It's the question that gets emailed to me the most -- how can I change my diet to get rid of my arthritis? It's a question that people don't like the answer to when they are told that, according to most experts, there is no quick fix for arthritis by changing what you eat. There are people who claim that not eating nightshade vegetables makes a difference -- or eliminating certain other foods. Have you tried changing your diet to relieve arthritis symptoms?
Most of what I have read over the years on the subject of diet and arthritis suggested that, at most, some people may have food allergies or food sensitivities that make their arthritis worse. People are not the same, though, so there is only the process of elimination that will help determine which food is causing the sensitivity. That's a pretty daunting task -- to eliminate foods one by one to see if they change how you feel.
Related Resources:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Not Helped by Dietary Changes
- Are Elimination Diets Appropriate for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Diet and Arthritis - The Link Is Complex
- Fruits and Vegetables May Cut Arthritis Risk
- Arthritis & Diet Quiz
Join the Discussion:
Photo by Anne Clark (iStockphoto)
I was skeptical about whether or not nightshades were a factor in my mixed-type arthritis. I have had regular skin-prick type allergy testing, and although other allergies were found, I did not test positive for IgE based nightshade food allergy. So before trying a nightshade-free diet (NF diet), I ran a baseline for several weeks.
While maintaining my regular diet, I “scored” on a scale of 1-10, every symptomatic joint for redness, inflammation, & pain. From this I got daily totals, a daily average score, and a daily range, as well as weekly averages & ranges.
Following the baseline period, I then started an NF diet. I did not cheat on the food, and made sure I also avoided 2nd hand cigarette smoke, as nicotine is also a nightshade. Towards the end of the month, I began again to “score” my symptomatic joints.
Overall, I experienced an average 50% reduction in number of affected joints each day. My daily pain/redness/inflammation number averages were significantly decreased. Flares were less frequent, shorter, and less intense.
By quantifying my arthritis symptoms both with and without nightshades, I could see the effect of eliminating them. For me, it turns out that the sacrifice of eliminating this food group is worth it, in terms of reduced arthritis.
Do I consider myself cured? No. But I do consider myself improved.
Since remaining on NF diet, I have had a few occasions where exposure to pervasive 2nd hand smoke was unavoidable. I have noticed that within ten minutes in these environments, my finger joints begin to redden and swell.
I’m not sure that the mechanism behind nightshade sensitivity in arthritis is a true “allergy,” as Allergist/Immunologist MDs would describe it.
Anyone interested in more info on the theoretical and historical rationale for NF diet trial can research “Norman Childers” and “nightshades.”