Nightshade Vegetables and Chronic Pain
What are Nightshade vegetables?
Nightshade vegetables include many commonly used vegetables such as potatoes (excluding sweet potatoes), eggplants, tomatoes, tomatillos, pimentos, tobacco, and paprika. It is believed that nightshade vegetables can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia. 
Nightshades contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid, which is toxic if consumed in large amounts. This compound may influence the enzymatic reactions which involves calcium. As a result, the bones and joints are weakened. Solanine acts as an irritant which leads to inflammation at the nerve endings and joints. If consumed in high doses it is toxic and can result in the weakening of the bones and joints. The reaction to nightshades is not to be confused with a conventional “food allergy”; there’s not an actual allergic reaction to the toxin, just that it isn’t being filtered out like it should. Solanine is found in the green parts of a nightshade vegetable so it is wise to remove the green parts before eating and ripe vegetables are a better choice. Cooking does not destroy this toxin so always take care while eating nightshade vegetables.
Nightshades and Chronic Pain
In general, the human body is capable of managing the toxin levels present in fully ripe and well-chosen vegetables. But the body of a patient with chronic inflammation and pain is already stressed with high toxin levels. Once a patient with arthritis or fibromyalgia consumes nightshade vegetables, it will lead to an increase in the toxic level and stress. That’s why many patients complain about pain and inflammation in their joints after eating nightshade vegetables.
Determining Your Sensitivity to Nightshades
To find out if nightshade vegetables really affect you, eliminate them from your diet for one month. A relief from your joint pain during this period is a clear indicator of sensitivity. After one month, slowly introduce nightshade vegetables to your diet (one vegetable per week). Monitor your body for changes and if you find that the pain increases, you can identify the particular nightshade vegetable which exacerbates your symptoms. Pay careful attention to processed foods that list “spices” as an ingredient because this non-specific ingredient commonly includes paprika.
Living with Sensitivity to Nightshade Vegetables
The effect of what food on inflammatory symptoms varies significantly for every individual. In the end, it is up to you to decide whether or not to avoid nightshade vegetables. It is difficult to totally avoid nightshade vegetables but elimination is the simplest way to control your symptoms. While consuming processed food, take care to check the labels. And celebrate when your condition improves significantly.
Reference: www.articledoctor.com and www.noarthritis.com.
Elevate Family Chiropractic
