When top US golfer Phil Mickelson announced he had gone vegetarian to combat an arthritis that could threaten his career, many sports fans were left scratching their heads over the news. What is psoriatic arthritis, and how can a meat-free diet help? Read on for a brief overview of this potentially disabling condition and its treatment.
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells grow too quickly due to a fault in the immune system, leading to dry, red patches covered with dead skin cells called "scale". Various parts of the body can be affected, including the elbows, knees, scalp and nails.
Among people with psoriasis, at least 10% will develop psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that resembles but is distinct from rheumatoid arthritis. In the worst cases, psoriatic arthritis causes severe joint damage and disability, though other people have only mild joint pain and stiffness. Other psoriatic arthritis symptoms include tendinitis and swollen fingers and toes.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment
As for all forms of psoriasis, there is no permanent psoriatic arthritis cure. Treatment involves controlling the inflammation that causes joint damage, preventing disability and relieving pain and stiffness. Anti-inflammatory medications, drugs that suppress the immune system and newer biological agents are all used to achieve these goals. People with severe psoriasis-related arthritis may need surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.
The precise cause of psoriasis is unclear – a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors is thought to be responsible for the triggering and development of the condition. One possible factor is diet, which is thought to play a role in other types of inflammatory arthritis. Although most studies have focused on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, research suggests that dietary changes such as fasting, low-calorie diets and vegetarian diets can improve the symptoms of psoriasis.
How a Vegetarian Diet Can Improve Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
There are various reasons why a vegetarian diet might help relieve psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Vegetarian diets:
- are generally low in calories and fat, which aids weight loss. While a lower weight will of course reduce the strain on arthritic joints, there is also evidence that obese people are at greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis in the first place.
- contain low levels of arachidonic acid, a substance involved in the triggering of inflammation within the body.
- contain high levels of antioxidants – found in fruit and vegetables – which help to reduce inflammation.
Get a Doctor’s Advice Before Changing Diets
While diet is just one possible factor in the development of psoriatic arthritis, there is evidence that adopting a vegetarian diet can help relieve the symptoms of this potentially disabling condition. It is vital, however, that anyone considering dietary changes for any reason speaks to his or her doctor first.
References:
Henseler T, Christophers E. "Disease Concomitance in Psoriasis." J Am Acad Dermatol 1995; 32(6): 982−6.
The Psoriasis Association. Accessed 16-08-10
Wolters M. "Diet and Psoriasis: Experimental Data and Clinical Evidence." Br J Dermatol 2005; 153: 706−14.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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