Arthritis sufferers in the UK, numbering in the millions, have been cautioned about two everyday fruits that could exacerbate their condition. Arthritis can lead to pain, swelling, inflammation and mobility issues.

While there is no known cure for arthritis, symptom management is possible. Diet can significantly impact the severity of the condition, with certain foods acting as “pain triggers”, according to the Physicians Committee.

Apples and tomatoes are among the foods listed as common triggers. The report stated: “While genetic factors are important, studies show that lifestyle factors, including diet, play a role. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, a diet change could help you, and perhaps even eliminate your pain entirely.

“In research studies, many people who cut out certain trigger foods find that their pain improves or goes away. When those foods are gone, so is the inflammation.

“A survey of more than 1,000 arthritis patients revealed that red meat, sugar, fat, salt, caffeine, and nightshade plants most commonly worsen the condition.”

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

The research paper stated: “Solanine is a toxic compound produced in nightshades family such as potato, tomato and eggplant when exposed to light. The current study was carried out on 18 female postmenopausal albino rats to investigate the effect of solanine on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

“The data of the present study showed that old age and postmenopausal suffering from arthritis and joint swelling must eliminate or avoid the nightshades plants to alleviate the joint pain and also decrease the destruction of the tissues.”

While this assertion might ring alarm bells for some, it’s worth noting that various health bodies have raised questions regarding the validity of these claims. Specific advice comes from The Arthritis Society Canada, which encourages individuals to observe how their body responds to foods containing solanine.

In related news, just last month, researchers discovered a type 2 diabetes medication that not only regulates blood sugar but could assist those with certain autoimmune diseases. The medication in question, Canagliflozin, appears to target T-cells – essential in fighting infections but sometimes mistakenly attacking healthy tissue in autoimmune sufferers.

This finding could spell new hope for over 400,000 UK citizens battling rheumatoid arthritis and another 50,000 coping with lupus.

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