Nightshade Free Life

If you enjoy the sweet/salty combo of barbecue sauce, you'll probably enjoy kecap manis, aka sweet soy sauce. It's naturally nightshade-free, and although it's an Asian ingredient it's worth experimenting by adding it to other foods as you would barbecue sauce.

You can buy it just about anywhere. If you'd prefer to make your own to avoid preservatives (and because it's pretty easy), here's how:

1 cup soy sauce
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 star anise
1 small piece cinnamon stick
2-3 slices ginger
1-2 tablespoons molasses (optional, for extra richness)
1 tablespoon water

In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and water. If using molasses, add it to the mixture.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so make sure not to over-reduce it. You want it to be slightly runny when hot.

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the sauce to remove the garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, and ginger slices. Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour the kecap manis into a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator.

Great article in The Atlantic about problems with "allergen" labels.

Ideally, ingredient labels would give us the opportunity to make informed, safe choices about what to buy and consume. Unfortunately, labels are often difficult to interpret. We're left with confusion, and the choice of risking reactions or missing out when we're already constrained.

I'm currently working on this: watch this space for my online course on reading ingredient labels. It'll empower you to feel confident in your buying decisions and to avoid reactions.

In the meantime, this article does a great job of explaining the difficulties we face. Id love to know what you think!

Americans With Food Allergies Are Getting a Bad Deal Ingredient labels are often vague, misleading, or just plain wrong. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Do nightshade foods cause you stomach issues?

If you’re sensitive to solanine, the toxic chemical produced by nightshade plants, your digestive system is likely to tell you!

Solanine can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. This irritation can contribute to localised inflammation within the digestive system. The results can include every kind of dietary disturbance: nausea, vomiting, reflux, heartburn, gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhoea.

This can cause long-term damage to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to chronic issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or increased sensitivity to other foods - especially in large quantities or over a long period of time. Persistent irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining can also impair nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies and associated health problems.

If you experience these effects after eating nightshade foods, a nightshade-free life might be a good option. Talking to your doctor and dietician can help you plan a balanced diet without nightshades - and I’m here to help you with recipes, tips and support on living your best nightshade-free life 🙂

Cuisine guide: Middle Eastern

Middle Eastern foods can be delicious - grilled meats, fresh vegetables and delicious breads abound. But keep an eye out for common ingredients like paprika, tomato and bell peppers/capsicum. Here are some tips for safe dining out at Middle Eastern venues:

- Check on marinades - Most meats and some other dishes are marinated before cooking. Check that no nightshade spices have been used in the preparation - paprika is especially common.

- Safe options include falafel, breads, dolma (stuffed vine leaves), pides and gozleme. Rice prepared in the Middle Eastern style is also delicious, as are dips like hummus and tzatziki (skip the baba ghanoush, though - it's made of eggplant, which is a nightshade)

- Ask, ask ask. There are variations on many dishes, so it's best not to trust that the tabouleh at one place won't include tomato just because it doesn't appear elsewhere. Double checking on marinade ingredients is especially worthwhile!

Are you allergic to nightshade-based foods?

A lot of people are sensitive to solanine, the natural chemical produced by nightshade-based foods. But some are downright allergic.

Nightshade allergy involves an immune system reaction to solanine or other proteins found in nightshade plants. The immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in nightshade foods as harmful, and overreacts to produce any of a range of effects.

The impacts can include gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms including a running nose and difficulty breathing, neurological issues like headaches, skin symptoms like itching and hives, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis.

It can be difficult to diagnose nightshade allergy - blood and skin tests are not highly reliable. If you experience these kinds of symptoms after eating nightshade foods, it’s best to avoid them and seek medical help.

Join us here as well, to learn more about nightshade-free life, including recipes, tips, community and support to life your best nightshade-free life.

Nightshade-free Laksa!

Laksa is a traditional Southeast Asian dish that typically includes rice noodles in a spicy, coconut–based broth, usually with a variety of vegetables and seafood. Here's a recipe for making Laksa with tamarind puree, without tomatoes, chilli peppers, or
capsicum

200g rice noodles
2 cups of coconut milk
2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp tamarind puree
1 tbsp vegetable oil
150g of protein of your choice
(chicken, prawns/shrimp, tofu, etc)
2 tbsp chopped coriander
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Optional: additional toppings of your choice such as bean sprouts, snow peas and spring onion

Method:
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot, heat the coconut milk and broth over medium heat.

In a small bowl, mix together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar, and add to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

In a pan, heat the oil over medium–high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.

Add your protein of choice to the pan and cook until done. (Note - if you're using seafood, be aware it cooks quickly. Prawns/shrimp and scallops become rubbery and tough if overcooked!)

Add the cooked protein, noodles, and any other desired toppings to the pot with the sauce.

Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes or until the noodles are heated through.
Serve hot and garnish with fresh coriander/cilantro, lime wedges and green onions.

Nightshades and inflammation

Nightshade-based foods can cause a range of symptoms because they contain solanine, a natural chemical plants produce to protect themselves. Solanine can be poisonous in high enough doses, but causes problems for individuals sensitive or allergic to solanine.

One type of impact some people experience is inflammation. People with conditions like arthritis may report increased joint pain and inflammation after consuming nightshade foods.

Solanine can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. This irritation can contribute to localised inflammation within the digestive system.

Solanine may trigger an immune response, resulting in the release of inflammatory cytokines. These molecules play a key role in the body's inflammatory process, potentially leading to symptoms like swelling, redness, and pain.

If you suspect eating nightshades might be adding to your inflammatory symptoms, it’s best to talk to your GP and dietician to explore if a nightshade-free life is best for you.

So 98 followers here! I hope you find this page useful and enjoyable. Feedback is always welcome :)

Two more followers would also be incredibly welcome - I'd love to hit a hundred. One day, I hope!

If you have any questions, difficulties, ideas or other topics you'd like to see, or see more of, please let me know. This page is intended to be a resource to help you live your best life without nightshades, so I'm keen to make sure I'm achieving that as best I can.

Send a message to learn more

Hero ingredient: Tamarind paste

Tamarind paste is a fantastic ingredient for nightshade-free cooking. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavour makes it an excellent substitute for tomato paste in sauces and curries. It's quite strong and is more acidic and less sweet than tomato paste, so add it in small amounts, taste and adjust.

Tamarind is a tropical fruit native to Africa that grows in a brown, pod-like shell and contains a tangy, sticky pulp. The pulp is both sweet and sour, making it a versatile ingredient.

Use it to add depth and complexity to your dishes without the worry of nightshade reactions. You can find tamarind paste in most supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, or online.

Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months, making it a convenient pantry staple for nightshade-free meals. Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavours it brings to your cooking!

All about solanine

The chemical in nightshade foods that causes the issues you may be experiencing is called solanine. I’ll be posting here regularly about solanine and its effects - feel free to share your own knowledge, too.

Nightshade plants make solanine to protect themselves from insects, disease, and predators. To get technical about it, solanine interferes with the body's ability to regulate acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for nerve function. It inhibits the activity of cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses.

Most people can tolerate solanine in small amounts. However, it’s poisonous in larger doses. People with sensitivity or allergies to solanine may also experience ill effects, even after consuming small amounts of solanine.

Given how common nightshade foods are, I’m here to help you navigate a nightshade-free life. Keep an eye out for recipes, articles and tips on living your best nightshade-free life 🙂

These sweet potato wedges are simple but delicious. If you want to add some extra flavour, consider adding seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder or dried oregano. They're particularly delicious served with sour cream and chives; if you prefer something tangy then nightshade-free onion relish is great, too.

Ingredients:

4 sweet potatoes (peeled, or you can wash them and leave the peel on)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsps salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

Method:

Preheat oven to 200°C / 180°C fan forced (350 / 400°F) .
Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Arrange the wedges on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, in a single layer without overlapping.

Bake uncovered in the oven for 25 – 30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Are your symptoms the result of nightshade consumption?

Nightshade allergy and sensitivity can show up in many varied ways, so it's possible you have symptoms without realising they are related to nightshades. Here are some ways nightshades can impact people with sensitivity or allergies:

1. Digestive Issues:
Bloating, gas, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Nightshades can mess your digestion up in every possible way!

2. Joint Pain and Inflammation:
Arthritis-like symptoms and general inflammation: Some individuals report increased inflammation, particularly in joints.

3. Skin Reactions:
Rashes, eczema and hives: Skin can react with rashes or flare-ups of conditions like eczema. It can also trigger hives - itchy, red welts that appear on the skin.

4. Respiratory Problems:
Congestion: Increased mucus production leading to nasal congestion. In more severe cases, nightshades can trigger asthma-like symptoms like difficulty breathing or exacerbated asthma symptoms.

5. Neurological Symptoms:
Headaches and migraines, or muscle pain and weakness.

6. Fatigue:
Chronic tiredness - fatigue and exhaustion can be a reaction to nightshades.

7. Mood and Cognitive Issues:
Brain fog (difficulty concentrating or mental clarity issues) and mood swings.

If you're experiencing these symptoms, working with medical professionals such as your general practitioner is very important to rule out other causes. You should also consider an elimination diet to better understand how nightshades impact on your health. Everyone is different and symptoms can change, so it's important to learn about your own body.

Would you like a quick guide to restaurant franchises that provide complete ingredient lists?

I find it very frustrating when eateries have 'allergen' lists, which are great for things like gluten or dairy exclusions but rarely flag whether nightshades are included. I want to see what the ingredients are so I can make informed decisions about what I eat - and some places do provide this level of detail.

If it's of interest, I'd love to know which country you're in, and anything you'd like prioritised (pizza places with nightshade-free sauce options? Burger joints? Casual dining chains?).

Nightshade-free Life is an international project with followers in many countries, so it'd be great to know what you need so I can channel my time and energy into the most useful advice :)

If you're keen, please comment or message me directly.

Send a message to learn more

You should make your own spice blends. End of story.

Not only can you control the ingredients (and make sure they're nightshade-free), but home-made blends of spices are easy, quick, cheap and fresher than anything you could buy ready-made. Spice blends add flavour and oomph to all kinds of dishes, and are very handy to have ready to go as needed.

It can be worth investing in a spice grinder - they're small, cheap and useful - but you don't have to in order to create delicious blends of herbs and spices.

Know a spice mix, but can't buy it because of nightshades? Comment below and I'll have a go at a nightshade-free version for you! :)

As an example, here's my nightshade-free curry powder recipe:

2 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Salt, to taste (consider smoked salt for extra flavour!)

Instructions:

In a small pan over medium heat, toast the cumin, coriander, fennel, and mustard seeds until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Once cooled, grind in a spice grinder. Stir in the ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, cloves and salt until well combined.

Here it is: Nomato sauce.

There are so many versions of a nightshade-free marinara sauce, so I hadn't posted one until now. Personally, I like other kinds of sauces better, like a creamy mushroom sauce or fresh basil pesto. But I know how popular this kind of sauce is and I have a great recipe, so here it is.

This is great for pasta dishes, but you can also use it as the base for a stew, soup or casserole. Leftovers are also great to punch up a toasted sandwich. It'll keep in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to five days.



2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup pureed carrots
1/2 cup pureed beets
1/4 cup red wine (optional)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp chopped basil or oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and translucent.

If using, add the red wine and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.

Add the broth, pureed carrots, pureed beets, honey or maple syrup, and herbs.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the flavours have melded together.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with a blender or an immersion blender before serving. You can also add add a dash of cream at the end, or sour cream if you want a bit more acidity (particularly if you've chosen to leave out the red wine).

Hero ingredient: Smoked salt

Smoked salt is a flavourful alternative for those avoiding nightshades. Made by smoking salt over a wood fire, it offers a rich, smoky taste without the need for paprika or other peppers. This makes it ideal for adding depth to dishes like tamales or salsa, where traditional smoky flavours are off-limits.

Smoked salt comes in various intensities, from subtly smoky to boldly aromatic, allowing for versatile use in cooking. It can enhance the flavour of meats, vegetables, and even desserts, offering a unique twist to your dishes.

Plus, it's a natural ingredient, free from additives often found in commercially smoked products. Whether you're looking to recreate that smoky flavour without nightshades or simply want to experiment with new tastes, smoked salt can be a delightful addition to your pantry.

Cuisine guide: Italian.

It may seem impossible to eat Italian food while avoiding nightshades - all that tomato! But it is possible and you still have delicious options. Here are my top tips:

- If eating at restaurants, flag tomato, chilli, paprika, bell peppers/capsicum, red pepper flakes and eggplant as foods you can't eat. All are common in Italian cuisine.
- Ask for pizza with pesto, garlic or olive oil as the base sauce. Be sure to specify that you can't have tomato - sometimes restaurants will add the new sauce but leave the tomato on as well.
- Enjoy cream-based pasta sauces like carbonara, pesto, risottos, steak or seafood dishes. Check to make sure chilli or red pepper flakes won't be added - they commonly are, but don't always appear in menu descriptions.

There are plenty of options at most Italian restaurants, so it's worth checking out your local options to find those who can win your confidence (and repeat business!). Buon appetito!

Menu planning hack!

Between work, parenting, and everything else it can be a struggle to work out what to eat every day. I'm not a fan of making meals in advance and re-heating either. I know it works for a lot of people but I prefer freshly cooked dishes. Having dietary restrictions makes it even harder, because I can't rely on pre-made ingredients.

So I use AI!

I told ChatGPT what I can't eat, ingredients I like and usually eat, and then listed a range of dishes I often eat. Then I told it what I have at home at the moment. Next, I asked it to come up with the next three days of breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Voila! Customised meal plan for the week, along with a list of cooking prep to be ready for the week.

Best of all, ChatGPT will remember everything I've said, so I can do it as many times as I like without having to start from scratch. I can ask for shopping lists with the ingredients I use most often, and I can add more detail and adjust it anytime. I could also ask it for some suggested new dishes based on the ingredients I like.

It's not perfect - it forgets things and suggests inappropriate meals sometimes. But it's still way less effort to make corrections, and it's saved me a lot of time, effort and money.

I'd love to hear how others plan their meals - if you have a hack you love, please share!

Do you miss mashed potato? There's something so comforting about a lovely warm bowl of mash. The good thing is you don't have to miss out just because white potatoes are a nightshade.

Mashed white beans are a delicious alternative. You can use any kind of white beans, but canned cannellini beans are particularly mashable and are a great source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and magnesium. They are also lower in calories and fat compared to white potatoes. Plus they're really cheap!

To prepare, heat some oil and sauté a clove of minced garlic. Throw in a can of drained beans and mash them with a fork or masher. Add about a quarter of a cup of milk or cream - if you add it gradually you can adjust how firm vs creamy you like your mash. Let the flavours meld over medium heat. Season and taste.

Consider adding a bit of butter or herbs like fresh parsley, chives or thyme. You can also mix in sour cream for a bit of tang, or top a cottage pie or fish pie with the mash.

I'm interested and curious to know how you explain nightshade allergy and sensitivity to family and friends when you'll be with them around food.

How supportive and understanding have you found people? What issues have you needed to manage? What strategies have you found best to communicate what nightshades are and why it's important for you to avoid them?

Send a message to learn more

Spot the nightshade: Ashwagandha.

Also known as Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is a herb native to India and North Africa and belongs to the nightshade family.

Ashwagandha is often used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits, including stress relief and improved immune function. However, if you have nightshade sensitivity, it's best to steer clear of this plant to avoid any adverse reactions.

If you take herbal or homeopathic supplements and you're avoiding nightshades, it's best to check and make sure they don't contain ashwagandha.

Chicken satay skewers are delicious, but any store-bought satay sauce or marinade will include chillies and other nightshades. Here's a simple recipe to create your own delicious, nightshade-free version!

Serve topped with crushed peanuts, rough-chopped coriander leaves and slices of lime.

Ingredients:
500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (they'll burn, otherwise)
Salt and pepper to taste - cook a test piece to make sure the sauce is nicely seasoned and neither bland nor salty.

Method:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and turmeric powder until smooth.

Thread the chicken strips onto the bamboo skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them.

Brush the chicken skewers with the peanut butter mixture, making sure to coat all sides.

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium–high heat.
Arrange the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve topped with crushed peanuts, rough-chopped coriander leaves and slices of lime, or with rice and salad for a more substantial meal.

I posted a nightshade-free tamale recipe over on the Tomato/Nightshade Allergies Facebook group, and thought I'd share my peach salsa recipe to go with it.

Stone fruits like peaches and nectarines can be a good substitute for tomato in this type of recipe, especially if they're a bit tart or firm. Adding lime juice for acidity balances out the sweetness of the peaches, while the red onion gives it a bit of a peppery kick.

Ingredients:

2 ripe peaches or nectarines, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches or nectarines, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the lime juice, salt and pepper.

Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Serve the salsa with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish - or with any Mexican dishes.

One of the hardest things about nightshade sensitivity? Missing out on our favourite sauces.

Like Worcestershire sauce! It's salty, spicy, briny and adds a bit of kick to meat dishes, oysters Kilpatrick, stews, baked beans and even devilled eggs.

Unfortunately, the stuff you buy from stores will almost always include nightshade-based spices. Sad face.

Fortunately, if you love the stuff you can make your own. Happy face!

If you miss the kick of a good shake of salty saucy goodness, or you're sick of feeling awful after indulging, my recipe for a homemade version is in the comments below.

Elimination diets – Tips

Elimination diets are a powerful tool for understanding your body and the effects different foods have on you. But they’re not easy – so here are some tips on how to make it work for you.

1. Get professional support
A dietician who specialises in food allergies will help a lot. This is going to be an investment in time and effort, so it’s worth also investing in professional help to make sure you get it right.

2. Time it well
Elimination diets work best if you really control and track what you eat. If you’re going to be away from home, extremely busy or attending a lot of catered events, consider whether you’d be better off waiting for another time. Ideally, choose a time when you will be able to prepare your own meals as much as possible.

3. Plan
Taking the time to plan before you start will boost your chances of success. Consider which foods you want to eliminate, what you (and others you prepare food for) are going to eat, what special events or time pressures are coming up, and the timeline you want to follow for re-introduction. Waiting until you’ve started to think this through will make the process much more difficult.

4. Keep accurate records
Recording what you eat and your symptoms is critical. It’s easy to forget what you’ve eaten or make false links between foods and symptoms if you’re not creating records as you go. Diet tracking apps are a great tool for keeping track of your diet and the results.

5. Be patient
Elimination diets take time. You should make sure every trace of your target foods are out of your system before re-introducing them, and should introduce each food separately so you can best understand its effects. Rushing the process will mean less accurate results – and undermine all the effort you’ve put into the process.
If you’ve ever tried an elimination diet, please share your tips!

Elimination diets 101

Elimination diets are a powerful way to get to know your body and the effects of different foods. They’re empowering because you’re in control, and the results are specific to you.

Here are the basic steps taken on an elimination diet (I highly recommend working with a dietician who specialises in food allergy).

1. Decide on target foods.
Make a list of the foods you want to remove from your diet. If you’re concerned about nightshades, consult a comprehensive list of all foods containing nightshades.

2. Prepare
Starting an elimination diet on a whim isn’t a good idea. Once you know your target foods, plan what you’ll eat, make sure you have what you need to make the foods you want, and make a plan for how long the elimination phase will last.

3. Keep records
Keep daily records of what you eat, and any symptoms you experience, throughout the entire period of the diet. Try and keep track of things quickly and accurately – better data will give you a better understanding of how foods effect you. Consider using an app; there are plenty available.

4. Re-introduce foods one at a time
After you’ve eliminated all of the foods on your list for at least four weeks, you can start re-introducing them. Start adding foods back to your diet, one at a time, and keep making records. If something makes you unwell, discontinue eating it.

5. Learn to live without problem foods (and side effects!)
Once you’ve tried re-introducing every target food, go back over your records and consider what’s been revealed. You may need to avoid some foods for the long term; others you may consider worth tolerating based on the symptoms you experience.

In any case, the result of a well-planned, well-executed elimination diet is a sound understanding of how YOU react to different foods. It’s not an easy process and it takes time and effort, but it can be more accurate than a test and help you avoid illness.

My next few posts will be about elimination diets. Although they take commitment, they can be an amazing and empowering tool to help you understand your body and how it reacts to different foods.

What is an elimination diet?

This is a short term process in which you eliminate target foods from your diet for a period of time, then re-introduce each item in turn. Record keeping is very important, as it's the only way to go back and check what you've eaten and what the results are.

Why do this?

Elimination diets, when done properly, can offer more reliable insights than tests. It's a tailored process, and the results reveal your body's unique needs and reactions. Forget one-size-fits-all – this is about what fits YOU.

What should I do if I'm considering this?

It's best to find a dietician to guide you through the process. Make sure you find someone who has specific experience in elimination diets and who knows about nightshades.

Coming up...

Elimination diets 101, coming up!

If you have any questions you'd like addressed, or you want to share your own insights, please share in the comments below.