What are nightshades?
Nightshades are a family of plants which are also known as Solanaceae. Many of which are common foods and spices such as:
Ashwagandha
Eggplant
Goji Berries
Peppers (Bell, Cayenne, Chili, Paprika)
Pimentos
Potatoes
Tobacco
Tomatillo
Tomatoes
Many of which are food staples in households around the world making it near impossible to avoid them without making everything from scratch. This is why I’ve decided to gather the recipes and tips I’ve learned over the last 7 years since discovering my own severe sensitivity to nightshades.
However, nightshades can be found in some very unexpected places making it even more difficult to find safe processed foods or to eat at restaurants. Unfortunately nightshades are a cheap and effective source of flavor and anti-caking agents. Potato starch, for instance is used in many foods and products including but not limited to:
Shredded cheeses
Protein powders
Breads
Pastries
Medications
Health and beauty products
Maltodextrin
Modified food starch
Paprika is another nightshade that is found in places one might not expect, such as:
Condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressing, sauces, etc.)
Broths
Soft drinks
Cheeses
Processed meats
Spices
Flavoring
Natural colors
Caramel color
Why avoid them?
People avoid nightshades due to a sensitivity to their effects. In the Nightshade Free and Cholinesterase Inhibitor Sensitivity Support Group on Facebook, we took a poll of the symptoms that people experience. Below are results of that poll with the symptoms experienced in the order of most to least common:
Inflammation
Joint pain
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Brain fog
Headaches/migraines
Anxiety
GI pain
Severe itching without rash
Excessive mucus
Diarrhea
Depression
Skin rash/hives/eczema
Nausea
Insomnia
Confusion/brain fog
Bloating/gas
Vomiting
Anaphylaxis
Sinus pain/congestion
Painful fat/lipedema pain
Asthma
Facial swelling
Restless leg syndrome
Neuropathy
Sudden depression/feeling of impending doom
Debilitating back pain
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Fasciculation after exercise
Seizures
Tremors
Tongue swelling
Swallow automatism doesn’t always work
Cholinergic crisis
Mouth ulcers
Weight gain and retention
These are symptoms that many people experience without ever finding relief. It wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I found out about nightshades, if I hadn’t I would still be suffering from the debilitating pain. I hate for others to suffer needlessly which is why I started this blog. If you experience any of these symptoms after cutting out nightshades, look again for hidden nightshades. If you have found nightshades hiding in unexpected places, let me know so we can spread the word and keep others safe. I would love to hear and learn from others' experiences.