Inflammation of the joints is the underlying problem in arthritis, but there are more than 100 types of the condition. Joint pain, swelling and reduced mobility are some of the main symptoms. Medications may help you alleviate your arthritis symptoms, but dietary changes can also be part of the solution. For example, eliminating foods that can trigger inflammation, such as nightshades, can help your arthritis.
Nightshades
Nightshades are a group of plants that grow during the night instead of growing during the day like most other plants. The nightshade plants include potatoes, tomatoes, all types of peppers, eggplants, paprika and cayenne peppers. Most of these vegetables and spices are commonly consumed in the American diet.
Arthritis and Nightshades
Nightshade vegetables and spices have the particularity of containing an alkaloid that can trigger general inflammation and exacerbate your joint inflammation if you have arthritis. If you regularly eat these alkaloid-containing foods, you could have a buildup of the inflammatory substances they contain, which contribute not only to inflammation but also to muscle spasms, pain and stiffness. Up to 70 percent of arthritis sufferers see improvements in their symptoms by eliminating nightshade foods from their diet, according to the 1993 issue of "Journal of Neurological and Orthopedic Medical Surgery."
Eliminate Nightshades
If you have arthritis and want to see if dietary changes could help control your arthritis symptoms, start keeping a food journal. You can also use a free app or online tracking tool to track your diet, but make sure you take notes about your arthritis symptoms as well. Eliminate all nightshades, including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and all types of peppers, for a period of at least four to six weeks. If nightshades are contributing to your joint inflammation, you should see gradual improvements by the end of your trial period.
Other Factors to Consider
Wheat, gluten, the protein casein found in dairy products and chemical sensitivities can also be responsible for arthritic pain. You can do another trial period eliminating all of these potentially offending foods for four to six weeks to determine whether a complete anti-arthritis diet works for you. Consult a registered dietitian with experience in the field to help you design a balanced diet while eliminating all foods that can contribute to inflammation.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis-Related Statistics
- PubMed Health: Arthritis
- Weston A. Price Foundation; Nightshades; March 2009
- Arthritis Nightshade Research Foundation: An Apparent Relation of Nightshades (Solanaceae) to Arthritis
- NaturalNews.com; Revealed: which Fruit and Vegetable Juices Alleviate Arthritis Pain Without Drugs or Surgery; June 2005
