmon and avocados 
  • Fill your plate with 50% fresh fruits and vegetables and a quarter of the plate for a lean protein (such as baked chicken), and the remaining quarter for whole grains.
  • Use a small amount of healthy oil that doesn’t break down when frying (such as avocado oil)
  • Use homemade salad dressings (such as those made with virgin olive oil) in place of store-bought versions
  • Avoid foods loaded with mayonnaise and other types of hidden fats (read labels)

RELATED: Simple Tips to Make Your Daily Life More Comfortable

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Certain foods can cause inflammation, so avoiding them can help you manage psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The anti-inflammatory diet includes foods rich in antioxidants (such as berries and other bright-colored fruits and vegetables) and high in omega-3 fatty acids.  Foods to avoid on the anti-inflammatory diet include processed sugary, high saturated fat (such as red meat), and foods high in omega 6 fatty acids (found in many cooking oils and processed foods). 

Foods to Eat on the Anti-Inflammatory Diet

  • Wild-caught fish with omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna)
  • Low saturated fat protein sources (such as chicken with the skin removed or lean turkey)
  • Bright colored fruits and vegetables with antioxidants to help lower inflammation
  • Bright green leafy vegetables (such as kale and spinach)
  • Foods that are high in antioxidants (such as fresh berries and cherries)
  • Whole grains (including ancient grains such as farro, millet, and quinoa, as well as cheaper varieties that have nutritional value like oats, brown rice, and whole wheat) 
  • Beans and legumes (such as garbanzo beans, lentils, navy beans, cannellini beans, and other beans (low in fat, high in fiber and B vitamins, serve as a suitable replacement for reducing fatty meat such as beef)  
  • Nuts (walnuts, pecans, pepitas, Brazil nuts, and more)
Continue Reading

The Latest In Psoriatic Arthritis

psoriatic arthritis

Is Your Eye Problem Psoriatic Arthritis Related?

Because psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a condition that affects the joints, most people are unaware that the genetic and environmental factors that cause psoriatic arthritis can also impact your eyes. The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that having psoriatic disease increases read more about Is Your Eye Problem Psoriatic Arthritis Related?
joint pain

Morning Stiffness? 8 Ways to Relieve Joint Pain

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that is associated with the chronic skin condition psoriasis. For Black people, misperceptions and insufficient data on how skin diseases impact them have become a widespread issue. “The estimated prevalence of psoriasis and read more about Morning Stiffness? 8 Ways to Relieve Joint Pain
psoriatic arthritis

9 Common Nail Problems That Could Be Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops in people who have psoriasis. PsA is an inflammatory condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Most people develop psoriasis symptoms on their skin before they develop signs of PsA, read more about 9 Common Nail Problems That Could Be Psoriatic Arthritis

Steve & Wood Harris: Brothers Always Work it Out

At home on the West Side of Chicago, Steve and Wood Harris’ parents would have never guessed that two of their sons would become professional actors. “We had a very normal, sort of ghetto, urban upbringing,” Wood Harris recalls. “My read more about Steve & Wood Harris: Brothers Always Work it Out
psoriatic arthritis

How Will Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Your Pregnancy?

If you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition that can be hard to diagnose in Black patients, you are probably used to checking in with your doctor on a regular basis. Regular doctor's appointments will be even more important throughout read more about How Will Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Your Pregnancy?
psoriatic arthritis

Daily Self-Care Practices With Psoriatic Arthritis

Dealing with psoriatic arthritis can be a double whammy. Not only will you have joint pain but there will also be flare-ups of scaly rashes on your skin. Fortunately, there are a few preventative measures that you can use to read more about Daily Self-Care Practices With Psoriatic Arthritis

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • The McGhee Sextuplets: A Family Built On LoveThe McGhee Sextuplets: A Family Built On Love
  • Reality Star Hospitalized After Major Car Accident: “Unresponsive, But Stable”Reality Star Hospitalized After Major Car Accident: "Unresponsive, But Stable"
  • Top 3 Mistakes Cooking Salmon (You Should Never Make Again)Top 3 Mistakes Cooking Salmon (You Should Never Make Again)
  • Aleisha Allen: From Actress to Speech PathologistAleisha Allen: From Actress to Speech Pathologist
  • David And Tamela Mann On 34 Years Of Marriage: “I’ve Found A Good Thing”David And Tamela Mann On 34 Years Of Marriage: "I've Found A Good Thing"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2022, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.