Nightshades are a botanical group known as solanaceae — making up over 92 varieties and 2,000 species. The connection of nightshades and arthritis-type disorders was brought to the forefront largely by the efforts of Dr. Norman F. Childers, former Professor of Horticulture at Rutgers University. Dr. Childers knew first hand the agony of severe joint pain and stiffness. He discovered that after consuming a meal containing any tomatoes, he experienced severe pain. As his interest in the inflammatory responses to nightshades grew, he observed livestock kneeling in pain from inflamed joints — the livestock had consumed weeds containing a substance called solanine — a chemical known as an alkaloid, which can be highly toxic. Potatoes, another nightshade, especially those stored improperly or aged, have been known to cause toxic symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization — symptoms range from gastrointestinal and general inflammation, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness to migraines. It is believed the reason for the toxicity in potatoes is the solanine that is present in and around the green patches and the eyes that have sprouted.

It has been suggested that people who comment, “I cannot do without tomatoes or potatoes,” may be just as addicted to this specific group of foods as those addicted to tobacco, also a nightshade. Someday scientists may actually find and validate evidence that nightshade foods are as addicting as their tobacco cousin.

I have many clients with gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders who resist eliminating nightshades, even for an initial trial period of twelve weeks. Those who do, however, return to report the amazing improvement in symptoms of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches, arthritis, gout, carpal tunnel, irritable bowel and scleroderma, to name a few — after all, the only thing you have to lose is your discomfort! For more in-depth information and tips about Nightshades, see my books, Invisible Illnesses, and Pain and Inflammation Matters See Nightshade Quick Reference