Overview
Arthritis refers to group of chronic diseases that cause inflammation your joints. Treatment is geared toward reducing the intensity or frequency of your symptoms, which may include joint pain, swelling, redness, morning and daytime stiffness and in some cases, fever or disfigurement. While dietary changes are not known to cause or cure arthritis, a healthy diet limited in foods that may worsen your symptoms is important. Some professionals believe that nightshade vegetables are potential symptom triggers.
Function
Nightshade vegetables include potatoes, other than yams and sweet potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, hot peppers and the spice paprika. They contain substances called alkaloids, which influence digestive, nerve and muscle function. Some health-care practitioners and arthritis patients believe that these alkaloids may worsen inflammation and compromise joint function. Numerous claims have been made that eliminating nightshade vegetables from your diet can "cure" or reduce arthritic pain. However, these claims are not upheld by scientific evidence, according to Dr. Jason Theodosakis, director of the preventive medicine residency training program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and co-author of "The Arthritis Cure."
Determining Sensitivity
If you believe that nightshade vegetables contribute to your arthritis symptoms, eliminate them from your diet. If your symptoms improve and you haven't made other lifestyle or treatment changes, avoiding them continually may prove helpful. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests tracking your food intake and symptoms in a diary during an elimination diet and seeking guidance from your doctor or a registered dietitian for best results. After the elimination phase, your doctor may suggest reintroducing nightshade vegetables one by one to see if your symptoms increase.
Other Problem Foods
Certain foods other than nightshade vegetables are considered pro-inflammatory, meaning they may trigger or worsen inflammation and heighten joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Foods high in saturated fat, for example, promote inflammation, according to the UMMC. To reduce your saturated fat intake, limit or avoid red meat, processed meats, high-fat dairy products and fried foods, such as potato chips, french fries and doughnuts. Refined carbohydrate sources, such as enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods, may also worsen inflammation and leave less room in your diet for nutritious foods.
Helpful Foods
If you eliminate nightshade vegetables from your diet, replace them with nutritious alternatives, such as fruits and vegetables. Eating more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, may reduce inflammation, according to Arthritis Today. Omega-3 fatty acids, prevalent in salmon, albacore tuna, halibut, sardines, flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil, may also reduce inflammation and provide heart-healthy alternatives to saturated fat sources. Aim for a nutritious, balanced diet that helps your reach or maintain a healthy weight as well, since excess pounds can add strain to your joints.
source : livestrong.com
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