Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis might cause flare-ups or worsen your psoriasis symptoms. Psoriatic arthritis combines the swollen, sore joints of arthritis with psoriasis. Psoriasis typically causes itchy, scaly, or discolored patches to appear on the skin and scalp. About 8 million Americans have psoriasis—up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can be mild or severe, and it may involve one or many of your joints. Adjusting your diet could help keep your symptoms under control.
Many people claim that avoiding certain foods help psoriatic symptoms from flaring up. Keeping a log of your eating habits and symptoms might help you identify what causes your flare-ups.
Consider consulting your doctor before making drastic changes to your diet, especially if you take medications to control psoriatic arthritis inflammation and stiffness.
RELATED: 3 Diets Proven to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis
Should I Reduce My Sugar Consumption?
Cutting back on the sugar in your diet might ease your psoriatic arthritis symptoms while improving your overall health. Sugar can potentially increase inflammation in your body. Sugar is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, putting more pressure on your joints.
Replace your sugar cravings with fresh fruit. Try eating fruit instead of baked goods, candy, or soda. Fiber-rich fruits contain compounds that help your body ward off inflammation. Berries have been shown to reduce inflammatory stress.
Should I Cut Back on Red Meat?
Fatty red meats can trigger inflammation in your body. Red meat may make your symptoms worse.
Consider embracing a more plant-based diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. You can meet your protein needs by eating whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. When you eat meat, consider choosing lean options, such as fish and poultry. Try to stick to portions that measure about 3-4 ounces or the size of your palm.
Should I Limit My Dairy Intake?
Dairy products like milk and cheese are rich sources of protein, calcium, and nutrients. However, dairy products can also cause