Nightshade vegetables include many commonly used vegetables such as potatoes (excluding sweet potatoes), eggplants, tomatoes, as well as tomatillos, pimentos, tobacco etc. This is from a list prepared by the George Mateljan Foundation. Now, a section of people are of the view that these nightshade vegetables can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis, while some others believe that it is possible to improve arthritis symptoms by avoiding nightshade vegetables. There is not yet any confirmed evidence of the role of nightshade vegetables in arthritis symptoms and opinion about the issue still remains divided.
It has been found that solanine, which is a glucoalkaloid, is present in nightshade vegetables which is toxic if consumed in large amounts. This compound may influence the enzymatic reactions which involves calcium. As a result, the bones and joints are weakened. Solanine is found in the green parts of a nightshade vegetable and it causes irritation and inflammation particularly at the nerve endings and joints. So, it's wise to remove the green parts before eating. Ripe vegetables are a better choice and you should remove stalk, stem and leaves while you eat them. As even cooking fails to destroy this toxic substance, you should be careful while eating nightshade vegetables.
In general, human body is capable of managing the toxin levels present in fully ripe and well-chosen vegetables. But the body of an arthritis patient body is already stressed with high toxin levels. Once an arthritis patient consumes nightshade vegetables, it will lead to an increase in the toxic level and stress. That's why many arthritis patients complain about pain and inflammation in their joints after eating nightshade vegetables. Although there is no such definitive proof, more number of arthritis cases are usually found where nightshades consumption is on the higher side.
To find out of nightshade vegetables really affect an arthritis patient, it is advisable to avoid them completely for a month or so. If you experience some relief from your joint pain during this period, it is a clear indicator of your sensitivity towards nightshade vegetables. Then check out what happens by including them again in your diet. If you find that the pain increases, your earlier observation stands confirmed. In this way, you can also determine the particular nightshade vegetable which flares your arthritis symptoms.
Understandably, it is tough to totally avoid nightshade vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes but it is the simplest way to control your arthritis symptoms. But still try to avoid nightshade vegetables as much as possible in your diet. While consuming processed food, take care to check the label before using it. And when your condition improves significantly, consult your doctor before you start using them again.
The University of Washington, however, says in its website that no foods have been definitively shown to cause or exacerbate arthritis in most individuals. A variety of diets and hand-me-down information exists about certain foods and arthritis, in particular the nightshade vegetables, but none of it has been proven as yet. The effect of what food one consumes on his/her on arthritis symptoms vary significantly from person to person. In the final analysis, the onus is on the individual to decide whether or not to avoid nightshade vegetables.
