Arthritis and diabetes both strike -- in years past, anyway -- when we reach the age of 60 and beyond. Now, I am hearing about young people suffering the whole gamut of spinal and other joint Pain, which Dr. Wallach blames on our diet of mineral-depleted foods. This is shocking, but there may be another cause we aren't considering.
One in three arthritics are sensitive to plants in the Nightshade family. I have been suffering pain, mostly in my shoulders (which have been injured years ago), but the pain has increased considerably in recent months -- and I've been puzzling over what might be causing it.
I knew that foods in the Nightshade family might be causing my problem, so I have been limiting my potato and tomato consumption, but there are so many other possibilities you might not suspect!
What is weird about the pain in my shoulders -- and any connection to Nightshade foods -- is that I have always loved hot peppers and never had any connection with arthritic pain from them in the past. So, despite this, I have been limiting my use of chili powder and jalapenos in my cooking... and still suffering this increased level of arthritis pain.
The list of Nightshade plants and sources, linked above, includes some things I had never considered, namely Ashwaganda, which I did start taking about the same time this problem started in earnest. So, that's my new "prime suspect".
There are other possibilities, including caffeine, but this has never given me any arthritic symptoms in the many years I've used it. Even dark chocolate is a suspect. (Now, that is a scary thought!)
If you're suffering from arthritis or gout, the list of Nightshade-related substances above may be very helpful to you. Everyone is different, so you'll need to play detective for yourself. Good luck!
For more general information on Arthritis and Diabetes, click the link below to read more.