Nightshade Allergy Symptoms & Intolerance

15 Most common nightshade fruits and vegetables 

• Tomatoes
• Okra
• Huckleberries
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Ground cherries
• White potatoes
• Sorrel
• Pepino melons
• Gooseberries
• Paprika
• Bell peppers
• Cayenne pepper
• Tomatillos
• Capsicum

Nightshade Allergy

Nightshades contain toxic chemicals known as alkaloids that protect the plants from molds and pests.The alkaloids commonly found in nightshade plants are solanine, capsaicin, and nicotine.

While capsicum allergy and other sensitivities to these alkaloids are uncommon, they can still occur. People often react adversely to these types of foods because they suffer from nightshade allergy or nightshade intolerance.

The unripe fruits or tubers, stems, and leaves of these plants have been found to contain the highest concentration of alkaloids and should not be consumed by persons with nightshade allergy or intolerance.

Although most people don’t suffer any ill effects from ingesting the alkaloids found in nightshades, green potatoes can be the cause of solanine toxicity in some people.

Nightshade Allergy Symptoms

 

Those allergic to the alkaloids contained in nightshades may develop any of the following symptoms if they ingest a vegetable from this plant family.

• Itchiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin Rashes
• Hives
• Inflammation
• Muscle and joint aches
• Excessive mucus secretion

Nightshades and arthritis: It is believed that nightshade veggies can cause inflammation or worsen the symptoms of inflammatory health conditions like arthritis.

Nightshade Intolerance Symptoms

Compared to food allergies, food intolerances are usually less severe and tend to affect the digestive system only. People suffering from nightshade intolerance lack the enzymes required to digest these type of foods properly. Nightshade intolerance can lead to the following:

• Nausea
• Bloating and gas
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea

Nightshade Substitutes

The symptoms associated with a food allergy can be avoided by eliminating the food that’s causing the problem from your diet. Although blueberries, huckleberries, and goji berries are not nightshades, they include similar alkaloids and should be avoided along with the rest.

Those aiming to cut their intake of nightshades might find the following substitutions beneficial.

• Sweet potatoes or cauliflower in place of white potatoes
• Beets, carrots, and grapes instead of tomatoes
• Mushroom (shiitake or portobello) for eggplant
• Celery, zucchini, or radishes in place of bell peppers
• Ground black pepper or ground white pepper for cayenne pepper
• Cumin or turmeric instead of paprika
• Cranberries or raisins in place of goji berries

These substitutes are recommended because of their similarity in texture, taste, or versatility.

In some cases, alkaloids can cause anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. As such, you should seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the signs listed below:

• Swelling in the facial area including the mouth and throat
• Consistent coughing
• Breathing difficulties
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Shock
• Low pulse

Make sure you contact the emergency services immediately if you are experiencing anaphylaxis. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, lay down on your back with your feet elevated. A shot of epinephrine might be administered to help reduce the allergic reaction’s severity.

The effects of nightshades on pre-existing conditions

Most people believe that nightshades can worsen the symptoms of people with pre-existing medical conditions such as:

• Functional digestive disorders: These include bloating, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although nightshade veggies seem to aggravate digestive disorder symptoms in some individuals, there is not clear scientific evidence supporting the link between nightshades and the worsening of these medical conditions. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation encourages people with arthritis to include nightshade fruits and vegetables in their diets.

• Autoimmune diseases: These include celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system attacks healthy body cells mistakenly, causing inflammation and tissue damage. The natural chemicals contained within nightshades might stimulate this kind of immune response, worsening the condition.

• Leaky gut syndrome: Nightshades contain lectins, a type of protein that can damage the intestinal barrier and cause the leaky gut syndrome. In such a case, proteins that usually stay inside the small intestine can get into the bloodstream.

Those who suspect they have nightshade allergy or intolerance should maintain a consistent record of their symptoms and keep a food diary. Avoiding nightshade veggies for at least four weeks might also be helpful.

Individuals with severe allergic reactions should seek advice from a doctor before reintroducing nightshades into their diets.