If you’ve ever been told you have a positive ANA (antinuclear antibodies) or suspect autoimmune activity in your body, you may have heard about cutting out nightshades — but you might not be sure why, or whether it’s even necessary.
Let’s break it down in a simple, no-stress way so you can figure out what’s actually right for your body.
What Are Nightshades, Anyway?
Nightshades are a family of plants called Solanaceae that include:
- Tomatoes
- White potatoes
- Eggplant
- Peppers (bell, chili, paprika, cayenne)
- Goji berries
- Some spices (like chili powder, paprika)
They’re perfectly healthy for many people — full of antioxidants and nutrients. But for others, especially those with autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammation, they can be sneaky triggers.
Why Do Nightshades Bother Some People?
Nightshades contain compounds that can be irritating to the gut and immune system:
- Lectins: Can bind to gut lining and increase permeability (aka leaky gut)
- Alkaloids (like solanine): Natural pesticides that can provoke inflammation in sensitive individuals
- Capsaicin: Found in spicy peppers — may trigger digestive or joint issues
In people with autoimmunity or chronic inflammation, these compounds may poke the bear — activating the immune system in ways that keep the inflammation cycle going.
But How Do You Know If Nightshades Are a Problem?
Here are some signs nightshades might not be your friend:
- You feel worse after eating tomato sauce, salsa, potatoes, or peppers
You’ve got joint pain, skin rashes, or fatigue that worsens unpredictably
You have gut issues — bloating, pain, reflux — that flare with spicy or acidic meals
You have a positive ANA, thyroid antibodies, or other autoimmune markers
You’ve tried clean eating but still feel inflamed
The hard part is, reactions can be delayed by 1–3 days, and not always obvious — which is why we use an elimination protocol to find out.
How Long Should I Eliminate Them?
If you’re doing an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or a gut reset, it’s a good idea to remove nightshades for the 60 days.
Then, reintroduce one at a time:
- 1 food
- 3 days
- Watch for symptoms (joints, skin, mood, digestion)
If no reaction? You might tolerate that food!
If symptoms return? You’ve got your answer.
What If I Don’t Want to Give Up My Favorite Foods?
We get it. Sourdough, salsa, and roasted potatoes are yummy.
But if you’re dealing with chronic symptoms — pain, fatigue, brain fog, autoimmunity — you need clarity. Think of it as a temporary experiment to get answers your labs alone won’t show.
You can always bring foods back if your body says they’re safe. But you won’t know unless you test them the right way.
Final Thoughts from a Health Coach
We see this all the time at Modern Medicine: someone has a positive ANA, Hashimoto’s, lupus suspicion, chronic joint pain, or mystery fatigue — and no idea what’s triggering it.
They’ve tried “eating clean,” but no one’s looked deeper at gut permeability, immune triggers like nightshades, or personalized reintroductions.
That’s where the autoimmune elimination approach (AIP) shines. And yes — nightshades are one of the most common troublemakers.
Need help testing your food triggers without starving yourself or guessing blindly? We’ve got you.
Jade Green, TNC, CHHC
