Nightshades and Solanine Toxicity Syndrome

What do tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, paprika, goji berries, peppers, and tobacco, all have in common? Most people would consider some as health foods; however, most are unaware that they all contain a dangerous neuro-toxin that accumulates in the body called alpha-solanine. All plant foods mentioned are part of the nightshade family consisting of over 2,000 plants!

All nightshade plants contain a toxic alkaloid called alpha-solanine. The content increases towards the leaves and stems. Tomatoes and potatoes contain higher levels when they are unripe and green. Even the ripest nightshade will contain small amounts of this deadly toxin, which can wreak havoc on the body. While many people don’t usually have extreme initial reactions, eventually, a build-up of solanine can present a myriad of symptoms from consuming any nightshade, wreaking havoc on your body.

Alpha Solanine is a glycol-alkaloid poison, found in all nightshades. It acts like a natural pesticide keeping critters away. Small amounts are consumed in a standard American diet, but did you know that if one ingests 50-200mg can lead to death. Solanine is an acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitor, which can alter mitochondria function and increase calcium levels in a cell. This sends the messages to your brain as if you were drowning. In chronic overloads of solanines in one’s diet, calcium is taken from bones causing musculoskeletal conditions, which will make weak bones and will cause osteoporosis. The calcium may also be deposited in the bloodstream leading to atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, etc. Solanine is commonly stored in the thyroid gland as well as all the other organs of the body. In some, this toxicity is a common cause of issues with the thyroid and an essential part of the endocrine system.

The average person consumes about 12 mg of solanine per day, and it takes your body up to 2 months to metabolize half of that. Over time and exposure to these foods can easily cause a toxic overload, and then the symptoms start to reveal themselves. I have discovered many patients of mine who suffer from chronic pain, or prone to chronic injury has this toxicity. Will removing this food return the patient back to a healthy state?

No! Usually, there are other underlying issues, such as different food sensitivities that are causing inflammation and imbalances in the body. Also, dysbiosis, microbes, fungus, bacteria, vitamin deficiencies, etc. can play a massive factor in patient presentation and symptomatology. If a patient who is sensitive to nightshades decides to cut solanines out of their diet entirely, it is possible to have some severe relief of symptoms. Treating each patient as an individual, I never recommend one treatment plan. The best way to find out if you have a nightshade sensitivity is to be checked by a Professional Applied Kinesiologist using specific tests to determine if you have this sensitivity. Monitoring the patient for dysbiosis, heavy metal toxicities, molds, bacterias, etc., is essential to give a specific treatment plan in helping to restore you to your optimal health by reducing the body’s toxic load. With the right diet and supplementation, I find many patients can make a full recovery.  

If you have any questions, please email Dr.RyanBland@gmail.com, or leave a comment below. Call 253-302-3131 or visit www.DrRyanBland.janeapp.com to schedule your appointment today.

-Dr. Ryan Bland is a second-generation Chiropractor and Applied Kinesiologist practicing in Tacoma / Seattle WA. Dr. Bland treats chronically ill patients with fatigue, intestinal issues, depression, autoimmune conditions, etc. The patients he has seen most often seen many other doctors beforehand and can be helped using the unique protocol developed by Michael Lebowitz DC. He also works with professional athletes, actors, dancers, and people from all over the world, working to optimize overall health.