Night shades are a group of vegetables that contain similar chemicals within them that have been associated with toxicity and inflammation. These vegetables are also very nutrient dense which begs the question should they be avoided. The answer is not straight forward because not everyone is affected the same by them. Some people have reactions to a small quantity of them while others are ok with small amounts but have ill affects when they eat to much or to often. I suggest that any patient I have that suffering from chronic pain, auto-immune disease, skin sensitivity or intestinal issues should do an avoidance for a 4 week period. If they feel a difference in their symptoms they know that night shades affect them but the next question is do all of them need to be avoided. We then suggest adding one at a time that they wish to have in their diet to test the affect on them. I also use Allergy Testing as a guide if elimination attempts are inconclusive. I always stress kinesiology has its limits but elimination followed by reintroduction is usually most accurate test.
What Vegetables are Included?
- Tomatoes (all varieties, and tomato products like marinara, ketchup, etc.)
- Tomatillos
- Potatoes (white and red potatoes. However, sweet potatoes are not nightshades.)
- Eggplant
- All peppers (bell peppers, jalapeno, chili peppers, and hot peppers)
- Red spices (curry powder, chili powder, cayenne powder, red pepper)
- Paprika
- Pimentos
- Tobacco
- Goji berries
- Ground cherries (different from regular cherries)
- Ashwagandha
What are the Common Adverse Reactions?
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Fatigue
- Migraines
- Skin flares
- Digestive distress
- Flares to any preexisting conditions