Nightshades are a group of plants that belong to the Solanaceae family. Some common examples include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. While these foods are staples in many diets around the world, there has been some debate about whether or not they are actually healthy for you. In this blog post, we will explore the potential health effects of nightshades, and whether or not they are something you should be avoiding in your diet.
What are Nightshades?
Nightshades are a family of plants that contain a compound called solanine, which is toxic in large doses. This compound is found in the leaves, stems, and green parts of the plant, but not in the fruit. This is why it is safe to eat the fruit of nightshade plants, but not safe to eat the leaves or stems. Some common nightshades include:
-Tomatoes -Peppers (bell peppers, chili peppers, etc.) -Eggplants -Potatoes (white and sweet potatoes) -Tobacco
Some other plants that are not commonly considered nightshades but are part of the Solanaceae family are: -Goji berries -Ground cherries -Tomatillos
Potential Health Effects
Arthritis
One of the most commonly cited potential health effects of nightshades is that they can cause or worsen arthritis. This is because they contain a compound called solanine, which has been found to cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation can lead to joint pain and stiffness, which can be especially problematic for people with arthritis.
A study published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine found that a diet free of nightshades improved symptoms in 67% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it’s important to note that the study had a small sample size and more research is needed to confirm the findings.
Autoimmune Diseases
Nightshades have also been linked to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. This is because the solanine in them can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Autoimmunity found that people with autoimmune diseases tend to have higher levels of antibodies to nightshade plants. However, it’s important to note that the study did not prove causality and more research is needed to confirm the link.
Digestive Issues
Some people may also experience digestive issues after consuming nightshades. This can be due to solanine, which can cause inflammation in the gut. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.
A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tend to have worse symptoms after consuming nightshades. However, it’s important to note that the study did not prove causality and more research is needed to confirm the link between nightshades and IBD.
Other Potential Health Effects
In addition to the health effects listed above, they have also been linked to other health issues such as migraines, skin conditions, and kidney stones. However, more research is needed to confirm these links.
Are Nightshades Bad for Everyone?
It is important to note that not everyone will have a negative reaction. Some people may be able to consume them without any problems, while others may experience negative side effects. Factors such as genetics, gut health, and overall health status can all play a role in how your body reacts. Additionally, if you have a specific health condition, such as arthritis or an autoimmune disease, it may be beneficial to speak with your healthcare provider about whether or not nightshades could potentially worsen your symptoms.
If you suspect that they may be causing negative side effects for you, it may be worth trying an elimination diet. This involves removing nightshades from your diet for a period of time and then slowly reintroducing them to see if any negative side effects occur. This can help you determine if nightshades are a problem for you and if they should be avoided in your diet.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, nightshades are a group of plants that belong to the Solanaceae family and contain a compound called solanine. Some studies have shown that they may cause or worsen symptoms in some people with conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases and digestive issues, but more research is needed to confirm these links. If you suspect that nightshades may be causing negative side effects for you, it may be worth trying an elimination diet to determine if they should be avoided in your diet. As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.
References
- “Nightshades and Autoimmune Disease.” The Autoimmune Protocol, autoimmune-protocol.com/nightshades-autoimmune-disease/.
- “The Nightshade Vegetables: Health Dangers and Benefits.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271175.
- “Nightshades and Inflammation.” The Weston A. Price Foundation, westonaprice.org/health-topics/nightshades-and-inflammation/.
- “Nightshades and Arthritis.” The Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/foods-to-avoid-limit/nightshades-arthritis.
- “Nightshades and Digestive Health.” The National Center for Biotechnology Information, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820047/.
- “Autoimmunity to Solanaceae in Patients with Autoimmune Disease.” The Journal of Autoimmunity, Elsevier, 20 Jan. 2009, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896559208001670.
- “Orthomolecular Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.” The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, Jan. 1999, www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1999/articles/1999-v14n01-p001.shtml.
- “Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” The Journal of Gastroenterology, Springer Japan, 19 Jan. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/.
- Some research for this article compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT/OpenAI
