Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Dou you know if solanine can cause joint inflamation?
QUESTION:
I have had a problem for the past ten years with Rhumatoid Arthritis and/or
Inflamation of the Joints. The symptoms seem to be allergy related. For
instance I cannot tolerate potatoe at all, to a lesser degree tomatoe and
peppers. Also soy products cause my left knee to swell. Processed meats are
also a problem. I have been tested for Rhumatoid Arthritis and the tests
showed positive, but, I am not sure how much is also allergy related because
when I eat the above mentioned foods the symptoms get much worse. My question
is, have you any information that supports solanine causes joint inflamation or
affects people with Rhumatoid Arthritis?
ANSWER:
I have not heard, nor have I read or seen any cases in which tomatoes, peppers
or potatoes caused or aggravated rheumatoid arthritis. I didn't answer this for
a long time because, although I once heard tht it could increase symptoms of
gout, I have not been able to put my hands on any literature to that effect, or
do I remember where I heard it, so it probably is not true. You may have an
allergy that manifests itself with joint swelling, or recurring episodes of
rheumatoid arthritis may coincide without causality with eating solanaceous
plants. Solanine has a lot of bad effects, but i have not read that swollen
joints was one of them!