Hi,
I just wanted to mention that while there's nothing inherently wrong with avoiding Irish potatoes, virtually none of us have ever had any problems with them. It is extremely difficult to find a dietitian who has ever even heard of MC, let alone to find one who is knowledgeable about it. Nightshades are contraindicated for anyone in the general population who is having GI issues of just about any type, thus the reason why dietitians advise against eating them - it is not a recommendation that specifically addresses MC.
The reason why nightshades cause problems, is because they contain toxic alkaloid compounds. However, those alkaloids are found almost exclusively, only in the green portions of the plants, (that's why so many people react to green peppers). The alkaloids are deposited in the plant due to a reaction made possible by an enzyme, that is triggered by sunlight, thus potatoes that are exposed above the ground, while they are growing, will usually form greenish areas, and these green patches are indeed high in levels of a toxic alkaloid, known as solanine, and therefore they are toxic, (they also taste bitter). Normal spuds, however, that are fully developed beneath the surface of the soil, are generally safe. IOW, while the green vegetation of the potato plant is always loaded with solanine, the root portion that we eat, is spared from those solanine deposits. It's possible for potatoes to turn green after harvest, if they are exposed to significant amounts of direct sunlight, and they can therefore develop solanine by that means. Cooking deactivates the enzyme, by the way, but cooking will not deactivate solanine, if it is already developed. That's why spuds are generally stored in a cool, dark place.
Interestingly, while the nightshades in general are technically classified as fruits, (botanically speaking), we generally view them as vegetables, while the part of the potato plant that we eat, is neither - it's a tuber, a part of the root system. If the potato plant is allowed to mature, it will bloom, and form fruit, (seeds), like any other fruit, however those seeds are high in solanine, and therefore, toxic. Anyway, the point is, the potato tubers that we eat, are an exception to the identifying characteristic of nightshades in general. They are quite safe, (as long as they're not green), and it would be extremely rare for someone with MC to react to them, (the odds of that happening would be no greater than for any member of the general population). I realize that this is more than you ever wanted to know, but I thought that it's semi-interesting trivia about nightshades in general, and potatoes in particular.
When I was recovering, for at least a couple of years, I lived on meat, (mostly pork and chicken), eggs, and potatoes, with an occasional helping of well-cooked broccoli or green beans, and a little rice. I ate the same thing most days, and ate potatoes virtually every day.
Incidentally, I noticed that you mentioned battery-acid D. We have found that battery-acid D is almost always associated with milk, or other dairy products, FYI.
Tex
drdeb - I read your post under Personal Experiences
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drdeb - I read your post under Personal Experiences
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Wow Tex!
You are like an encyclopedia. I did find your discussion fascinating. My best friend was diagnosed with crone's disease , 25 years ago. After the PCP told her she would die within 6 months, she found relief through alternative medicine, doing a lot of research, taking classes, and working in a health food store. Once she became GF, her challenges disappeared. She reminds me how much easier it to eat this way than it was then. I will forward your comment to her and I am sure she will appreciate it. And BTW, I do not think potatoes have affected me in the past. Was about to purchase Ore Ida mashed potatoes yesterday until I read the ingredients!
So battery-acid D is associated with milk? I will add that to my journal. That makes real sense to me since skim milk really set my D off.
You are absolutely amazing and I do thank you so much,
Deb
You are like an encyclopedia. I did find your discussion fascinating. My best friend was diagnosed with crone's disease , 25 years ago. After the PCP told her she would die within 6 months, she found relief through alternative medicine, doing a lot of research, taking classes, and working in a health food store. Once she became GF, her challenges disappeared. She reminds me how much easier it to eat this way than it was then. I will forward your comment to her and I am sure she will appreciate it. And BTW, I do not think potatoes have affected me in the past. Was about to purchase Ore Ida mashed potatoes yesterday until I read the ingredients!
So battery-acid D is associated with milk? I will add that to my journal. That makes real sense to me since skim milk really set my D off.
You are absolutely amazing and I do thank you so much,
Deb
Deb in Atlanta
Happiness is a voyage, not a destination.
There is no better time to be happy than… NOW!
Live and enjoy the moment.
-Author unknown
Happiness is a voyage, not a destination.
There is no better time to be happy than… NOW!
Live and enjoy the moment.
-Author unknown
My background is in farming, and I've spent the past 19 years, processing food and feed grains, so I couldn't help but have a little knowledge about foods rub off on me, now and then. 
Thank you for the information on your friend's positive response to the GF diet. For several years, I have felt strongly that the GF diet should be beneficial for anyone with Crohn's or UC, (or most autoimmune diseases, for that matter), but I've never seen research to verify that concept. Most GI docs seem to deny that diet changes will make any significant difference, except that they often recommend more fiber in the diet.
I even considered starting a Crohn's/UC discussion board, to try to promote the idea, but decided against it, in view of the fact that there are already a lot of boards out there, many of them sponsored by the most prestigious hospitals in the world, so they probably don't need another. I wonder if any of the discussion boards successfully advocate the diet. If they don't, maybe that thought deserves reconsideration.
You're most welcome,
Tex
Thank you for the information on your friend's positive response to the GF diet. For several years, I have felt strongly that the GF diet should be beneficial for anyone with Crohn's or UC, (or most autoimmune diseases, for that matter), but I've never seen research to verify that concept. Most GI docs seem to deny that diet changes will make any significant difference, except that they often recommend more fiber in the diet.
I even considered starting a Crohn's/UC discussion board, to try to promote the idea, but decided against it, in view of the fact that there are already a lot of boards out there, many of them sponsored by the most prestigious hospitals in the world, so they probably don't need another. I wonder if any of the discussion boards successfully advocate the diet. If they don't, maybe that thought deserves reconsideration.You're most welcome,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I just learned something new. Thanks for that tidbit, Ted. I also appreciate your explanation about the potatoes.I noticed that you mentioned battery-acid D. We have found that battery-acid D is almost always associated with milk, or other dairy products.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Gloria,
Actually, I can't take any credit for the origin of the definition of battery-acid D. If my memory is correct, Polly originated that definition, or it might have been Sally, back on the old board, years ago.
Tex
Actually, I can't take any credit for the origin of the definition of battery-acid D. If my memory is correct, Polly originated that definition, or it might have been Sally, back on the old board, years ago.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
