People with psoriatic disease are more prone to developing metabolic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high levels of fat in the blood. A lot of importance has to be given to consuming a healthy diet. Certain foods are very beneficial to your body if you have this condition. Antioxidants and high fiber foods should be included to reduce inflammation. Healthy fats should be added to your diet to maintain good health.
Recent studies have found that many people with psoriatic arthritis have low antioxidant levels. Antioxidant-rich foods are also helpful in reducing chronic inflammation. They help to remove free radicals, which are a by-product of many bodily processes. Free radicals besides causing inflammations can also adversely affect the health of a person.
Those who are obese are more prone to psoriatic arthritis as obese people are resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance is generally caused by a poor diet, which leads to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Doctors encourage people with arthritis to eat high fiber foods as there is evidence that fiber-rich foods help to avoid insulin spikes and keep blood sugars at a healthy level.
Some of the foods high in fiber and antioxidants, beneficial to psoriatic arthritis patients include:
1. Cherries
Tart cherries are compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Cherries derive their color and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits from the flavonoid anthocyanin. Try to have at least a glass of tart cherry juice every day to reduce swelling and joint pain.
2. Strawberries
Incorporating strawberries, which are high in polyphenols that reduce inflammation, in your diet helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Strawberries, besides being delicious, are loaded with vitamins. Add this tasty fruit to your diet to reduce inflammation.
3. Green, leafy vegetables
The free radicals produced in the body during metabolism harm the body. They have been known to cause and aggravate inflammation of the joints. If you are prone to psoriatic arthritis, adding green leafy vegetables to your diet helps to combat the problems occurring because of the free radicals. Add broccoli, spinach, kale, and bok choy to your diet. These vegetables are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like Bssels sprouts, cabbages, and bok choy contain a natural compound called sulforaphane, which researchers have proved block the inflammatory process associated with psoriatic arthritis. In fact, after research, a great deal has been made of the fact that a diet high in cruciferous vegetables could even prevent inflammations related to arthritis from developing in the first place.
5. Whole grains
Unprocessed whole grains have plenty of fiber and nutrients and are digested more slowly. This helps to prevent and keep psoriatic arthritis inflammations from aggravating. Add whole grains like corn, quinoa, oats and brown rice to your diet. Avoid processed grains like flour.
6. Green tea
Drink antioxidant-rich green tea instead of coffee or carbonated drinks. Green tea helps to prevent and reduce inflammatory conditions of the skin and helps to calm the body’s immune response. It soothes your body if you suffer from psoriatic arthritis.
7. Water
Though it may sound like an obvious drink which everyone has every day, it is important to be conscious of the amount of water you drink. Water helps to hydrate the digestive system and flush out toxins, thereby improving the immunity conditions of the body.
If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis, stick to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as they are low in calories and help to maintain an optimum weight besides being nutrient-dense. Heavier people are more prone to inflammations of the joints as they have larger amounts of adipose tissues, which release cytokines that cause inflammation.
