NANP Board Practice Exam

In terms of nutritional guidance, which foods are often found to aggravate rheumatoid arthritis?

1. Apples and bananas

2. Milk and cheese

3. Tomatoes and potatoes

4. Wheat and barley

The correct answer is: Tomatoes and potatoes

The relationship between certain foods and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often relates to the topic of food sensitivity and inflammation. The correct choice highlights tomatoes and potatoes, which belong to the nightshade family, known for containing alkaloids. Some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis report heightened inflammation or discomfort after consuming nightshade vegetables, though responses can vary significantly from person to person. Nightshades are believed to potentially aggravate symptoms in sensitive individuals, leading to discomfort and inflammation, which aligns with common dietary considerations for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding these foods helps in forming dietary strategies aimed at alleviating symptoms related to this autoimmune condition. The other choices, while they may have varying effects on different individuals, are generally not associated with the same level of concern in nutritional guidance for people with rheumatoid arthritis. For instance, wheat and barley contain gluten, which can affect those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity but are not universally problematic for all individuals with RA. Similarly, milk and cheese may cause issues for those who are lactose intolerant or have specific dairy sensitivities, but they do not consistently show the same level of aggravation as nightshades do for many RA patients. Apples and bananas are typically considered anti-inflammatory and are not linked to exacerbating RA symptoms.