Out To Get You

Tomatoes and Inflammation

Are tomatoes evil? They are according to tomatoesareevil.com; a web site dedicated to anyone who has a powerful fear of tomatoes.

The site offers some intriguing tomato trivia, but the “evil” claim appears to be tongue in cheek humor. Nevertheless, if you have arthritis, you just might think tomatoes are out to get you.

Bugs get bugged

I happened across tomatoesareevil.com when I was checking for information about foods that trigger inflammation and general discomfort for arthritis patients. Tomatoes don’t actually plot to harm you, of course, but they do contain solanine, an alkaloid known for its toxicity.

Potatoes, eggplants and peppers are also members of the Solanum family. These plants are known as nightshade plants, and the solanine in their leaves and roots provide natural protection against insects. For most of us non-insects, solanine is neutralized in the intestine. But because solanine foods often trigger joint pain, some researchers believe that arthritis patients may lack the intestinal mechanism that undoes solanine’s toxicity.

One report I found noted that a solanine-free diet won’t reduce joint pain right away, and for some patients it may have no effect at all. And according to a new study, those who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may require an entirely different dietary change in order to find relief.

Meat of the matter

Scientists at university research facilities in Norway and Sweden recently conducted a study to investigate reports that certain foods may increase RA severity. Their plan: Measure antibody response. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body as an immune response to the presence of antigens; substances the body perceives as toxic.

STUDY ABSTRACT

• Researchers recruited 14 patients with RA, and 20 healthy control subjects
• Blood samples and intestinal fluids were examined for antibody activity
• Irregular antibody response was significant among many of the RA patients, but not among the healthy subjects
• In particular, high levels of antibodies were detected in the intestines
• Researchers concluded that milk, pork, cod, eggs and cereal triggered antibody activity

In recent years, we’ve seen reports that a high intake of red meat might be linked to RA risk. This study sheds new light on that link, recognizing that certain people may be predisposed to develop RA when their diet includes plenty of high-protein foods.

More research is needed to clarify the RA/protein link. In the meantime, researchers point out that doctors should pay close attention when RA patients report suspicions about foods they think may play a role in the severity of their condition.

High C

While we’re on the subject of rheumatoid arthritis and diet

In the e-Alert “Behavior Mod Squad” (10/2/03), I told you about a University of Manchester (UM) study that analyzed the association between RA and dietary vitamin C intake among 25,000 subjects over an eight-year period. Only 73 subjects developed RA, and their diets had one thing in common: low intake of fruits and vegetables.

And almost two years later, I told you about another UM study in the e-Alert “Calming the Flame” (8/23/05). In that study, the UM team expanded on their previous research (again using the data from the cohort of 25,000 subjects) and found that subjects who consumed the most foods that contained two key carotenoids (zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoaxanthin) were significantly less likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis (a form of RA) compared to subjects who consumed the least of the two nutrients.

Good sources of zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoaxanthin include oranges, tangerines, watermelon, peaches, papaya, plums, nectarines, apricots, pumpkin squash, corn, carrots, cilantro and pickles.