People with arthritis have been warned about two common fruits that could potentially worsen their symptoms.
Arthritis, a condition characterised by pain, swelling, inflammation and mobility issues, currently has no cure, but its symptoms can be managed. There are several different types of arthritis, and getting the right diagnosis is crucial.
The NHS reports the symptoms of arthritis can vary, but the common ones are:
- joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
- inflammation in and around the joints
- restricted movement of the joints
- warm red skin over the affected joint
- weakness and muscle wasting
The role of diet in managing arthritis is significant, with certain foods known to either alleviate or exacerbate the condition. The Physicians Committee has identified apples and tomatoes as potential “pain triggers”.
The 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 nightshade family species.
A study published in the Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications in 2013 explored the link between solanine and arthritis.
The study indicates: “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.”,
However, several health organisations are challenging this suggestion. The Arthritis Society Canada recommends keeping an eye on how one’s body reacts to food items rich in solanine.
In related developments, recent research has brought to light the fact that a drug commonly used to regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes may also have benefits for individuals with some autoimmune disorders. The medicine in question, Canagliflozin, influences T-cells – cells normally tasked with combating infections, which in autoimmune diseases may mistakenly attack healthy bodily tissue.
As a result of how Canagliflozin works on these cells, it could potentially provide relief to over 400,000 UK residents dealing with rheumatoid arthritis and another 50,000 battling lupus.