Nightshades and Lupus: What You Need to Know

For those with lupus, managing symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and inflammation is essential. Dietary choices can play a big role in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health. Nightshades— a family of plants that includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers—are sometimes debated in the lupus and autoimmune communities. While there’s limited scientific evidence specifically linking nightshades to lupus flares, some people with autoimmune conditions report feeling better when they reduce or eliminate them from their diets. In this post we’re going to take a closer look at the potential relationship between nightshades and lupus, and how to decide if these foods may be impacting your symptoms.

Without a doubt, I can count on comments and the occasional DM on Instagram about me eating tomatoes on top of my salad or peppers in my dishes, every time I post a “What I eat in a day”. The same goes for eggs, dairy, gluten, and so on. There are numerous misconceptions about Lupus in general, one of the smaller misconception-and the misconception we are speaking about today-nightshades, creates loads of discourse in my comment section. Finally, I decided to write a blog post in which I can refer commenters too! Without further due let’s go ahead and jump into nightshades and lupus 101.

What Are Nightshades?

Nightshades are a family of plants that include common vegetables like:

• Tomatoes
• Potatoes (excluding sweet potatoes)
• Peppers (including bell peppers, hot peppers, and paprika)
• Eggplant

These vegetables contain a compound called solanine, which is part of the plant’s natural defense system. Solanine can be toxic in very high doses, but it’s typically present in small amounts in edible nightshades. For some people, though, solanine may trigger inflammation or worsen joint pain, particularly in those with autoimmune conditions like lupus.

How Nightshades May Affect Lupus Symptoms

While there’s no direct research linking nightshades to lupus flares, there are a few reasons why people with autoimmune conditions might be sensitive to them:

• Potential for Increased Inflammation: Some believe that compounds like solanine may stimulate inflammation or interfere with the body’s inflammatory pathways. This is more anecdotal than scientifically proven, but some people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis report that reducing nightshades helps with joint pain.
• Joint Pain and Swelling: Nightshades are sometimes linked to increased joint pain in people with arthritis, a condition that overlaps with lupus. Because lupus commonly affects the joints, some people try cutting out nightshades to see if it reduces pain or stiffness.
• Digestive Sensitivity: People with lupus may have more sensitive digestive systems. Certain compounds in nightshades might cause bloating, gas, or other digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Should People with Lupus Avoid Nightshades?

There’s no universal answer. Not everyone with lupus will be sensitive to nightshades, and many people eat them without issues. However, if you experience frequent inflammation, joint pain, or digestive discomfort, you might consider trying an elimination diet to see if nightshades are affecting you.

Trying an Elimination Diet

If you want to explore whether nightshades impact your lupus symptoms, an elimination diet may help you identify triggers. Check out our post on the Autoimmune Protocol diet for an in-depth look. Below I will leave a shortened version to give you an idea of what the process of an elimination diet looks like.

• Eliminate All Nightshades for 2-4 Weeks: This includes avoiding tomatoes, potatoes (except sweet potatoes), peppers, eggplants, and spices made from nightshades, like paprika. Read labels carefully, as nightshade-based ingredients can show up in sauces and seasonings.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, including joint pain, energy levels, and any digestive issues. Note any improvements in your symptoms after a couple of weeks.
• Reintroduce Nightshades Gradually: After the elimination period, reintroduce one type of nightshade at a time. Start with small amounts and track any changes in symptoms over a few days.
• Evaluate Results: If you notice a significant difference in your symptoms after reintroducing nightshades, you may have a sensitivity to them. If there’s no noticeable change, nightshades may not be a trigger for you.

Alternatives to Nightshades

If you find that nightshades do affect you, there are plenty of alternatives to enjoy:

• Sweet Potatoes instead of white potatoes
• Zucchini or Squash as substitutes for tomatoes in sauces
• Radishes to add a peppery kick without using peppers
• Turmeric or Cumin as seasoning alternatives to paprika or chili powder

Nightshades may or may not impact lupus symptoms—it truly varies from person to person. By experimenting cautiously with an elimination diet, you can determine if these foods have any impact on your lupus symptoms. As always, consult with your healthcare provider or a dietitian before making major changes to your diet, as they can guide you safely through the process and provide additional support. Ultimately, listening to your body is key in managing lupus, whether or not you choose to include nightshades in your diet.