Psoriatic arthritis lifestyle and diet

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

Arthritis Foundation

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

Make your next appointment more productive

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Understand PsA Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can cause irreversible joint damage—and may affect other parts of your body.

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Sources: 1. 4 tips for managing chronic pain. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2020. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/4-tips-for-managing-chronic-pain. 2. Foods that fight inflammation. Harvard Health. Published June 2014. Updated November 7, 2018. Accessed August 15, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation 3. Gottlieb A, Merola JF. Psoriatic arthritis for dermatologists. J Dermatolog Treat. 2019;1-18. doi:10.1080/09546634.2019.1605142 4. Is dairy arthritis friendly? Arthritis Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2021. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/dairy-and-inflammation 5. Lee S, Mendelsohn A, Sarnes E. The burden of psoriatic arthritis: a literature review from a global health systems perspective. P T. 2010;35(12):680-689. 6. Psoriatic arthritis. American College of Rheumatology. Updated March 2019. Accessed August 15, 2020. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis 7. Psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2021. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/psoriatic-arthritis 8. Social support for psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2021. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/emotional-well-being/emotional-self-care/social-support-for-psoriatic-arthritis 9. The ultimate arthritis diet. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2021. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/anti-inflammatory/the-ultimate-arthritis-diet