Psoriatic Arthritis Natural Ways to Relieve Symptoms

Despite the fact that seeking medical attention for psoriatic arthritis is very important as the disease can cause permanent joint damage, there are amazing ways to improve the symptoms naturally.

What is Psoriatic arthritis?

This is a painful type of arthritis that causes swelling, joint pain and stiffness. People suffering from psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis. Treating psoriatic arthritis early is the key to help reduce pain and prevent joint damage. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, delaying treatment for psoriatic arthritis can result in permanent joint pain and damage. This is why when you notice psoriatic arthritis symptoms you should receive treatment as soon possible.

How to relieve symptoms naturally

1. Avoid inflammatory foods
Did you know you can improve your psoriatic arthritis symptoms naturally by not eating pro inflammatory foods and drinks? Knowing your food triggers is very helpful and should be avoided. Some of these foods and drinks include gluten, dairy, shellfish, alcohol, trans- fats, sugar and caffeine. Instead, eat anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, walnuts, blueberries and broccoli. Remember to eat a well-balanced diet that include protein (organic meat), complex carbs (brown rice, oats & quinoa) and healthy fats (avocado & coconut oil).

2. Lose extra Weight
If you weight more than you should, you need to shed the extra weight. This is because extra pounds put added stress on your joints. According to a 2017 systemic review done in Spain, patients who lost weight experienced less inflammation. So, if you have psoriatic arthritis it’s essential to lose excess weight by eating a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and engage in regular exercise. When you lose weight you improve your flexibility and in turn relieve pain and swelling.

3. Avoid Stress
If you didn’t know before, stress can lead to inflammation thus making psoriatic symptoms worse. According to studies, stress is risk factor for various autoimmune diseases because it influences inflammatory cellular reactions. Try as much as possible to reduce stress in your daily life by engaging in activities such as walking outside, practicing meditation and yoga, journaling or taking part in fun hobbies. Physical activity promote body motion which reduced stiffness and alleviates pain associated with psoriatic arthritis.

A study published in Drug Development Research found that 77 percent of the participants practiced a home-based exercise routine that improved the mental and physical health of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Researchers also found that working with a therapist was crucial, as he or she was able to improve the quality of performance, provide emotional support and increase the patient’s motivation.

4. Use Epsom salt
Instead of taking OTC painkillers that increase your risk of heart disease and gastrointestinal damage each time you are in pain. Go for natural painkillers such as Epsom salt which is used to relieve joint pain and reduce inflammation. Add the salt to warm water bath and salt and soak for 15 minutes. Epsom salt also removes scales and calms itching that’s associated with psoriasis.

5. Take Turmeric
Turmeric has an active ingredient known as curcumin that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is available as a dietary supplement and 1 drop of a high quality turmeric essential oil can be added to water or a teaspoon of honey.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Medicinal Food indicates that turmeric extract (which is about 1,000 milligrams a day of curcumin) shows efficacy in treating arthritis. Researchers concluded that there is compelling justification for the use of curcumin as a dietary supplement to conventional therapy for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

6. Engage acupuncture
According to research acupuncture is currently being used as a complementary therapy for treatment of rheumatic disease – conditions causing chronic, often intermittent pain affecting the joints and/or connective tissue.

Acupuncture works for conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by releasing natural pain killers such as endorphins, serotonin and adenosine. Studies also show that acupuncture, which has been used as a form of alternative medicine for 5,000 years, is a safe means of treatment that will not interfere with any existing psoriatic arthritis treatment.

By Nelly Gachanja