There is no scientific evidence that firmly supports the notion that potatoes or tomatoes worsen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have never found a connection between my symptoms and these foods. Making a connection between the foods we eat and RA symptoms is hard to do because symptoms can vary from day to day for other reasons.
If you think a food made may be causing an increase in symptoms, I recommend keeping a food and symptom journal for several months. Write down everything you had to eat or drink as well as what activities you did that day and the symptoms you experienced. This can help you and your registered dietitian identify patterns in the foods you eat that might be linked to RA symptoms.
For now, the research that is available on diet and RA supports eating a mostly plant-based diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains along with healthy fats from vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish to help lower inflammation levels. Regular exercise can also help with pain, stiffness, fatigue and joint function.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.