Nightshades - Liss Ms

Nightshades, sounds like you’d find them in the home décor section, but in reality nightshades are a category of food that is often a staple of everyday cooking. It certainly was of mine pre AIP days! I remember the first time I went shopping after making the AIP leap, wandering around the grocery store and thinking ‘what am I going to improvise with now?!???’ I thought I was done for.

However, I’ve learned many things since that day and most importantly, what a nightshade is, what it isn’t and how to go about living without them!

What is a ‘nightshade’?

Good question! ‘Nighshades’ are a family of plants specifically called ‘Solanaceae’. Many have similar characteristics to each other and within the nightshade family, there are more than 2,000 species of plants! Many of those are inedible and highly poisonous, but many are also included in the Standard American Diet and ALSO the Paleo diet (which is why I found nightshades super tricky to eliminate).

SOME common nightshades include:

Potatoes – NOT the sweet variety

Bell Peppers

Hot Peppers- Chili peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, AND the associated Chili based spices, red pepper, cayenne, etc.

Tomatoes

Tomatillos

Tamarillos

Pimentos

Paprika**

Eggplant

How are nightshades connected to autoimmunity?

Lectin, Saponin and Capsaicin, Oh My!

Why are these wonderful, tasty meal additions so terrible for us? Those 3 little words listed above, that’s why.

Nightshades have Lectins. Technically all plants and some animals contain some amount of lectins, but not all lectins are created equal. Some lectins have the ability to create and add to a leaky gut situation (are you sensing a theme here if you’ve been reading my other posts?) while others are thought of as harmless and even therapeutic. More research is definitely needed in this area, but it has been shown that tomato lectin can enter the blood stream pretty quickly in humans. Therefore tomatoes are thought to contribute to the development of leaky gut. Therefore tomatoes, and the other nightshades, should be off the table (pun intended) for us autoimmune folk.

The Saponins contained in nightshades can contribute to a leaky gut as well, and some forms of saponins can have ‘adjuvant’ activity. Adjuvant is a type of chemical that can stimulate and exaggerate the immune response. The specific type of saponin that is found in tomatoes, is such a powerful adjuvant that it is added to vaccines to help their efficacy and help the individual receiving the vaccine develop immunity against the virus they are being treated for. I don’t know about you, but that seems like some really powerful stuff, and that’s just in tomatoes! Saponins are also thought to increase the bodies immune response to proteins leaking from the gut, so if someone is already starting or has leaky gut, ingesting nightshades will increase their bodies reaction to it, and increase the inflammation response.

The Capsaicin that is present in the chili pepper segment of the nightshade list is also problematic. Yes, I understand that many sources list capsaicin as a beneficial treatment for people. Yes, that may be true for them. But it’s probably not true for us individuals with autoimmunity. Capsaicin can be very irritating to a variety of tissues and there is evidence that capsaicin can contribute to the development of leaky gut.

On top of these three major issues, nightshades have been shown to contribute to joint pain and joint issues. If you suffer from a joint focused autoimmune disease, you are probably more likely to have issues with nightshades and notice more pain when eating nightshades.

Nightshades and Multiple Sclerosis

So what is the connection between nightshades and MS? Well, there’s several. First, nightshades can contribute to leaky gut, which just exacerbates the cycle of autoimmunity. That’s the most glaring issue. Second, nightshades can contribute to increased pain levels, which is a very real symptom for MSers.

So my opinion? See how you do without them for a bit. If you feel better, great! If you feel nothing, that’s great too! All pieces of information.

Eliminating Nightshades

Reading labels is really your best friend here.

Obviously avoiding the plant/veggie itself in the grocery store is square one. Trust me, it was super hard for me too when I came to the conclusion I had to give up my tomato sauce and ketchup. However, there are FANTASTIC no-mato sauce recipes out there!

I digress.

But getting familiar with labels and where the nightshades hide is a great second step. Usually on ingredient lists it will say what is in there, EXCEPT for that sneaky little word that SO MANY companies use.

SPICES.

99% of the time that includes paprika or cumin, so therefore SPICES are out. I avoid all things that just says SPICES, unless it lists them out for me. But still, it’s risky.

My Experience

Eliminating Nightshades was really hard for me. Pasta and sauce was a staple for me growing up. Cooking with tomatoes and peppers was my ‘go to’. I love Mexican food, and spicy Mexican food.

But once I realized why I was doing what I was doing, it became easier. I also noticed that once I cut out nightshades, my GI symptoms drastically improved. Like almost overnight. My crazy bloating that I had experienced was virtually gone. Guess I know what the culprit was!

Nightshades was one of those foods that I didn’t know I reacted to until I eliminated it. It’s funny how that works. Our bodies get used to a low level of inflammation/reactivity so when we get rid of the cause, our bodies can settle down finally. Then once we re-introduce that food, watch out!

Reaction Central.

That’s what happened to me.

I didn’t notice the reaction in my body because I was inundating it with nightshades constantly. It was only after I eliminated them for a while did I notice how much they impacted me.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to have a few bites of tomato filled sauce, but for now, I’m happy with my no-mato sauce and no more issues!

Reach out and connect with the LissMS Community here! I’d love to chat and answer questions you may have!

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

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This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?

14 4

Open

This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?

14 4

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

21 5

Open

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

21 5

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

27 4

Open

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

27 4

Have you pre ordered your copy of Resilience Redefined yet??

This is a chronicling of 7 individuals who have autoimmune disease (5 of which have MS too!!) and how they take care of themselves in the best ways they can.

Pre orders are open until October 24th!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:

• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

10 3

Open

Have you pre ordered your copy of Resilience Redefined yet??

This is a chronicling of 7 individuals who have autoimmune disease (5 of which have MS too!!) and how they take care of themselves in the best ways they can.

Pre orders are open until October 24th!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:

• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

10 3

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

14 0

Open

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

14 0

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

31 3

Open

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

31 3

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

33 15

Open

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

33 15

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

32 2

Open

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

32 2

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

22 0

Open

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

22 0

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

38 2

Open

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

38 2

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

16 1

Open

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

16 1

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

32 9

Open

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

32 9

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