Arthritis sufferers warned over eating two fruits that could make symptoms worse

From manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Diet can play a key role in managing the painful symptoms of arthritis, with certain foods acting as "pain triggers", according to the Physicians Committee

Arthritis sufferers have been warned that eating two everyday fruits could worsen their condition.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation and limited movement. Although the condition has no known cure, symptoms can be managed - including through diet. According to the Physicians Committee, certain foods act as "pain triggers".

Its report stated: "While genetic factors are important, studies show that lifestyle factors, including diet, play a role. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, a diet change could help you, and perhaps even eliminate your pain entirely. In research studies, many people who cut out certain trigger foods find that their pain improves or goes away.

"When those foods are gone, so is the inflammation. A survey of more than 1,000 arthritis patients revealed that red meat, sugar, fat, salt, caffeine and nightshade plants most commonly worsen the condition."

Both apples and tomatoes contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison found mainly in species of the nightshade family. A study published in the Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications in 2013 explored the link between solanine and arthritis.

The report stated: "Solanine is a toxic compound produced in nightshades family such as potato, tomato and eggplant when exposed to light. The current study was carried out on 18 female postmenopausal albino rats to investigate the effect of solanine on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

"The data of the present study showed that old age and postmenopausal suffering from arthritis and joint swelling must eliminate or avoid the nightshades plants to alleviate the joint pain and also decrease the destruction of the tissues."

The claims have been disputed, however. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the debate over nightshade fruits and vegetables' link to worsening rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis has 'sparked debates for decades'.

"People who feel worse after eating them clearly think they can," the foundation says. "Many doctors say that’s hooey. There’s little scientific evidence on either side, but a lot to be said for lived experience."

The foundation adds that, if you suspect you may be sensitive to nightshades, don’t eat them for two weeks, then slowly introduce them back into your diet, allowing about three days between each one.

“If these foods seem to increase your symptoms, avoid them and substitute other sources of key nutrients,” says Lona Sandon, PhD, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre in Dallas.

People can be sensitive to many foods, and anecdotally, a lot of people are sensitive to nightshades, the foundation concludes.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/health/arthritis-sufferers-warned-over-eating-30006638