Your lifestyle can influence how you manage your psoriatic arthritis. Maintaining your weight, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can have a positive effect on your psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis lifestyle tips
You may not be surprised to know that stress can be a trigger for psoriatic disease. Because of that, it’s especially important to take care of your mental health, and reach out to your healthcare team if you feel you’re unable to do any of the things below that can help you manage your PsA, like:
- Maintaining a positive attitude
- Maintaining your relationships with friends
- Continuing to find and do activities you enjoy
- Joining a support group
- Getting adequate rest
It’s also good to remember that getting regular exercise may not only help your overall health, but can also ease the joint pain of psoriatic arthritis symptoms and improve your strength and mobility. Exercise can also help reduce your risk of developing other health problems that are associated with psoriatic arthritis, such as heart disease and diabetes. An exercise program may include stretching, swimming, walking, and yoga. Talk to your doctor about a regular exercise plan and staying active.
Psoriatic arthritis and a healthy diet
The
recommends what is known as an “anti-inflammatory” or Mediterranean diet for people with psoriatic arthritis, which includes:
- Fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and vegetables
- Olive oil
- Beans
Foods limited in this diet because they are believed to add more inflammation include:
- Fatty red meats
- Processed foods
- Refined sugars
- Full-fat dairy products
