Banish the Bloat: Spices that Soothe Psoriatic Arthritis
- Mar 22, 2024
So you've got psoriatic arthritis, a disorder that makes your joints throw a fiery tantrum. While medication plays the saving role of the fire brigade, what if we told you your humble kitchen spices could form a small volunteer help group? Before you roll your eyes and lament all those that proclaimed garlic to be the solution to world peace, hear us out. These everyday spices really can assist to cool down the inflammation party in your body with a wag of their anti-inflammatory fingers.
Dr. Ana-Maria Orbai, the queen of psoriatic arthritis management from Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, advises putting the brakes on the propaganda that these spices make your medications tumble down a cliff. These feisty ingredients aren't a cure-all but rather, a valuable support crew. Just like in a marathon, your meds are running the race and the spices are handing out the motivational water bottles.
Let's start with the golden child of the spice rack, turmeric. Packed with curcumin, it literally mutes the tantrum-y enzymes that light up inflammation. But be cautious not to go overboard, too much can upset your stomach and put your blood into lazy mode. Next, we have chili peppers with capsaicin, the Beyonce of spices. It not only brings flavors to a plateau but also reduces substance P, the sneaky culprit behind joint pain and inflammation. But remember, biting off more than you can chew may backfire. (Just ask the guy who ate a Carolina Reaper.)
Among other honorable mentions are cloves, ginger, celery seeds, and cinnamon. From antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation to managing various symptoms, they team up to give you a flavorful and beneficial diet. But remember, these spices are not fitness influencers peddling snake oil; they are real, research-backed additions to your regimen. Now go ahead and spice up, but remember to chit-chat with your doctor about it. They may adjust your medications accordingly and might even route you to a registered dietitian. Bring a little vigor back to your joints with a bit of sass and a spoonful of spice!