Potatoes are generally not considered inherently bad for arthritis for most people.
The idea that potatoes and other "nightshade" vegetables worsen arthritis symptoms is a common myth. Here's a breakdown:
- Nightshade Vegetables: Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers belong to the nightshade family.
- The Myth: There is a widespread belief that nightshades can aggravate arthritis symptoms, particularly Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
- The Reality: According to available evidence, there's no conclusive scientific evidence supporting the claim that nightshade vegetables, including potatoes, worsen arthritis symptoms. As stated in one reference, "There's no hard evidence that foods from the nightshade family are a problem."
Therefore, unless you have a specific sensitivity or allergy to potatoes confirmed by a medical professional, you don't necessarily need to avoid them if you have arthritis.
