What Are Nightshades? Nightshades belong to a family of plants known as Solanaceae, most of which we would consider weeds (1). Solanaceae contains a variety of naturally occurring drugs known as alkaloids which protect the plant from insects, predators and disease (3). Popular nightshades that may be on your dinner table tonight include, tomato, potato, and all pepper varieties except peppercorns. Others in this family include eggplant, okra, goji berries, tomatillas, sorrel, gooseberries, ground cherries, tobacco, paprika, cayenne pepper and pepino melons. (4, 1) Do Nightshades Increase Inflammation? Human health concerns stem from a variety of sources linked to nightshades. As with many other food allergens, such as gluten sensitivity, individuals may be more or less allergic to different types of nightshades. Such factors that determine sensitivity include the concentration and type of alkaloid present as well as the tolerance the individual has and the ability to deactivate and detoxify the compounds. *Many individuals can consume high levels of these foods without ever having negative health issues. Others will have inflammatory flares with even small consumption.*
Alkaloids Cause Nervous System Imbalances Alkaloids are referred to as pro-inflammatory markers (1). Examples of these naturally occurring drugs might already be of familiarity to you: Common Alkaloids and Their Sources: Solanine Potato and eggplant Tomatine- Tomato Nicotine- Tobacco Capsaicin- Peppers Just like tobacco, these alkaloids might be partially to blame for your addictive behaviors to some foods. Solanine has been studied to inhibit cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, and acts like the less favored identical twin. Acetycholine serves as the body s messenger and is responsible for stimulating nerves, muscles and glands.
Excessive acetylcholine results in over stimulation. Toxic levels of acetylcholine lead to nervous system problems including anxiety, depression, behavioral disturbances, lethargy, cognitive issues, muscle stiffness and insomnia. (6, 1) Solanine & Tomatine Solanine is a glycoalkaloid or an alkaloid compound combined with a sugar molecule. Solanine is primarily found in potatoes and tomatoes contain a similar compound called tomatine. When the body metabolizes solanine, the sugar cleaves off creating a compound called solanidine. While this isn t immediately toxic in amounts taken in through our diet, the solanidine can store in the body and may be released during times of stress. This can aggravate the joints, the digestive system, brain and skin (12, 13,14). Solanine and other steroid alkaloids are produced in a similar manner as chlorophyll and are concentrated in the green portions of the plant. Therefore, green tomatoes have higher amounts of this compound than red tomatoes and sprouting or green potatoes have higher amounts than regular potatoes.
Capsaicin Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in hot peppers and is commonly recognized for its antiinflammatory properties. This is an alkaloid compound that can be inflammatory in some individuals and anti-inflammatory in others depending upon how their body tolerates and metabolizes it. Capsaicin releases substance P which is a neuropeptide that helps with the communication process of the pain messages. After the initial irritation of contact with capsaicin and the release of substance P, there is a refractory period of deadened sensation as you have also noticed when the third and fourth bites of salsa aren t as shocking. (15) This is the mechanism that gives capsacin a pain-relieving effect that is often used topically as an analgesic for osteoarthritis. (16) Avoid Hidden Dangers of Inflammation The hidden dangers of nightshades lurk in every aisle at the grocery store and any restaurant or pharmacy. Maybe you have eliminated all known produce sources and any product originating from those food sources, or so you thought. Here are just a few ways to identify where your symptoms of inflammation might be coming from.
1. Read ingredient lists on the back of manufactured foods. The term spices, seasonings, or Italian likely contain paprika or tomato and should be avoided. 2. Become an educated foodie. Muenster cheese, mayonnaise, croutons, mustard, margarine and even deli meat contain paprika. 3. Food additives are incorporated for a variety of reasons from adding color to increasing shelf life or giving the product bulk. Anything labeled starch, food starch, or modified food starch is likely sourced from potato. These additives are common in packaged foods, vitamin supplements, topical medications, prescription drugs, and even some homeopathic remedies which contain belladonna.