Foods to Eat and Avoid

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joints, leading to symptoms like pain and stiffness.

While there’s no cure for psoriatic arthritis, your prescribed treatment plan and certain lifestyle adjustments — like an exercise regimen and an anti-inflammatory diet — can control inflammation and alleviate your symptoms.

“A healthy diet is always a good idea regardless of your disease,” says Martin Bergman, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at Drexel University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

Not sure how to overhaul your eating habits? Research has found that the Mediterranean diet offers anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to people who have psoriatic arthritis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation advises people who have psoriatic disease to choose from a variety of foods that offer a range of nutrients, eat regularly to fight the fatigue often associated with the disease, and watch portion sizes. Remember that being overweight can affect the severity of your condition and the effectiveness of your treatment.

Still, finding what works for you involves some trial and error.

“It’s generally best to strive for moderation and balance,” says John M. Davis III, MD, a consultant in the division of rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “This may require input from a physician or dietitian.”

Meanwhile, start by learning more about these 16 foods that could help — or hurt — your psoriatic arthritis.