89 and Feeling Alive and Well!

My grandmother “Oma” is 89 years of age, is in great health, and has the aspiration to reach 100! I have shared with Oma some ways to obtain that impressive goal; cut down on gluten and avoid the vegetables that contain a chemical that can exacerbate inflammation. Recently, I checked in with Oma. She proudly reported that she avoids bread altogether and is staying away from those “moon vegetables”. She is adorable! Of course, she is referring to “nightshade” vegetables – those that contain solanine.

Solanine is a natural chemical found in nightshade plants/vegetables and some herbs. Most people can tolerate this chemical but many bodies that are in stress cannot, and the reactions manifests itself as an inflammatory response such as body aches, joint pain, and asthma.

How do you know when you need to avoid nightshades? If you have chronic inflammatory or degenerative conditions it can turn around debilitating pain to completely eliminate nightshades from your diet. These include tomatoes, potatoes and all pepper except black pepper.  There are more and this diet plan only works if you are strictly avoiding everything that contains this chemical that you may be sensitive to. I can provide, upon request, a comprehensive list and wallet card listing all the foods and spices you need to avoid. The wallet card can be shown to restaurant chefs making it easier to adhere to the diet.