Ask the Dietitian: Why Is Hydration Important When You Live with PsA?

Research has established that proper hydration is important for overall health, joint health, and fighting inflammation.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts your joints and the tendons and ligaments that connect to bone. It can cause symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.

Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, but if you have PsA, proper hydration is even more important.

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What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural process in the body, and it’s not always bad. Inflammation can signal the body’s immune response to an illness, germs, or an external injury. In this way, inflammation can be part of the healing process.

Alternatively, inflammation can be caused by or tied to a medical condition. Inflammation can be marked by area redness, heat, pain, or swelling. Chronic inflammation can lead to long-term damage and disease.

PsA and hydration

There aren’t many studies on hydration and psoriatic arthritis, but research has established that proper hydration is important for joint health, fighting inflammation, and overall health. All of these factors can affect your PsA symptoms.

People with psoriasis and PsA are also at increased risk for other comorbidities that are impacted by inflammation, like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Staying properly hydrated can help your whole body feel better and perform at its best.

Water’s role with joints

Our cartilage is made up of about 65 to 80 percent water. Cartilage is a flexible tissue that covers the ends of our bones and helps them move over each other. Water can help our body lubricate and regenerate our cartilage.

The thin layer of fluid that delivers nutrients, creates a cushion, and decreases friction between joints is called synovial fluid. It’s made up of a lot of water. If you’re dehydrated, you may not be creating as much synovial fluid, which can cause friction and pain in your joints.

Other factors

Staying well hydrated can help flush out toxins and waste. Preventing the buildup of these toxins can relieve inflammation.

Additionally, some medications used to treat PsA can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids if you take medications for your PsA.

Tips for staying hydrated

Some people find it hard to drink enough water throughout the day. Here are some tips to keep you hydrated:

• Drink a tall glass of water when you wake up. We are most dehydrated first thing in the morning. Start your day off right by drinking some H₂O.
• All water counts. Whether you like tap water, mineral water, or sparkling water, all water counts toward your fluid intake. Choose water over other beverages most of the day.
• Tea and coffee can add a boost. Tea and coffee count toward your overall fluid intake, and they also boast some powerful antioxidants to help fight inflammation. Just ensure you don’t add a lot of sugar or sweeteners to these beverages.
• If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding lemon or lime. Infusion pitchers with a sieve column can infuse the water with your favorite fresh fruit. You can also find a variety of flavor enhancers at the store, but be mindful of those that have added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• Get a fun water bottle. There are water bottles that clearly mark how much water you have left to drink toward your daily goal. Maybe you prefer to sip out of a straw or a wide mouth. There are a variety of water bottles available to fit your preferences and make drinking your daily dose easier.

The takeaway

We have all heard that it’s important to stay hydrated for your health. There are many reasons why drinking plenty of water is a good idea, especially in the warmer months. And while there’s currently no direct link between psoriatic arthritis and hydration, drinking water regularly is a good idea to keep your joints as lubricated as possible.