Health issues tend to travel in packs, which means If you have already suffer from psoriasis, you’re chances of developing psoriatic arthritis increase by 30%. Unfortunately, once the autoimmune disorder begins to inflict pain, stiffness, and swelling on your joints, damage can occur to those affected joints and a domino effect of negative health issues can following—including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and so on.

Research from the American College of Rheumatology recommend a heart healthy diet for patients with psoriatic arthritis patients, with a special emphasis on avoidance of the following foods in particular:

1. Dairy

Dairy, particularly to cow dairy, has long been suspect when it comes to causing inflammation and worsening arthritis symptoms. While some psoriatic arthritis patients consume low and zero fat animal milks and yogurt with no problems, for others exacerbated symptoms following any dairy consumption (i.e., cheese, butter, cream, milk, and yogurt).

2. Processed meats

Sorry bacon and deli lovers, processed meats are often listed amongst the first foods to avoid for psoriatic arthritis patients. While the occasional bacon side is usually fine, processed meats are rich in an evil trifecta of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) and known inflammatory triggers, saturated fat (and LDL “bad” cholesterol), and carcinogens (or cancer-causing substances).

3. Refined sugar and starch

Yeah, I know, processed carbohydrates (or sugar) have earned its bad rap and linked itself to several health issues, such as increased blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic diseases. Attempt to satiate that sweet tooth by consuming fresh fruits rather than refined sources of sugar, which increase cytokines (proinflammatory molecules).

4. Soda

Sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners (i.e., aspartame and sucralose), it doesn’t matter. Soda and diet soda should be high on your no-no list if you have psoriatic arthritis because of their ties to weight gain, diabetes, and poor cardiovascular health.

5. Fatty meats

Yes, it’s true that there are good fats and bad fats, and psoriatic patients need to learn the difference. For instance, joint inflammation is linked to fatty meat (i.e., beef, pork and lamb) so if you have psoriatic arthritis it’s best to moderate these cuts of meat in favor of good-for-you fatty fish (i.e., trout, salmon, and mackerel), which is jam-packed with omega-3 fatty anti-inflammatories.

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