Nightshade Plants and Arthritis: Should PTs Care?
Nightshade Controversy: Implications for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune condition often accompanied by a myriad of symptoms. While dietary interventions can significantly impact disease management, the role of nightshade plants remains a topic of debate. A recent registration of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) looking at the role of nightshade plants and inflammation in those with RA will be exciting to read once finalized. Until then, let's look at these plants, how it impacts our PT patients, and how we shouldĀ educate our clients.
Nightshades, which include tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, have long been associated with increased inflammation. For individuals with RA, this association has raised concerns about potential exacerbation of symptoms. Part of the rationale for these plants causing inflammation is due to the solanine they contain.Ā Solanine is a glycoalkaloid, a type of chemical compound that serves as a defense mechan...
The Most Important Nutrient for Arthritis
By Dr. Sean M. Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN
There's always a blog or hot article on your newsfeed talking about a "miracle" nutrient or special vitamin. While many of these articles are complete clickbait or mere fluff to get you to buy their supplements, this article has some science and experience behind it. Now that we have that settled, I want to explore the one nutrient that I think has the biggest impact on clients with arthritis: fiber.Ā
Arthritis comes in several forms but the 2 most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We as physical therapists (PTs) often help clients with both of these diseases. From exercises, manual therapy, modalities, dry needling, and education -- our roles as PTs is to help our clients move better and reduce their pain. So, how does all this physical therapy talk for OA and RA fit in with fiber?Ā
Fiber is uniquely a plant-based product that is essentially indigestible to human guts. Fiber c...
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