ABOUT

Introducing Mike, a self-proclaimed "nightshade sleuth" who has spent years navigating his nightshade sensitivity. Mike's journey began in childhood when he noticed that eggplant made his mouth itch. His mother assumed it was a food allergy specific to eggplant, but as he got older, his symptoms became more complex.

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In college, Mike began taking prescription medication daily for his acid reflux, but it wasn't until his late 20s that he realized that his love for potato chips and tomato sauce were the culprits behind his acid reflux and patchy tongue. After some research, he discovered that all his symptoms were related to nightshade sensitivity.

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Cutting out nightshades from his diet has been an ongoing challenge for Mike. As they are in so many pre-made and pre-packaged foods, it has made meal planning and eating out difficult. Cutting out potatoes has been the most challenging, as potato starch seems to be in so many things, from shredded cheese to gluten-free crackers. Paprika, another nightshade ingredient, also seems to be added to a lot of pre-made foods, making it difficult to spot.

 

Navigating travel, eating out with friends, or trying something new has become a constant chore for Mike, but he remains determined to maintain his nightshade-free lifestyle. He is committed to being a "nightshade sleuth" and is always on the lookout for new products and recipes that will allow him to indulge in his favorite flavors without triggering his symptoms.