6 Anti-Inflammatory Spices for Psoriatic Arthritis

2023-11-13 20:19:54

From turmeric to cloves, some of the best natural anti-inflammatories can help relieve psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Have you ever added these six spices to your meals?

Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, all caused by the underlying inflammation that characterizes the disease.

You can take steps to relieve inflamed joints. A smart move: Adjust your diet by adding anti-inflammatory spices to your meals. If you are taking anti-inflammatory medications, be sure to talk to your doctor first, as some spices may interact with them.

1. Turmeric Reduces Levels of Enzymes That Cause Inflammation

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body — meaning it has potential benefits for people with psoriatic arthritis. A study published in October 2017 in the European Journal of Pharmacology found that curcumin had an anti-psoriasis effect by helping reduce inflammation caused by the disease. The spice, traditionally used in curries, works by lowering the levels of certain enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends checking the curcumin content of products before using them, as this ingredient only makes up about 2 to 6 percent of turmeric. She also points out that high doses of turmeric act as a blood thinner and can cause stomach upset.

2. Chili pepper contains capsaicin, which helps relieve pain

Chili peppers get their heat from a compound called capsaicin, which “works by binding to pain receptors on your tongue, sending a signal to your brain.” Spicy is not a taste but a sensation that results from this reaction,” says Alison Massey, RD, CDCES, owner of Flourish Nutrition Therapy and Wellness in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Chili is a spicy addition to meat and seafood dishes, she says. It is also ideal for spicing up stews, soups, vinaigrettes and marinades.

There is no specific recommended dose of pepper to combat inflammation, but the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. Massey, however, insists that excessive capsaicin consumption can be harmful; so listen to your body and try adding a little spice to your dishes every day, depending on your tolerance.

You can also try topical capsaicin for pain relief: Applied to the skin, capsaicin can temporarily reduce substance P, a chemical that plays a role in arthritic pain and inflammation.

3. Clove May Help Relieve Pain and Inflammation

According to a 2017 article published in the Royal Society of Chemistry, cloves contain eugenol, a phytogenic bioactive compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To incorporate cloves into your diet, Massey suggests the following strategies:

  • Add two to four whole cloves to a hearty soup or stew for health and flavor.
  • Use several whole cloves to brew hot drinks that are both flavorful and nutritious. Be sure to remove the cloves before eating them.

4. Ginger May Help Manage Various Symptoms, Including Pain

A root with an energizing scent, ginger has been used throughout history to treat a variety of conditions, including nausea, asthma, diabetes, and pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, some studies have shown that ginger reduces pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by painful inflammation.

And a 2017 study published in the journal Natural Product Research found that the spice reduced pain and inflammation in people with knee osteoarthritis.

You can incorporate ginger into a psoriatic arthritis diet in several tasty ways, including smoothies, marinades, or stir-fries. However, the exact amount needed to relieve psoriatic arthritis is not known.

5. Celery seeds have been used for millennia to relieve pain

Fragrant celery seeds, which come from the flowers of the celery plant, have been used since ancient times to treat pain. A review published in the journal Progress in Drug Research states that celery seed extract has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in animal models.

According to Mount Sinai Health, celery seed may interact with blood thinners, lithium, and thyroid medications; If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to talk to your doctor before trying celery seed.

6. Cinnamon May Reduce Free Radical Damage

Although more research is needed, the Arthritis Foundation points to encouraging studies that show that “cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, both of which have antioxidant properties that help inhibit cell damage caused by free radicals. Like cloves, cinnamon also contains eugenol, an anti-inflammatory.

Cinnamon is delicious sprinkled on oatmeal or in a smoothie, but it’s not enough to get a therapeutic dose. However, if used in tandem throughout the day with other antioxidants, it can have a cumulative effect.

Warning: Don’t try to increase the dose by doing the “cinnamon challenge,” which involves swallowing huge teaspoons of the spice in less than a minute. A study published in January 2021 in Critical Care Medicine reports a high risk of aspiration, sometimes leading to acute respiratory distress and the need for ventilation.

Source : www.everydayhealth.com

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