Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that can affect some people who suffer from psoriasis. Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints on the body, and psoriasis is a condition that features red patches on skin with silvery scales. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any part of the body; from the fingertips to the spine and the pain ranges from mild to severe. Since there is no permanent cure for this condition, there are some ways to control the symptoms.

For instance, being mindful of triggers and being aware of some natural remedies that may help soothe symptoms. Since diet and nutrition play an important role in managing diseases, let us look at some natural foods that you should eat and avoid if you are living with psoriatic arthritis:

1. Consume anti-inflammatory and high antioxidant foods
Since inflammation is a problematic issue for patients of psoriatic arthritis, choosing natural foods that have anti-inflammatory properties is a wise choice. Omega 3s are especially good for this purpose and they have been thoroughly researched for their anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the omega-3 rich foods that you can include in your diet are olive oil, flaxseed, avocados, salmon, tuna, and even nuts.

2. Dark leafy greens
You should also include green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, collards. Some of the fruits you can try are strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges. These vegetables and fruits are also antioxidant-rich, which is great in reducing the harmful oxidative stress that comes from chronic inflammation. It is studied that people with arthritis are noted to have low antioxidants, making this diet even more important.

3. Avoid red meat
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are certain sets of food groups that act as triggers for patients. This list includes fatty red meat. Opting for leaner proteins is preferred over red meat as the latter has a high level of cholesterol and saturated fats. If someone follows an anti-inflammatory diet, they are probably aware of the harm red meat does to the body.

4. Say no to processed and refined sugars
Processed foods are another big no-no as they contain high amounts of trans-fats, sodium, and sugar. Excess of sodium makes the body bloat and can create an imbalance in the healthy potassium-sodium ratio. While sugar, in general, should be avoided, it is especially difficult to manage your weight when consuming refined sugar. Weight gain in itself is a risk factor for inflammation and hence this should be avoided.

5. Dairy don’t
Dairy also is considered to be inflammatory, especially for those who are lactose intolerant, so it is advisable to switch to plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, or flax milk. Plant-based yogurts are also easily available these days, so it makes the diet choice easy, and accessible.

6. Fresh is best
Natural foods are a great source of nutrition and are definitely preferred over any other substitute pills, so make sure of what you put on your plate if you suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Knowing triggers for your illness is very important in maintaining a diet that works for you. While there are natural foods that can help you manage your illness, you must also consult your doctor and keep them aware of any diet changes. Make sure you are also aware of foods that you are allergic to so you can prepare your diet accordingly.