Having a strong family history of arthritis I try my best to do as much as I can to prevent this in myself. Part of my protocol is frequent Bikram Yoga classes, lots of good fats and oils, and being careful what I eat.

This week I had a little attention grabber, a "red flag". My right knee was very achy, and I hadn't injured it or done anything differently. It lasted for several days. I thought it could be the beginnings of an arthritic joint.

Then I realized there was one thing I was doing differently. I was eating the most delicious Jersey tomatoes that are very abundant now here in New Jersey.

I stopped eating them, and it went away.

Nightshade family plants are known to cause joint inflammation.

I try to tell that to my auntie who is wheelchair bound from arthritis, but she won't budge from her favorite foods which are the nightshades - tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers.

I am not saying this is the cause of all arthritis, but I firmly believe it is a contributing factor. Especially because as a former colon therapist I saw many people who had colon, digestive, and intestinal issues that also had arthritis (that also often accompanied psoriasis). I would informally survey these clients - many loved nightshades - particularly tomatoes - and they often ate lots of pizza and pasta.

Here are some recommendations about what foods and supplements are good for arthritis: