Certain drinks, such as coffee, green tea, and some fruit juices, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, more research is necessary to determine the exact benefits.

PsA is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Although there is no cure, treatment aims to prevent joint damage and reduce inflammation.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), an overall healthy diet can help reduce inflammation for people with PsA.

This article examines which drinks to include as part of a healthy diet to reduce PsA symptoms, which drinks to avoid, and when to speak with a doctor.

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A 2022 article summarizes research that suggests moderate coffee consumption of up to 3 cups per day may improve inflammation. However, the article’s authors suggest that consuming more caffeine than this may worsen inflammation.

The article’s authors suggest coffee’s benefits may be due to the presence of polyphenols and the inhibition of cytokines, which promote inflammation as part of the normal immune response against pathogens.

However, the article focuses on psoriasis rather than PsA. Although PsA can occur in people with psoriasis, more research is necessary to determine coffee’s effect on PsA, specifically.

Black, white, and green teas are rich in polyphenols.

Green tea may be especially beneficial as an anti-inflammatory, as it contains the polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG has powerful tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, further research is necessary to determine how much green tea a person would need to drink to receive the full benefits of these polyphenols and whether they can benefit PsA symptoms.

Another 2022 article suggests that certain fruits have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people with inflammatory conditions, such as PsA.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the best fruits for arthritis include:

  • Grapes: White and darker grape varieties contain polyphenols, antioxidants, and a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called resveratrol.
  • Tart cherries: Dark red, tart cherries contain anthocyanin, a polyphenol called a flavonoid. Anthocyanin may have similar anti-inflammatory properties to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which could help relieve the symptoms of PsA.
  • Strawberries: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which may help reduce inflammation and lower a person’s risk of cholesterol problems, hypertension, and gout. Strawberries also contain anthocyanin and folic acid.
  • Watermelon: Watermelon contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of arthritis, heart attack, and some cancers. It may also reduce inflammation, which could help improve symptoms of PsA.
  • Avocado: Avocados are a good source of vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats.
  • Raspberries: Red raspberries may reduce system-wide inflammation and help prevent certain chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, which is a common comorbidity of PsA.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends consuming five portions of fruit or vegetables daily. Unsweetened juices made from 100% fruit can constitute one portion.

A 2023 study suggests drinking red wine in small quantities may reduce inflammation and pain. However, this study only examines women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Further research is necessary to determine the potential benefits for people with PsA.

The Arthritis Foundation highlights the potential anti-inflammatory properties of moderate amounts of alcohol but cautions against drinking excessive amounts.

People with PsA should also speak with a doctor before drinking alcohol in case it interferes with any medication they are taking as part of their treatment.

Staying properly hydrated with water can benefit the joints by lubricating them and fighting inflammation.

Water helps the body produce synovial fluid, which cushions the joints and reduces joint friction. When dehydrated, the body may have difficulty producing synovial fluid and joints may become more painful.

A 2022 review article suggests that high sugar consumption, including through sugary drinks, could aggravate inflammation and worsen inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

However, the study does not specifically look at sugar’s effect on PsA symptoms and inflammation.

An older study from 2015 suggests that alcohol consumption may also correlate to the risk of developing PsA. Alcohol may also interfere with certain treatments for PsA, such as NSAIDs.

Proper treatment is vital to slow the progression of PsA, so anyone with symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and stiff joints, should speak with a doctor.

People should also speak with a doctor before making changes to their diet to ensure they are making safe changes that do not interfere with their current treatment plan.

Some people may experience flare-ups after eating or drinking certain things. If this occurs, they should stop drinking the beverage that triggered a flare and speak with a doctor about how to manage their symptoms.

A healthcare professional may be able to suggest other food and drink options that could help reduce inflammation and prevent PsA flares.

Drinking certain beverages with ingredients rich in anti-inflammatory properties may help improve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. These include tea, coffee, fruit juices, smoothies, and water.

However, more research is necessary to prove if, and how, these drinks can benefit people with PsA.

People should speak with a doctor before changing their diet to ensure no new drinks will interfere with their treatment plan.