Monthly Archives: January 2012

It’s been three weeks so far. Time flys when you are having fun right!? We hope you’ve seen the kind of changes in how you look, feel, and perform you have been hoping for. Sure, getting over that initial hump was rough. But isn’t getting off the crack so worth it?

Often times people switching to this type of lifestyle see results like a decrease in allergic reactions, clearing up of acne, relief in joint pain, etc… If you were looking for some of these results and are not seeing them. It’s time to kick it up an extra notch. There are a few things that are completely within the boundaries of this challenge but some folks might still have a sensativity to them. The next step in the protocol would be to cut out nightshades. Nightshades are a family of plants. They contain in them a wide-ranging concentration of compounds called alkaloids. Utilized in everything from recreational drugs to anti-cancer medications and general anesthesia alkaloids can have a host of effects on the body. The concentration of alkaloids in plants belonging to the Solanaceae family (nightshades) have been known to cause inflammation/issues for people with a sensitivity to them. While cooking can reduce the alkaloid content of these foods. Cooking will generally not lower the content to a point where people with a sensitivity can handle them. Therefore if you have or suspect you have a sensitivity to these things you should avoid them all together.

The question in your mind right now is “OK. What are you telling me not to eat now?.” There are a few thousand varieties of nightshade. Plants that belong to the nightshade family include mandrake, and tobacco. But it also includes things like tomatoes, potatoes (all types), peppers (hot & sweet), tomatillos, eggplant, paprika, chili pepper, and goji berries. We know what you are thinking. “BUT THAT’S WHAT I EAT EVERYDAY! I’ve never had a problem with them. Why should I cut them out now?” In response we would point out that you did once say the same thing about grains. How do you feel about grains now? Also remember the perfume analogy. If you walk into a room with someone wearing copious amounts of perfume. The smell can be overpowering. After a few minutes you get used to the smell and don’t even notice it. But if you were to get some fresh air and then re-enter the room. The smell would overpower you again.

If you are not seeing some of the health/well being benefits that you were hoping to see from this diet talk to Kyle or Micah. We will be glad to help you root out the problem and help you find loop holes. For instance you may be able to get away with eating sweet potatoes and yams by peeling them first. The alkaloid concentration in potatoes is mainly found in the skin. If you peel the potato you may not have an issue with eating them. In the end nightshades could be a problem for some of you. Generally speaking if you suspect this is the case avoid nightshades all together.