Rheumatoid arthritis: Discover the foods that can trigger this disease
If you've ever dreamed of being chased by a giant tomato with ferocious chomping teeth, you just might have arthritis.
For arthritis patients especially those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) certain foods can help or hinder arthritis symptoms. But many patients aren't aware of the effects these foods produce.
Bugs get bugged
Tomatoes are evil, according to a web site called tomatoesareevil.com, which is dedicated to anyone who has a powerful dislike of tomatoes.
I happened across tomatoesareevil.com when I was checking for information about foods that trigger inflammation and general discomfort for arthritis patients. Tomatoes don't actually plot to harm you, of course, but they do contain solanine, an alkaloid known for its toxicity.
Potatoes, eggplants and peppers are also members of the Solanum family. These plants are known as nightshade plants, and the solanine in their leaves and roots provide natural protection against insects. For most of us non-insects, solanine is neutralized in the intestine. But because solanine foods often trigger joint pain, some researchers believe that arthritis patients may lack the intestinal mechanism that undoes solanine's toxicity.
One report I found noted that a solanine-free diet won't reduce joint pain right away, and for some patients it may have no effect at all. Meanwhile, a study from Europe shows that rheumatoid arthritis patients may require an entirely different dietary change in order to find relief.
To read the rest of the article click here
Click here to send to a friendShare thisPrinter friendly version
