Nightshade Science: Why They Cause Allergy, Intolerence and Inflammation (For Some of Us!)

Nightshades are a group of plants that belong to the Solanaceae family (pronounced "soh-luh-NAY-see-ee"). This family includes over 2,000 different plants that grow all over the world. Foods made from nightshade plants are incredibly popular and common - to the point where avoiding them can take a lot of effort!

What Are Nightshades?

Plants in the nightshade family produce natural chemicals, called alkaloids. These natural compounds help the plant to protect itself against pests and disease. They are completely natural and a smart way for plants to defend themselves!

For example, capsaicin is the alkaloid produced by chillies that causes the spicy sensation so many people love. As you can imagine, it's not something that bugs want to eat, so it's a smart move for a plant to produce this spicy chemical. Another familiar chemical produced by a nightshade plant is nicotine - that's right, the tobacco plant is a nightshade, too!

Some nightshades produce high levels of these chemicals, which makes them toxic. For instance, green potatoes contain solanine, an alkaloid that can cause poisoning in large quantities, even by people who don’t usualy have problems with nightshades. Deadly Nightshade, or Belladonna, is another member of the family and is very poisonous even in small amounts. However, most commonly consumed nightshades, such as ripe tomatoes or potatoes (without the green parts), contain only trace amounts of these chemicals and are safe for most people to eat.

Why Are Nightshades Causing Me Problems, If Everyone Else Can Eat Them?

While the chemicals in nightshades help protect the plant, they can cause problems for people who are sensitive to them. Here’s a closer look at the potential effects:

Allergy Symptoms:

Rash or hives

Itching or swelling (especially around the lips or throat)

Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath, wheezing)

Abdominal pain

Intolerance Symptoms:

Digestive discomfort (bloating, cramping, gas)

Diarrhea or constipation

Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting

Heartburn or acid reflux

Leaky Gut and Inflammation

Nightshade sensitivity can lead to a condition known as leaky gut, where the intestinal lining becomes damaged, leading to increased permeability. Although further research is needed to understand the possible link, this may cause inflammation in the gut, triggering further digestive discomfort and exacerbating symptoms.

If you have a leaky gut or other forms of gut inflammation, nightshades might worsen your condition.

Identifying Nightshade Sensitivity

If you suspect you have a sensitivity to nightshades, it’s important to work with a medical professional, particularly a dietitian, who can help guide you through an elimination diet. This process allows you to carefully remove nightshades from your diet to determine if they are causing your symptoms, and gradually reintroduce them to identify safe amounts.

Everyone’s tolerance to nightshades can vary, and some people may be able to enjoy small portions without experiencing any adverse effects. Being unnecessarily strict can limit your nutrition and social interactions, so it’s essential to find a balance that works for you.

Getting Help to Live your Best Life Without Nightshades

If you’re struggling with nightshade sensitivities, I’m here to help! My website and Facebook page provide information, advice, and support for living nightshade-free. I offer personalised coaching and resources to help you navigate a world full of nightshades while still enjoying your meals. Whether it’s meal planning, recipe development, or advice on managing your symptoms, I can guide you through a tailored approach to living nightshade-free.

Consulting a professional, coupled with the right resources, can make a big difference in improving your quality of life. Feel free to reach out for support or check out the content on my site to learn more about living yor best life without nightshades.