Nightshades are a botanical family of foods and certain spices that are found in many common dishes. Some popular nightshades include:
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Bell peppers
- Hot peppers
- Paprika
- Chili pepper flakes
While these foods are filled with important nutrients and safe for most to eat, some people may develop a sensitivity or allergy to them.
What Causes Food Allergies?
When you have a food allergy, your body misidentifies a food or substance in the food as something dangerous and responds by releasing IgE antibodies to neutralize the allergen. The next time you eat that food, the antibodies send a message to your immune system to release chemicals like histamine in your system. These chemicals cause your allergy symptoms.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Food allergy symptoms often develop quickly after ingesting and can include:
- Itchy or tingling mouth
- Hives or another type of rash
- Nasal congestion
- Abdominal pain and nausea
- Swelling of the lips, face and tongue
- Swelling of the throat
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
In rare cases, a person with severe food allergies can experience anaphylaxis, which constricts the airways and can be life-threatening without quick medical attention.
Allergy vs Sensitivity
Some people don’t have an immune response when they eat certain foods but still experience unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms are usually less severe than a true allergy and often affect the digestive system. Symptoms of food sensitivity include:
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
If you believe you have a food sensitivity to nightshades, it may be best to eliminate them from your diet to see if your symptoms improve.
What to Do if You Believe You’re Allergic to Nightshades
If you believe you have an allergy to nightshades, there are several steps you can take:
- Keep a food journal to track your diet and symptoms to see if you can find any patterns.
- Make an appointment with an allergist for testing. They can use a blood test or skin-prick test to help correctly identify your specific allergy trigger(s).
True allergies to nightshades are rare, so it’s possible your symptoms are actually caused by a more common allergen like soy, seafood, gluten, dairy or nuts.
If you do have a food allergy, your allergist can recommend treatment plans. The most common treatment for food allergies is to avoid any foods that contain that allergen. However, if you are exposed your doctor may prescribe:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Nasal sprays
- EpiPens (for those who experience anaphylaxis)
Nightshade Alternatives
If you do have an allergy or sensitivity to nightshades, there are many alternative options that can give you the same amount of flavor and nutrients. Next time you’re shopping at West Ashley Farmers Market consider these substitutes:
- Portabella mushrooms for eggplant
- Sweet potatoes or cauliflower for white potatoes
- Black pepper or cumin for paprika
For more information on nightshade allergies or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.