Psoriatic Arthritis and the Vegan Diet
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs in conjunction with psoriasis. Anywhere from 5% to 30% of psoriasis patients eventually develop psoriatic arthritis so this is the highest risk group. Certain clues like pitting of the fingernails are clues that the psoriasis patient is at greater risk of also having psoriatic arthritis. Like psoriasis, the cause of psoriatic arthritis is uncertain but believed to be a combination of genetics and environmental and dietary factors.One culprit in inflammation is saturated fat. Increased intake of saturated fats, found in meats and dairy for the most part, has been shown to increase inflammation and reducing the intake reduces inflammation and in turn arthritis symptoms. Some report decrease in the psoriasis symptoms as well.
Another dietary trigger for inflammation for some patients is gluten. This is the protein portion of grains and can cause severe symptoms in those with celiac disease. Some studies show that patients with inflammatory autoimmune illnesses such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Avoiding some grains and other foods containing gluten can decrease the inflammation. Since inflammation is what causes joint damage in inflammatory arthropathies, this is important to protecting the joints and in decreasing pain.
A vegan diet is a type of vegetarian diet but one that avoids all animal derived products. While many vegetarians will eat eggs and dairy products, vegans do not and also avoid such foods as honey and gelatin made from animal sources. It is a somewhat more difficult diet to balance nutritionally and requires a vitamin B-12 supplement to be complete. Protein comes from sources such as seeds and nuts as well as legumes like lentils, peas, and beans. Few plant sources have saturated fat but those that do would be avoided for an arthritis diet. This diet is also shown to be beneficial in heart disease prevention and treatment.
A vegan diet features lots of fruits and vegetables and the use of spices is pretty much unlimited so it can be both varied and tasty, although it requires changing some habits. Soy, rice, and almond “milks” substitute for cow’s milk and can be used on cereal and in puddings and baking just like milk. There are also vegan cheeses and tofu is a staple protein made from soybeans for most vegans. Many prepared vegan foods are now available to make the transition easier. Some are imitations of foods like chicken and ground beef and can be easily substituted in favorite recipes.
Gluten is trickier to avoid but for those who find it is a trigger for disease flares and increased symptoms, this is an important change. Since celiac disease is being diagnosed more often, more and more gluten free foods are being made available that avoid foods like wheat flour. Special breads, breakfast foods and cake mixes are made that can help expand the diet. A vegan diet is not normally gluten free, so more care is needed in selecting foods and recipes.
Vegan products such as egg replacers and TVP can substitute for meat/dairy ingredients in gluten free recipes. For some, a diet that is gluten free but not necessarily vegan may also be helpful. It should be remembered that the effectiveness of any special diet to treat psoriatic arthritis is somewhat controversial and should be undertaken with the blessing of one’s physician and not unilaterally substituted for conventional treatments. Should the diet not work for an individual who has stopped all medications, irreversible joint damage could occur.
The vegan diet offers promise as complementary therapy in psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses and may be worth a try. It may boost the effects of conventional medications and produce faster or more complete remissions for those who have dietary sensitivities. Since it is tricky to get adequate nutrients from a vegan diet, a dietician or nutritionist consult is in order and it may be necessary to get some vitamins and minerals as supplements.
Resources
First person account on diet and psoriatic arthritis
Gluten free vegan diet and arthritis pain
Vegan diet shown to reduce pain in arthritis:
UK site on arthritis and diet
Vegetarian and Vegan Society of UK on dietary responses with arthritis
Gluten free cooking