I know they are from the same family, but it’s very rare I’ve spoken to someone who feels they have a sensitivity to ordinary potatoes - although I’m aware of some MD that is constantly talking about removing the lectins from these foods (which he controversially links to just about every problem in the body). Tomatoes and peppers I hear about almost as commonly as any of the other big ones (lactose, gluten,etc). I was thinking it could be down to the acidity itself, or the sugars in those two.
Funnily enough, I had my best day symptom-wise yesterday in about 2 months. For dinner shortly before bed it was rice, chicken, a ton of red pepper, a ton of mushrooms, lime zest and soy sauce. Throughout the day I also had 3 packets of crisps (chips) - so I don’t think the nightshade family itself is too much issue for me.
Are there any books you think very highly of that you could recommend to me to further my learning? I won’t stop fighting to beat this.
I’ve actually worked with quite a few clients that have issues with white potatoes - so not super rare if there’s an autoimmune connection. Also, you can be sensitive to some nightshades while still being able to tolerate others. So, someone may be able to tolerate some peppers but not be able to handle tomatoes or potatoes. Everyone is different. That’s why that STRICT 2-4 week elimination followed by a SLOW reintroduction (1 food at a time) is key to figuring out what your triggers are.
If you want to really dig into this, I’d recommend starting here:
I used to be one Sarah’s consultants (The Paleo Mom) and she’s awesome - wicked smart. Her website here and her book “The Paleo Approach” are both great! And as always, I’m here if you have any questions. I’ve run quiet a few people through this and would be happy to help you!
I’ll dig into the book 100%. Looking at the AIP protocol I feel like I’ve already done it, but going deeper into the science or theories to the whys may help puzzle it all together. I deem everything a step forward. I am hugely grateful to hear about something/someone you trust - one of the hardest things manipulating my way through the nutrition space is determining what should be taken as legit information or not, so thank you.
It’s complicated. Some potatoes, cooked some ways, sometimes cause problems. I can’t remember noticing any problems with thin cut chips (the crispy ones) but sometimes with thicker-cut restaurant-made ones. Mashed potatoes is often fine (maybe the dairy helps offset things?) but “home fries” is almost always a problem. I haven’t really made sense of it, except that it is actually the potatoes.
Same with tomatoes; sometimes fine, sometimes not. Eggplant is almost every time. Which is unfortunate because there’s an amazing Greek/Turkish dish with ground meat and eggplant and tomato that I really love and can’t eat. Also a delicious Chinese ground pork and eggplant dish.
Best of luck getting this sorted out.
As an aside. Sweet potatoes are fine. They’re not at all related to white potatoes anyway; they’re in the morning glory family rather than the nightshades.
It is quite strange that thinly cut chips don’t bother you but restaurant-style ones do. Maybe it’s something to do with the oil used? I feel like I get symptoms with ready-made oven chips but if I indulge in something like that there’s also something else on my plate more likely to be a culprit. There are probably a few preservatives in the mix as well. I tend not to eat any of that stuff though, my diet is pretty bland but it’s almost like a cheat code when it comes to eating for the gym. It’s way easier to measure stuff and avoid cravings when the foods you allow yourself to eat list is so small.
How are you doing now? Did you manage to figure out the problem?
I’m experiencing the exact same symptoms as you - post-nasal drip, nasal blockage and high acidity. I believe this condition is called Silent Reflux.
I’ve barely had alcohol (only 8–9 times in my entire life) and have never smoked. I also don’t have any stress in my life apart from this health issue.
The only harmful thing I can think of is my period of harsh bulking. I used to gulp down cooked broken wheat without chewing and I wonder if that could be the main reason my gut is now messed up. I also have a minor deviated septum but I don’t think post-nasal drip could be the cause of my acidity as it seems to be triggered by food.
My current confirmed triggers are spicy food, black pepper and broken wheat (which causes nasal blockage) and possibly whey protein as well.
