Wait... Tomatoes Are the Problem? A Real Talk About Nightshades & HS
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Wait... Tomatoes Are the Problem? A Real Talk About Nightshades & HS
I know what you're thinking: What the heck is a nightshade, and why is it messing with my skin?
Trust me, I was confused too. I didn't even know what nightshades were until I was deep in my Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) healing journey, desperately trying to figure out why the foods I loved kept leaving me feeling inflamed, flared up, and miserable.
Turns out, some of the "healthy" foods I was eating on the regular were actually adding fuel to the fire. It's a surprising truth, especially when you realize an innocent-looking spice like paprika is also part of the family!
🥴 So... What Exactly Are Nightshades?
Nightshades, scientifically known as the Solanaceae family, are a group of plants that include some of our most common (and comforting!) foods. While they're not inherently toxic or evil, they do contain certain compounds, primarily alkaloids like solanine and capsaicin. For most people, these compounds are harmless in typical consumption amounts. However, for sensitive individuals especially those of us dealing with autoinflammatory conditions, gut issues, or skin conditions like HS they can contribute to inflammation.
You might be surprised by some of the members of this family. The usual suspects include:
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Tomatoes 🍅 (the undisputed king of nightshades!)
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White potatoes 🥔 (but NOT sweet potatoes!)
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Bell peppers, hot peppers (like jalapeños, cayenne, and habaneros) 🌶️
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Eggplant 🍆
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Tobacco
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And yep… even goji berries
But here's where it gets really interesting: that vibrant, often-used spice, paprika, is also a nightshade! It's made from dried and ground varieties of the Capsicum annuum plant—the very same species that gives us bell peppers and many chili peppers. So whether it's sweet, smoked, or hot paprika, it carries those same nightshade compounds. Basically, all the things that make up 90% of comfort food. Rude, right?
😩 My Breaking Point: When French Fries Met Peace
I didn't want to give any of it up. And honestly, I still struggle to give it all up sometimes. I love spicy food. I love eggplant. I love, love, love potatoes. But I don't love crying in the bathroom because another painful, boil-like lump showed up out of nowhere.
Eventually, I had to ask myself: What's more important, french fries or my peace? Haven't I had enough french fries already?
So, I did a little test. I cut nightshades out for a few weeks... and something shifted. My flares got a little less intense. My healing time shortened. I didn't feel as puffy or achy. I started to breathe again.
That was enough for me. Yes, I still occasionally dabble in nightshades, but I do so being fully aware of the consequences. A trick that works well for me is to not keep nightshades at home. I work hard on avoiding them when I'm out to eat, but sometimes I'll indulge in the pleasure of potatoes. It's about finding a balance that works for your body.
🥕 "So What Can I Even Eat Then?" Easy Swaps That Actually Taste Good
That's the part that used to stress me out too, but I promise it's not as bad as it sounds. You don't have to give up flavor to feel better; you just have to get a little creative. And I gotchu if you need ideas!
Here are some easy swaps that actually taste good:
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Instead of white potatoes: Try white sweet potatoes or regular sweet potatoes, yuca (cassava), or plantains.
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Instead of bell peppers or paprika: Load up on flavor with ginger, turmeric, cumin, and garlic. For a smoky kick, try smoked salt or smoked mushroom powder.
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Instead of tomatoes (for a tangy base): Roasted carrots, beets, tamarind, or even mango can give that vibrant, tangy foundation to dishes.
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Instead of eggplant: Try mushrooms or zucchini.
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Instead of cayenne pepper: Explore the unique zing of Sichuan pepper or black pepper for heat.
🔍 Want to Test It Out? Listen to Your Body
I'm not saying nightshades are the villain in everybody's story. But for a lot of us with HS, they play a role. If you're curious and suspect they might be contributing to your symptoms, consider trying a simple experiment:
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Cut out nightshades for 3-4 weeks. Be diligent and check ingredient labels, especially for hidden nightshades!
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Keep a simple symptom journal. Note flares, bloating, joint pain, energy levels, or any other relevant symptoms.
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Reintroduce one nightshade at a time. Eat a normal portion of one nightshade food, then wait 2-3 days and watch what your body does. This helps you identify specific triggers.
It's not about being perfect. It's about paying attention to what your unique body is telling you. And I'll be honest with you, your flares won't ease up right away, your body will need an adjustment period.
💬 Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel Better
I know it sounds wild that seemingly innocent foods like tomatoes or peppers could be part of the problem, but you'd be surprised how many HS warriors notice a significant difference once they ease off them.
You deserve to feel better. And if that means switching up a few things in the kitchen, it's absolutely worth trying. Healing is already hard enough; let's stop eating what's hurting us.
You're not alone in this, I promise. I'm right here, figuring it out with you, one nightshade-free plate at a time.