Nightshade vegetables are vegetables that come from a group of vegetables that belong to the “solanaceae” family. They are known to cause inflammation, such as joint pains, and other conditions, and can trigger chronic illnesses.
What are the nightshade vegetables and fruits?
Here is a full comprehensive list:
- Ashwagandha
- Bush Tomatoes (Native to Australia)
- Cape gooseberries (Also known as ground cherries, not the same as regular cherries.)
- Capsicums
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili pepper flakes
- Chili powder
- Chinese five-spice powder
- Cocona
- Curry powder
- Curry spice powder
- Eggplants/Aubergines
- Garam masala spice
- Garden Huckleberries (Different from regular huckleberries.)
- Goji berries
- Hot sauce
- Kutjera
- Most spice blends
- Naranjillas
- Paprika spice
- Pepinos
- Peppers (including bell peppers, sweet peppers, chili peppers, jalapenos.)
- Pimentos
- Red pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Steak seasoning
- Tomarillos
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes (including marinara, and ketchup)
- White Potatoes
- Tobacco
Are Nightshades inflammatory?
Nightshade vegetables contain alkaloids called Solanine. Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that act as an insect and mold repellent. Solanine in high concentrations can be deadly. For example, Solanine poisoning has occurred from eating green potatoes. There are no scientific studies that show these can cause inflammation, however, many people with arthritis and chronic diseases have found they are more sensitive towards these fruits and veggies.
Who should avoid nightshade vegetables? Should you avoid them?
Not everyone has all the same effects with nightshade vegetables.
The best way to know how a specific food is impacting you is by trying an elimination diet where you remove the food for 30 days, and record how you feel. After the 30 days you can start to re-introduce the foods back in and record how you feel as you reintroduce it back into your diet.
So of course, please use your own discernment, and test yourself through an elimination diet, and food journaling. You know your own body best!
And certainly not everyone needs to avoid them. People who may have nightshade issues are those with:
- Reumatoid Arthritis
- Any joint issues
- Digestive issues or “IBS”
- Autoimmmune disease (Hashimoto’s, graves, lupus, etc)
What are the common symptoms of Nightshade intolerance?
Everyone is different and they may vary:
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Brain fog
- Hives and skin rashes
- Flare ups with any preexisting conditions
- Digestive issues like bloating, loose stools, and nausea
- Fatigue
- Migraines
Another thought to consider is that, if you’ve been chronically ill or inflamed for quite some time, you may not even notice or have any visible intolerance to these fruits and veggies.
What alternatives are there? Instead of:
| White Potatoes | Use: sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, parsnips, plantains, rutabaga. |
| Tomatoes | Use: pumpkin, butternut squash, beets. |
| Bell Peppers | Use: celery, cucumbers, radishes, carrots. |
| Chilli & Cayenne Pepper | Use: black or white pepper, turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, cloves. |
| Eggplant | Use: mushrooms, zucchini |
I would also recommend if you do eat nightshade vegetables or fruits to eat them when they are ripe. If they’re over ripe such as white potatoes that have roots, and are green, do not eat those. Try to avoid eating them raw, and cook them before eating them, and make sure to un-peel them and not to eat the skin. Even though they may cause inflammation, they’re still full of nutrients and health benefits.
My personal Experience
So I love tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and I’m a big Italian pizza and pasta girl. And unfortunately, I do have sensitivities to these vegetables and fruits. I especially feel joint pain, fatigue and skin rashes. I tend to avoid these for the most part. But your girl still needs some pizza and pasta sometimes and I do allow myself to eat it sometimes with reason because I don’t want to deal with the aftermath. Or if I’m wanting pasta, I just get a sauce without any tomatoes, or eggplants. I try not to make a big deal out of it and find alternatives or try to eat at home. I really hope this post helped! Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter and stay in touch!
