Specific beverages, like green tea, some fruit juices, and coffee, have anti-inflammatory properties that cause psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, additional research is needed. Particular drinks, including green tea, fruit juices, and coffees, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, additional research is needed to determine the real benefits.
PsA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and inflammation. Even though there is no cure, treatment aims to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.
The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) says an overall healthy diet can help reduce inflammation for people with PsA.
We’ll look at which drinks are okay to include as part of a healthy diet and reduce symptoms of PsA, when to talk to your physician, and which beverages to avoid.
Smoothies and juices
An article from the Arthritis Foundation in 2022 suggests specific fruits have anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions, including PsA.
Per the Arthritis Foundation, the most beneficial fruits for arthritis are:
• Strawberries: These juicy red berries are packed with Vitamin C and can help lower a person’s risk of cholesterol, gout, and hypertension. Strawberries additionally contain folic acid and anthocyanin.
• Watermelon: Watermelon contains antioxidants that could reduce the risk of heart attack, some cancers, and arthritis. It could also reduce inflammation, which could help in improving PsA symptoms.
• Grapes: Darker and white varieties of grapes contain antioxidants, polyphenols, and a strong anti-inflammatory compound named resveratrol.
• Avocado: Avocados are a great source of vitamin E, which is chock-full of anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Raspberries: Red raspberries can reduce inflammation system-wide and help to prevent specific chronic conditions, including Diabetes Type 2, which is a common comorbidity of PsA.
• Tart cherries: Tart dark red cherries contain a polyphenol — called a flavonoid — anthocyanin. Anthocyanin might have similar anti-inflammatory properties to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which might help alleviate PsA symptoms.
The U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends eating five portions of vegetables or fruit daily. Juices that are one portion — unsweetened and made of 100% fruit can make up one portion.
Red wine
A study in 2023 suggested that consuming red wine in minor quantities could reduce pain and inflammation. However, the study only looks at women who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Increased research is crucial to determine the possible benefits for individuals with PsA.
The Arthritis Foundation emphasizes the possible anti-inflammatory properties of moderate alcohol amounts but cautions against the consumption of excessive charges.
Individuals with PsA might also speak with a physician before drinking alcohol in case it interferes with any drugs (or medication) they are taking along with their treatment.
Coffee
An article in 2022 summarizes research suggesting that only moderate coffee consumption of as many as three cups per day could improve inflammation. However, the report’s authors suggest ingesting more caffeine may worsen inflammation.
The authors of the article’s benefits might be due to the presence of polyphenols, as well as the inhibitions of cytokines, promoting inflammation as part of the regular response to pathogens.
Tea
Green, black, and white teas are rich in polyphenols. Green tea may be particularly beneficial as an anti-inflammatory since it contains polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG has anti-inflammatory and powerful tissue-protective properties.
However, further research is needed to determine how much green tea is required to receive all the benefits of these polyphenols and if they could benefit PsA symptoms.
Water
Keeping hydrated properly with water can help the joints by fighting inflammation by lubricating them.
Water helps the body produce synovial fluid, reducing joint friction and cushioning the joints. When dehydrated, the body joints may become more painful and have difficulty producing synovial fluid.
Drinks you should avoid
A review article from 2022 suggests consumption high in sugar, including via sugary drinks, might worsen inflammatory conditions and aggravate inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. However, the study doesn’t look specifically at the effect of sugar on PsA inflammation and sugar.
An older study (from 2015) suggests that the consumption of alcohol might coincide with the risk of developing PsAs. Alcohol might also interfere with specific PsA treatments, like NSAIDs.
When should you speak with your doctor?
Appropriate treatment is crucial to slowing the progress of PsA, so individuals with symptoms, including pain, stiff joints, and swelling, should speak with their doctor.
People should also talk with a doctor before making changes to their diet to make sure they are making safe changes that don’t interfere with current treatment plans.
People might experience flare-ups after drinking or eating specific things. If this happens, they should halt drinking the beverage that triggered a flare-up and speak with a physician about the best way to manage their symptoms.
Healthcare professionals might also be able to suggest other drink and food options that might help prevent PsA flares and reduce inflammation.
Drinking specific beverages with ingredients that have chock-full anti-inflammatory properties could help improve psoriatic arthritis symptoms. These include smoothies, coffee, tea, water, and fruit juices.
However, more research is needed to prove it, as well as how these beverages can help benefit individuals with PsA.
People should ask to speak with a physician before changing their diet to make sure no new drinks could interfere with their treatment plan.
