Consumption of apples and tomatoes may worsen condition of arthritis sufferers

Millions of arthritis sufferers in the UK have been warned that daily consumption of apples and tomatoes could worsen their condition, the Mirror reports.

Arthritis, which can cause pain, swelling, inflammation and problems moving around, has no known cure but symptoms can be managed. According to the medical committee, diet is a key factor in this management, with certain foods acting as "pain triggers". Among these factors are apples and tomatoes.

The report states:

"Although genetic factors are important, studies show that lifestyle factors, including diet, play an important role. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, changing your diet could help, and perhaps even eliminate your pain altogether. In research, many people who exclude certain foods that trigger rheumatism find that their pain improves or disappears."

"When those foods disappear, so does the inflammation. A study of more than 1,000 arthritis patients revealed that red meat, sugar, fat, salt, caffeine and nightshades most often worsened the condition," the report added.

Both apples and tomatoes contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison found mainly in species of the nightshade family. A study published in the Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications in 2013 examined the link between solanine and arthritis.

The report highlights:

"Solanine is a toxic compound that forms in a family of nightshade plants such as potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants when exposed to light. The present study was conducted on 18 postmenopausal female albino rats to investigate the effect of solanine on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Data from the present study suggest that elderly and postmenopausal people suffering from arthritis and joint swelling should eliminate or avoid nightshade plants to relieve joint pain and also reduce tissue destruction."

Granted, there is some controversy here, as other health experts have raised eyebrows at these claims. The Arthritis Society of Canada advises people to see how their own body reacts to foods containing solanine. | BGNES