Nightshade family vegetables are the most commonly used vegetables. Potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant are few examples of this family. The members of this family contain a chemical compound which when taken in high doses might flare up arthritis symptoms. Till date there no research study has been able to prove the effect of nightshade vegetables on arthritis patients.
Many of the arthritic patients consider Nightshade Vegetables to flare up the condition. There is no research study to support that nightshade vegetables can flare up arthritic condition. But if you feel that by removing these vegetables from your diet can improve your symptoms then go for it. But according to some people nightshade vegetables are useful for arthritic patients as these are low calorie, nutritious vegetables.
Common Vegetables of Nightshade Family
But the first question that arises is which vegetables constitute the Nightshade Family. Vegetables belonging to this family are called as nightshade because they are supposed to grow during night. Botanically nightshade family is known as Solanaceae Family. Most common nightshade vegetables are as follows:
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Garden Huckleberry
- Ground Cherries
- Tobacco
Significance of Nightshade Vegetables in Arthritis Patients
Nightshade vegetables contain solanine which is a glycoalkaloid. Properties of this compound are given below:
- This compound is toxic if consumed in high doses
- It has the potential to affect the enzymatic reactions which involve calcium hence resulting in weakening of the bones and joints.
- It acts as an irritant which leads to inflammation especially at the nerve endings and joints.
This compound (Solanine) is present in the green parts of the vegetable. Ensure that the green part is removed before consumption. It is better that you select ripe vegetables before buying. It is advisable for you to remove stalk, stem and leaves while you eat them. Even cooking does not destroy this toxic substance hence you need to be careful while consuming nightshade vegetables.
How Does a Nightshade Vegetable Affect Arthritis Patients?
Generally, the body can mange the toxin levels present in fully ripe and sensibly selected vegetables. But an arthritis patient’s body is already stressed and the toxin levels are high. Hence consumption of nightshade vegetables will add to the toxic levels and stress. Therefore many arthritis patients complain about pain and inflammation in their joints after consuming nightshade vegetables. You can call this coincidence but, the number of arthritis cases is more in the area where nightshades’ consumption is high.
How to Test Sensitivity towards Nightshade Vegetables?
The best way to check your sensitivity towards nightshade vegetables is to avoid them for a month completely. During the month of complete inhibition if you observe some joint pain relief, then it is clear that you are sensitive to nightshade vegetables. Then, one at a time introduce them into your diet and check for any increase in your joint pain. This process would help you in determining the specific nightshade vegetable which flares your condition.
How to Deal with Nightshades Sensitivity?
Complete inhibition of nightshade vegetables is difficult but it is the easiest method to control your symptoms. Tomatoes and potatoes are most frequently used nightshade vegetables in preparing sauces and base. Try to avoid nightshade vegetables in your diet. If you’re eating processed food then check the label before consuming it. And once your condition is completely under control then consult your doctor before you start using them.
I have been trying to find a list of all the nightshades and as of yet haven’t been able to. I have RA and wanna know all of what I have to avoid, does anyone know where I can find a full list of nightshades? I would greatly appreciate it!!!
You state: “There is no research study to support that nightshade vegetables can flare up arthritic condition.”
1400 subjects & a 20 year study doesn’t count?????
http://www.noarthritis.com/research.htm
And:
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=207&t=Arthritis
and:
“There is a class of foods known as nightshades which, when eliminated from the diet afford not only long term relief but in some cases an improvement in the development of joint deformity. The study regarding nightshades and arthritis was long term, 7 years”
from: http://www.rxalternativemedicine.com/articles/arthritis.html
Do your homework before you make blanket statements.
to Oliver Leveritte:
Over the last 20 years, researchers have debated whether or not there really is any connection between foods in the nightshade, or solanaceae family, and arthritis. Data has been growing to support the anecdotal evidence of many sufferers, including the publication in 1993 of a scientific study called An apparent relation of nightshades to arthritis.
the third reference you cited was this supposed study… it was based on surveys to which there were 1400 replies. the first reference you cited is referring to persons who have allergies to nightshades, and the second simply refers to the third.
there is no controlled, double blind research information that proves anything. as stated in the above quote from your second reference, it is still being debated but there is growing evidence to support the relationship btwn nightshades and arthritis.
Just because something is called a “study” doesn’t mean it truly is…
Check your info before you criticize someone else’s info; or in your own words, “do your homework before you make blanket statements.”
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I have one hip replaced, and plans were underway to replace both knees at once. Then I remembered an old man telling me about nightshade foods about 30 years ago, and my response was “poppycock!!” Well, now I was desparate enough to try anything. I’ve been avoiding potatoes,tomatoes, peppers, and the rest of the list including red meat for well over a year. I slipped and broke my quadriceps tendon that was already damaged by arthristis and had to have that reconnected and rehabed. I have no arthritis pain when it rains, during the night, etc. It’s a miracle!! I was hurting from head to toe, even my head joints hurt. I’m free!!! Carl
There seems to confusion re sweet potatoes. My naturopathic doctor did blood tests on me and suggested I omit ALL POTATOS, as well as Jerusalem chokes, yams, etc. I will admit, since eliminating all these from the diet, my hands wrists, ankles and feet have returned to their unswollen state, but the actual pain of arthritis in my fingers is still there.