Ask Tufts Experts

Are nightshade foods like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant bad for arthritis?

There is essentially no evidence behind that popular belief, says Carol J. Henderson, PhD, RD, a spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation. “Research” on the topic is based largely on one doctor’s own eating patterns and the results from mail-in surveys he included in cookbooks.

Even if a person does feel better after eliminating nightshade foods, there’s no way of knowing if the improvement is truly due to their absence. Arthritis symptoms can flare and subside erratically.

Your article last month on traveling abroad did not mention the risk of clots forming in the leg—and possibly traveling to the heart or lungs—if you’ve been sitting still for a long time on a plane or bus. Is there anything other than standing and stretching frequently to avoid them?

Moving your legs at least once an hour during travel is an important part of preventing deep vein thrombosis, the serious—though relatively uncommon—condition you describe. You can do exercises in your seat, such as flexing your calf muscles and ankles, and walk around, if possible. Both help keep blood flowing. Drinking plenty of fluids helps blood circulate, too.

People at increased risk for deep vein thrombosis should take extra care to follow these measures. They include those who have a history of clots, cancer, or have recently undergone surgery.