10 Superfoods to Manage Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a health condition commonly found in people who have the autoimmune disorder psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation and pain in the joints, fingers, toes, and back, as well as skin rashes and lesions. Erratic immune system responses are among what trigger psoriatic arthritis flare-ups in people. Although it is not fully curable, there are multiple effective foods and treatments for psoriatic arthritis. Some of the best foods to combat the condition are:
Blueberries
Berries of all kinds, especially dark-colored ones such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, are loaded with anthocyanins, a category of phytonutrients that calm inflammation, the main trigger/pain point in psoriatic arthritis flare-ups.
Alternatively, people can consume both tart and sweet varieties of cherries as well to bring their inflammation under control. Apart from anthocyanins, blueberries are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. These elements not only counter inflammation but also drastically reduce the risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels.
Berries combine well with all kinds of foods. One can use them in fruit salads for added flavor and also in milk to cut down body heat.
Apples
Apples are another great anti-inflammation food. Their nutritive value is well known by now. Apples are rich in quercetin, a kind of flavonoid that greatly inhibits inflammatory responses in people. Quercetin reduces the release of inflammatory compounds named prostaglandins that cause joint pains and often trigger flare-ups in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Apart from being packed with flavonoids, apples are also loaded with pectin, a soluble fiber that fills the stomach quickly. This results in people feeling full and thereby not indulging in stuffing themselves with more snacks that make them put on unwanted fats and aggravate inflammation. This provides plenty of psoriatic arthritis relief for people with the condition.
In this way, including apples in regular meal routine can be an effective treatment for psoriatic arthritis.
Peppers
Peppers of any kind, whether they are spicy chili peppers or sweet bell peppers, are loaded with a phytochemical named capsaicin. This component is yet another powerful anti-inflammation agent that prevents the possibility of psoriatic arthritis flare-ups.
Several research studies have shown that capsaicin fights and reduces the amounts of substance P, a compound that activates pain impulses in the central nervous system and causes inflammation in a person’s body.
Additionally, peppers also have incredible healing abilities. When included regularly, these foods release endorphins, natural bodily opiates that soothe pain, release stress and leave people happy and calm for a long period of time.
Mackerel
Fatty fishes are just as effective in providing psoriatic arthritis relief as any other superfoods listed here. There are many kinds of fatty fish that can fight inflammation with aplomb. Some of them are tuna, sardines, salmon, and mackerel. These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are essential antioxidants that fight inflammation throughout the body in fatty fish consumers. Mackerel and salmon are also good sources of vitamin D and vitamin B12. Vitamin D helps strengthen the bones and joints, while vitamin B12 is another top inflammation-fighting nutrient.
Apart from that, vitamin D also positively impacts autoimmunity in people with this health condition. This aspect of fatty fish makes them a particularly potent treatment for psoriatic arthritis.
Turmeric
The myriad health benefits of turmeric are used in fields as varied as pharma manufacturing. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, an active compound with a host of anti-inflammation properties to provide effective psoriatic arthritis relief. Apart from anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric also has antioxidative and antimicrobial properties to keep people away from inflammatory flare-ups and illness-causing bacteria.
One can blend turmeric into their meals while cooking to help manage the symptoms of a whole host of ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and psoriatic arthritis.
Ginger
Ginger, like turmeric, is an efficient anti-inflammatory ingredient. Its antioxidative properties are frequently used in treatments for psoriatic arthritis and similar ailments.
Ginger slices or ginger-blended tea can also offer plenty of active components, such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, to consumers. These components can ease joint pain and effectively reduce the pain and discomfort associated with psoriatic arthritis. In this way, ginger provides just as much psoriatic arthritis relief as some of the best therapies one can find to treat the health condition.
Canola oil
Both canola oil and olive oil are incredibly useful in treating psoriatic arthritis. Canola oil, like the healthiest of fatty fish, is loaded with essential omega-3 fatty acids. One can add a percentage of canola oil to their meals while cooking or as a garnish to reap its plethora of health benefits.
One can use this oil for baking or sautéing dishes easily as it has a particularly medium-high smoke point. What’s more, canola oil does not carry a strong flavor like coconut oil or olive oil, making it an easier food item to blend into dishes to utilize its amazing antioxidative benefits for treating psoriatic arthritis.
Walnuts
All nuts, including walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds, are another great plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Inflammation and discomfort are the main problem areas when it comes to psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, one can include walnuts into their daily meal plan either as a snack or a side dish to dramatically improve their body’s fightback against this autoimmune health condition.
Mango
Mangoes are often the pick of all the fruits recommended by dermatologists for healthy and vibrant skin. The fruit contains plenty of skin-healthy vitamins such as A and C. Apart from vitamins, mangos are also a rich source of fiber, another skin-healthy nutrient. Most importantly, though, the vitamin C, polyphenols, and carotenoids present in mango reduce inflammation and protect one’s bones and joints from destruction or withering.
Vitamin D-fortified milk
Vitamin D-rich foods such as egg yolk, mackerel, and vitamin D-fortified milk tend to restore the deficiency of this vitamin that is caused by psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, adding these foods to a regular meal routine is essential for people with this condition.