Diet Science

Diet Science


The Arthritis-Nightshade Connection: Myth or Reality?

October 13, 2024

There is scant scientific evidence that compounds found in nightshade vegetables—such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants—aggravate the pain and inflammation of arthritis. However, some people with arthritis feel that eating nightshades make their condition worse...and decades of research by a horticulture professor at Rutgers University may explain why. Listen in this week as Dee dives into the science behind the connection and examines whether nightshades truly contribute to inflammation and joint pain. 

References:

Childers N.F., & Margoles M.S. (1993). An apparent relation of nightshades

(Solanaceae) to arthritis. Journal of Neurological and Orthopedic Medical

Surgery, 12, 227-231.

Krasowski, M. D., McGehee, D. S., & Moss, J. (1997). Natural inhibitors of cholinesterases: Implications for adverse drug reactions. Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia, 44(5 Pt 1), 525–534. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2877586/