Autism is a condition that can appear in any child, even without a history of it in the family. Since there’s no cure, managing autism involves therapies and other strategies. The genetics of autism are complex – it’s not caused by a single gene from the parents but is likely due to changes in multiple genes. A common concern among parents is whether they could pass on genes associated with autism to their children. Given the complex nature of autism’s genetics, providing a clear answer to this question is challenging. This article explores the current understanding of how autism genes are inherited and what this means for parents.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction.
Some people with autism have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, and interests that are specific to them.
People with autism experience challenges in everyday life, including finding employment, interacting with others, and accessing community resources.
Although a single gene does not cause autism, there is evidence that genetics play a role in the development of the disorder.
Studies have found that people with autism are more likely to have relatives who also have autism and that the risk of developing autism increases with the number of relatives who have the disorder.
It is still unclear why some people develop autism and others do not, but researchers are exploring all possible causes.
Studies have found that some people with autism have a higher-than-average number of genetic markers associated with the disorder.
However, there is still much to learn about the genetics of autism and how it contributes to the development of the disorder.
Studies have shown that autism is predominantly a genetic disorder, with 40-80% heritability.
While researchers are still working to identify all of the genes associated with autism, they do know that some genetic mutations can increase your risk of developing autism.
If you have a family member with autism, you may want to consider talking to your doctor about getting screened for genetic mutations that could put you at higher risk.
Children in families with a history of other mental conditions like ADHD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are also at a higher risk for developing autism.
According to an article on Spectrum News, “Children who have a first-degree relative — a sibling or parent — with a brain condition other than autism have up to 4.7 times the odds of having autism and up to 7.6 times the odds of having both autism and intellectual disability.”
In almost 50% of the cases where there’s only one child in the family with autism, the cause appears to be spontaneous mutations.
Spontaneous mutations are genetic mutations that are absent in the parents and siblings of affected children.
Image: Spontaneous mutations
Researchers have long noted that parents of autistic children display some of the traits seen in their children in a much more muted manner.
A 2020 study examined the role of familial relationships in explaining similarities in behaviors across family members.
The study found a relationship between parents and children’s behavioral traits and maternal polygenic scores, and broad autism behavior traits in children.
This means that traits in children with autism may take after the mother’s subtle autism-like behaviors.
For example, if a mother has issues communicating in a social setting, then her autistic child may have communication difficulties themselves.
On the other hand, a large study based on the analysis of 9,275 whole genomes suggests that some mutations tied to autism may be passed down from fathers.
The study focused on flanking gene regions, where mutations are rarely observed.
The researchers reported that such rare variants are inherited from fathers twice as much compared to mothers.
The protective effect
Studies have revealed that a type of mutation called the copy number variation seen in autism was three times more common in girls than boys.
Another type of mutation called the single base substitution was also a third more common in girls.
However, according to the protective effect theory, women appear to have a shielded effect from these genetic mutations but still leave these mutations down to their sons.
They function a lot better than their male counterparts with the same mutations.
Due to its lower prevalence in females, autism was always thought to have a maternal inheritance component.
However, research also suggests that the rarer variants associated with autism are mostly inherited from the father.
Ultimately, autism is a complex condition with 100s of genes involved.
In a child with autism, it is very challenging to tease apart maternal and paternal genetic contributions.
Even without a family history of mental disorders, autism can occur in a child due to spontaneous mutations.
Genetic tests can help understand the risk for autism, explain the possible causes, and shine a light on optimal management and treatment options.
Yes, a parent with autism can have a child without autism. While having a parent with autism increases the likelihood of a child being on the autism spectrum, it is not a certainty.
Each child’s genetic makeup is unique, and the inheritance of autism is complex and not determined by a single gene.
From glowing skin to a powerful immune system, glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, has a significant role to play in the body. It is no wonder that more and more people are now choosing to take glutathione supplements. But of course, no pain, no gain. There are a few things a person needs to avoid when taking glutathione. From your morning cuppa Joe to your evening glass of wine, cutting back or avoiding certain lifestyle habits can help you get the most out of the supplement.
Did You Know?
Many aspects of your skin health and aging, including the risk for conditions like adult acne, rosacea, tanning, and the likelihood of premature wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, etc., are highly influenced by your genes. You can learn in-depth about your skin using your existing ancestry genetic test DNA data.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the cells from oxidative damage. They nullify the effects of free radicals and, as a result, prevent cell damage.
The antioxidant glutathione comprises three types of amino acids – glutamic acid, glycine, and cysteine.
Glutathione is produced in the body (by the liver and nerve cells) and can also be obtained from diet. It is called the king of antioxidants because it is highly potent.
Glutathione plays a role in the following functions.
While the body usually produces adequate levels of glutathione, causes like stress, poor diet, or a chronic health condition can reduce glutathione levels.
Some people may be born with a change in the GSS gene responsible for producing glutathione synthetase.
GSS gene mutation can prevent the body from producing adequate glutathione levels, leading to deficiency.
Some individuals may show signs of glutathione deficiency, including frequent infections, loss of coordination, seizures, and excess acid buildup.
In all these cases, doctors may check the total serum glutathione levels and suggest supplementation if they are low.
Glutathione may be used along with chemotherapy drugs to help cell repair and flush out toxic substances.
Since glutathione is an over-the-counter supplement, others may also try it to increase their antioxidant intake.
Some studies suggest higher levels of glutathione may help lose weight and body fat percentage.
Glutathione is also used widely for its ability to lighten skin tone.
Studies report glutathione isn’t an effective skin-lightening agent. According to experts, any benefit seen is reversed after stopping it.
However, these haven’t stopped people from giving the supplement a try to lighten skin tone.
The following are some of the common forms of glutathione available.
Glutathione supplements are available as capsules, gels, liquid supplements, skin patches, sprays, and intravenous injections.
250-500 mg/day of glutathione may be safe for adults.
It is essential to talk to your primary care provider and confirm dosage levels before starting any supplements.
If you are taking glutathione, the following can interact with the same and lead to either unpleasant side effects or lowered efficacy of the supplement.
Smoking is a primary cause of preventable oxidative damage in the body.
The primary role of glutathione supplements is to fight free radical damage and flush out toxins.
Smoking is something to avoid when taking glutathione because it may counteract the beneficial effects of glutathione.
Excess alcohol consumption can damage the liver, which helps metabolize glutathione.
Just like smoking, alcohol consumption also leads to oxidative damage.
Glutathione may not be beneficial to the body if combined with alcohol consumption.
While there are no specific drug interactions identified for glutathione, this does not mean there aren’t any.
If you are on medications, please talk to your doctor before starting glutathione.
Consumption of caffeine may increase reduced glutathione levels in the body.
However, consuming caffeine and glutathione together may affect glutathione absorption levels and reduce its bioavailability.
So, to optimize glutathione supplementation, do not drink coffee a few hours before or after taking the supplements.
Aspartame is a popular no-calorie sweetener used in many foods and beverages to reduce overall sugar and calorie count.
Studies report that chronic aspartame consumption may decrease reduced and oxidized glutathione levels in the liver.
So, avoiding aspartame when taking glutathione may improve the effectiveness of the antioxidant.
There are two reasons why preservative-laden food and beverages may not benefit those on glutathione supplementation.
While regular doses of glutathione are generally well tolerated, high doses may be toxic to the body.
In rare cases, glutathione supplements can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, or skin rashes.
If you experience any new symptoms while on glutathione, stop using the supplement and talk to your primary care provider.
Individuals with existing health conditions must consult their doctors before using glutathione supplements.
The effects of glutathione on pregnant or breastfeeding women haven’t been studied well.
Avoiding the supplement during these phases is better unless a doctor recommends it.
People with severe liver or kidney conditions must exercise caution while using any supplement.
Some studies report that vitamin E and C levels help raise serum glutathione levels and make it more effective for the body.
Eating foods rich in vitamin E and vitamin C is one way to improve glutathione absorption.
Selenium, an essential mineral, is needed for the body to absorb and use glutathione.
Studies report that selenium supplements increased serum glutathione levels in just three months.
Foods like organ meat, beef, fish, cottage cheese, and brown rice are natural sources of selenium.
Glutathione supplements shouldn’t affect regular menstrual cycles.
However, some studies report that consuming glutathione may increase serum estrogen levels during menstrual cycles.
Estrogen is a beneficial hormone during the fertile periods of the menstrual cycle and plays a role in preparing the body for pregnancy.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and immune systems.
Humans receive their quotas of vitamin D from sun exposure, which is why most adults are deficient in this nutrient these days.
A 2020 study reports that vitamin D supplementation may increase Glutathione Peroxidase-1 levels in the body.
Taking vitamin D along with glutathione may be beneficial. Always discuss with your provider before combining two or more supplements.
The following are some of the natural sources of glutathione.
A 2007 study reports that almond consumption increases serum glutathione levels by up to 16% and reduces DNA damage by up to 29%.
Almonds also have various other health benefits and are beneficial when consumed regularly.
Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice used to add color and taste to food.
Curcumin, a chemical present in turmeric, is an excellent antioxidant.
Studies report that curcumin increases glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the liver.
According to a 2017 study, avocado oil may help increase glutathione levels produced in the liver and offer enhanced antioxidant properties.
Consuming foods rich in sulfur amino acids may help improve glutathione synthesis, according to a 2011 study.
Some of the food sources rich in sulfur amino acids are cruciferous vegetables, turkey, beef, chicken, nuts, legumes, allium vegetables like garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots, and leafy greens.
Milk thistle is a natural herb used for its medicinal properties.
It contains a compound called silymarin, which may help restore glutathione levels in the body and modulate the activities of the enzymes that metabolize glutathione.
Here are some other tips to help get the maximum effects of glutathione.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3635210/
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-glutathione
Having your 23andMe data and using it to learn only about ancestry is like having a Swiss Army knife and only using the toothpick. From nutrition and fitness to health and sleep, you can learn a world of information from your existing DNA data without having to redo a DNA test. One such company that lets you do this is Genomelink. Here, we discuss and review the company’s services and reports in depth. It is definitely a must-read before you avail their services!
Xcode Life: Get 1000+ health and wellness insights with your DNA data – from as low as $30
Genomelink, with its headquarters set in Berkeley, California, is a DNA data upload and analysis site co-founded by Yuta Matsuda and Kensuke Numakura in 2017. The company provides a personalized discovery platform for people to explore their DNA, catering to both amateurs and genealogists. It offers testing for a range of 200+ traits under categories like Personality, Intelligence, Fitness, etc.
To get started, you need to sign up and create an account. Upon signing up, you will receive a confirmation email to the registered account. The sign-up gives you access to 30 free traits upon uploading DNA data.
You can choose to download your DNA raw data and upload it or directly import your data from 23andMe or MyHeritage. Raw data files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage are compatible with Genomelink.
You can check out our DNA raw data download guides here:
Once the upload is complete, you will be required to answer the following questions:
You will then be taken to your account dashboard, where you will be able to view your results for the 30 free traits.
| Genomelink | Xcode Life | |
| Type of genetic testing | DNA raw data analysis | DNA raw data analysis |
| Ancestry reports | Offered | Offered in select countries |
| Health reports | Not offered | Offered |
| Pharmacogenomic reports | Not offered | Offered |
| Raw data upload | Only from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage | DNA raw data from ALL major providers accepted. Comprehensive list |
| Number of reports | 9 | 10 |
| Price | Single Reports: $39-$99 Trait plans: $14/month; Yearly payment: $96/year | Reports: $30-$50 Bundles: $160-$199 one-time payment Price details |
| Sample reports | Available as PDF | Available as detailed report walkthrough videos |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
Genomelink offers 150+ traits under the following categories:
You can use the link below to view the overall trait list:
https://genomelink.io/trait/all
On your dashboard, you can filter your results for the 30 free traits, depending on the outcome: Lower, Intermediate, and Higher risk.
You can also click on each trait to view it in detail. The report includes:
Genomelink Compare
This feature allows you to upload the DNA raw data of your family members to compare your results with theirs.
Genomelink Feedback
Genomelink uses this feature to collect feedback data for each trait analyzed! You can answer “Accurate,” “Inaccurate,” or “Not Sure” based on whether your genetic outcomes match your actual traits.
Genomelink also offers the traits bundled into the following nine reports:
Fitness Report – $39
The report includes the genetic analysis of your endurance, speed, and strength performance. It comes with personalized recommendations for aerobic training and resistance training.
Xcode Life’s Gene Fitness Report: 25+ Traits – $30
Nutrition Report – $24
The report offers analysis and personalized food recommendations for only six micronutrients.
Xcode Life’s Gene Nutrition Report: 45+ Traits – $40
Skincare Report – $35
The report provides personalized recommendations for 15 skincare-related traits.
Xcode Life’s Gene Skin Report: 25+ Traits – $30
Personality Report – $29
This report analyzes only the Big 5 Personality Traits – Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Openness, Neuroticism. The report also comes with career recommendations depending on the outcome of each trait.
Mental Well-being Report – $34
The report analyzes traits that influence mental and emotional well-being, like self-esteem, optimism, anxiety, and happiness. It includes a generic roadmap for achieving mindfulness. The report also comes with personalized color representation based on your mental well-being.
Xcode Life’s Well-being and Personality Report: 30+ Traits – $30
Global Ancestry Report – $69
This report offers a deep DNA analysis based on a unique algorithm. The report has three tools:
3D globe: The ethnicity breakup percentage is represented in a visually appealing interactive 3D map.
Chromosome breakdown: The ancestry breakdown is provided for each chromosome (1-22).
Ancestry-related facts: Some interesting facts and content are provided for your potential common ancestor populations.
Ancient Ancestry Report – $29
The report gives insights into your relationship with ancient ancestors like Farmers, Hunter-gatherers, Native Americans, etc. It also provides information on the migration history for each ancestral population.
Viking Index Report – $29
This report shows your relationship with Vikings based on DNA matches with ancient fossil samples. It also includes descriptive stories for each match.
Political Report – $19
This report analyzes the genetic factors that could sway your political views. It also allows you to compare your DNA results with your real-time political views.
Genomelink sign-up process is free. You will be able to access only 30 out of 200 traits for free.
To access the remaining traits, you need to subscribe to a paid plan. There are two paid plan options:
After signing up, Genomelink displays a page with links to its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The users need to accept the terms and conditions to use the services.
The company shares your data to third-party research partners like Luna DNA, DNA Solves, etc., if you consent to aid scientific research.
Genomelink Review on Trustpilot (3.8/5)
What Your DNA Can’t Tell You What Your DNA Can’t Tell You
Genomelink can be a good cost-free place to start if you are new to DTC genetic tests. The results are mostly user-friendly to read. They seem to have in-depth information on privacy and the use of users’ data. The free version of Genomelink is definitely worth a try.
You might want to think twice before going ahead with the subscription – Genomelink emails your results even for the locked traits – one each week.
The report bundles are definitely overpriced for the number of traits they cover. The reports do look visually appealing; however, the sample reports provided seem to only be for illustrative purposes. The real web-based reports need not be as attractive. It’s better to check out other cheaper alternatives for these reports.
We recommend: June 2021 Update: Free tools for 23andMe, AncestryDNA raw data analysis
What if you have the power to change the way your gene functions, by hacking into your genetic code to make your genes behave favorably? Though it may sound something far-fetched, the field of epigenetics makes it possible for us to overcome some of our “genetic disadvantages” by making certain lifestyle changes.
Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes do not alter the DNA sequence but can still impact how your body reads a DNA sequence. Imagine your DNA as a recipe book. Epigenetics can’t change the recipes, but it can decide which recipes are used and how. It’s like having sticky notes in your recipe book that say “use this recipe more” or “don’t use this one.” Epigenetic changes act as a set of switches that turn genes on or off, determining which genes are active and which are dormant.
The debate between genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) takes a fascinating turn with epigenetics. It suggests that while you can’t change your genetic code, your environment and behaviors, like diet, stress management, and exposure to toxins, can influence how those genes are expressed. For instance, someone genetically predisposed to diabetes may never develop the disease with the right lifestyle choices, thanks to epigenetic modifications.
Absolutely, converting the “How Can Your Epigenetics Change?” section into a listicle format can make the information more digestible and engaging. Here’s the revised section:
Your lifestyle choices can lead to epigenetic changes in various ways. Here’s a list of key factors that can influence your epigenetics:
Each of these factors plays a significant role in how your epigenetics can change, underlining the importance of healthy habits in influencing gene expression. By making conscious lifestyle choices, you can have a positive impact on your epigenetic profile.
Epigenetics is crucial in understanding how certain conditions develop. For instance, certain epigenetic changes are linked to the development of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The good news is that some epigenetic changes are reversible, offering potential pathways for novel treatments and preventive measures.
Epigenetic changes can sometimes be passed down through generations. This means the healthy habits you adopt today might not only benefit you but could also positively influence the health of your future children and grandchildren, offering a legacy of health influenced by your life choices.
That wraps up our quick dive into the world of epigenetics! Join us next time as we continue to explore the incredible landscape of genetics in our “2-Minute DNA Digest.” Remember, your genes are just the beginning of the story – how you live your life can narrate the rest!
Fasting is an old practice with several health advantages, but it can also be challenging, especially for beginners. That’s why some people drink fasting teas to support them during their fasting periods. Fasting teas are herbal preparations that help the body and mind during a fast. They can help with hunger, hydration, digestion, detoxification, and mood enhancement. However, not all fasting teas are made equal. Some may contain substances that are not suitable for fasting or may reduce the benefits of fasting. Keep reading to explore everything you need to know about fasting teas: what they are, what they do, how to pick them, and how to use them.
Did You Know?
Some researchers argue that not meal timings but meal quantity influences our body weight. According to a study, the times at which we eat don’t have any effect on the body.
Intermittent fasting (IF) flips the switch on your eating routine, cycling between feasting and fasting periods.
It does not prescribe specific foods to consume but rather the timing of consumption.
There are different methods of intermittent fasting, each with different durations and frequencies of fasting and eating, such as:
Intermittent fasting can bring various health benefits, such as promoting weight loss, enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and lowering cholesterol levels.
It may also help lower the risk of specific diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Fasting teas are herbal blends crafted from plants with properties that help the body and mind during fasting.
They differ from regular teas containing caffeine and other compounds that can disrupt fasting by stimulating metabolism.
They are caffeine-free, unsweetened, and calorie-free and do not interfere with the fasting state.
Fasting teas can produce various effects based on their ingredients. Some anticipated impacts include:
Many types of fasting teas are available on the market and can vary in their ingredients, quality, and effectiveness.
Some of the most popular types are:
Fasting tea: It may contain a blend of different herbs that have various effects on the body and mind during fasting.
Some examples of brands that sell fasting tea are:*
Detox tea: This type of fasting tea may contain herbs that support the liver and kidneys in cleansing the body from toxins and waste products.
Some examples of brands that sell detox tea are:*
Slimming tea: This fasting tea may include herbs that suppress appetite, boost metabolism, and burn fat.
Some brands that sell slimming tea are:*
*Xcode Life neither endorses any of these brands nor is afflicted with them. They are listed here for informational purposes only.
Drinking tea has several health benefits, whether you are practicing intermittent fasting or not. Here’s a look at what research says about the health benefits of tea:
While fasting teas are usually harmless, it is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects.
Potential side effects of fasting teas:
Potential risks of fasting teas:
With so many types and brands of fasting teas available, how do you choose the best one?
Here are some tips to help you:
Essential reminders to consider:
The ideal fasting tea for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some popular options are:
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Fasting teas, often marketed as “fasting teas” or “detox teas,” claim to enhance the effects of fasting.
However, the direct impact of fasting teas on boosting the effectiveness of fasting is a complex question that needs comprehensive scientific evidence.
While certain teas, such as green tea, contain herbs with potential health benefits, the scientific support for their significant role in enhancing fasting effects remains conclusive.
It is essential to consider fasting teas complementary rather than standalone solutions within a dietary plan, seeking personalized advice from healthcare providers.
Fasting teas, marketed as supportive beverages during fasting, are herbal blends designed to help the body and mind.
They offer potential benefits such as appetite suppression, hydration, digestion support, detoxification, and mood enhancement.
Only limited scientific evidence supports the direct impact of fasting teas on boosting fasting effects.
These teas, often caffeine-free and calorie-free, can be part of a well-rounded fasting plan.
However, caution is advised, as some may have side effects like nausea or heartburn, and interactions with medications should be considered.
It is advisable to consult with a doctor and gradually incorporate fasting tea into one’s routine based on personal goals and preferences.
The effectiveness of fasting teas varies among individuals, making it crucial to listen to your body and adopt a balanced approach to fasting and overall well-being.
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eat-stop-eat-review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32662279/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/fasting-teas/guide/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-natural-appetite-suppressants
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-for-digestion
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/herbs-for-liver
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/tea-for-stress
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2047487319894685
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/M22-0041
https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(22)00319-7/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12603-016-0687-0
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/211409
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-960/green-tea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-rooibos
https://www.webmd.com/diet/hibiscus-tea-is-it-good-for-you
Tomatoes, a staple in everyone’s pantry, and potatoes, a cult favorite, along with eggplants and peppers, belong to the nightshade family of vegetables. However, what’s a delicious ingredient for many can be a source of discomfort for some. Experiencing symptoms like redness, itching, or digestive issues after a meal featuring these foods might point to a lesser-known but significant condition: a nightshade allergy. This comprehensive article takes you through everything from the underlying causes and risk factors to the intricate genetics and effective management strategies for nightshade allergies.
Did You Know?
Genetic changes are the most common cause of food and other allergies. Using your existing DNA raw data file, you can find out which food, environmental, and drug allergies you’re susceptible to. Learn more.
Nightshades are foods that belong to the Solanaceae family.
It consists of almost 3,000 species of flowering plants.
Nightshades can either be beneficial or harmful.
The belladonna, a deadly nightshade, causes increased heart rate and blood pressure. Tobacco is a nightshade plant used to make cigarettes.
Many nightshades are the staple food in various cuisines across the globe.
Some edible nightshades are:
Nightshades are rich in potassium, iron, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins and lycopene.
They are beneficial for heart health and cancer prevention.
However, some people exhibit adverse effects after eating nightshades.
This condition is called nightshade allergy. It is also known as nightshade intolerance or nightshade sensitivity.
Nightshades possess certain chemical compounds that may be harmful to some people.
These chemicals, called phytochemicals, help plants fight against certain foreign substances.
They include Alkaloids, Saponins, Lectins, etc.
Alkaloids are naturally present compounds highly found in tubers.
Saponins are steroids or triterpenoid glycosides which retard nutrient intake and affect digestion.
Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates and block digestion.
According to a study, undigested lectins trigger an immunological reaction, causing autoimmunity.
A few factors are responsible for causing nightshade allergy. They are:
Nightshade allergy is mainly because of the alkaloids in them.
They play a defensive role against pathogens like molds and pests to protect the plant.
People develop allergies to alkaloids (toxic substances to the body) which trigger the immune system.
It releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to defend the allergy-causing food (the allergen).
IgE antibodies send some chemicals called histamine into your blood.
These chemicals cause nightshade allergy symptoms.
High concentrations of alkaloids worsen the symptoms of nightshade allergies.
People with autoimmune disorders are immune compromised.
Their weak immune system does not work against the toxic substances in nightshades, leading to the cause of nightshade allergy.
Numerous autoimmune conditions have a leaky gut as their underlying cause.
Rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are some prevalent autoimmune disorders.
Alkaloids in nightshades can aggravate gut irritation and exacerbate inflammation.
Solanine, Nicotine, and Capsaicin are some alkaloids found in nightshades.
Solanine is a glycoalkaloid that can cause joint inflammation and stress in the body.
According to reports, eating green potatoes can cause solanine toxicity.
Capsaicin in bell peppers can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and result in various digestive problems.
Genetic variants play a vital role in causing nightshade allergy.
The BCHE gene is responsible for developing the condition.
The BCHE gene regulates numerous functions in your body that can be activated or deactivated by factors such as stress, nutrition, and infection.
Any changes to the BCHE gene can increase nightshade allergy risk.
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Nightshade allergy is more severe than nightshade intolerance.
While intolerance causes loose stools, bloating, and nausea, which are uncomfortable rather than deadly, allergies can lead to severe symptoms like potentially fatal anaphylaxis. Initial symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear:
Genetic variants (changes) can be the root cause of developing a nightshade allergy.
Mutations in the BCHE gene are associated with nightshade allergy.
The BCHE gene provides instructions for making butyrylcholinesterase (BChE ), a cholinergic system enzyme.
The cholinergic system is a part of the autonomic nervous system.
It plays a significant role in digestion, blood pressure, heart rate regulation, and spinal cord function.
BChE plays a vital role in the autonomic nervous system and is recognized as a bio-scavenger, defending the body against toxins or poisons.
BChE is essential for
Changes in the BCHE gene can cause abnormalities in the production and function of the BChE enzyme.
Low levels of BChE in the body may not be sufficient to fight against glycoalkaloids (BChE inhibitors) present in nightshades.
This can lead to nightshade allergy.
You are more likely to develop nightshade allergy if you have a few common risk factors:
Nightshade allergies are unusual, so you should also consider allergens that are more frequently encountered, such as dairy, nuts, seafood, soy, and gluten.
Similar to other allergies, a doctor can identify a nightshade allergy by performing some diagnostic tests, including:
Blood test (RAST or ELISA): A doctor collects blood samples and checks for the presence of IgE antibodies linked to particular allergens.
Skin prick test: A doctor pricks the skin with a needle to test for suspected allergens and monitors for a reaction.
A standard food allergy treatment involves the deletion of foods containing the allergen. Keep a food log to track your symptoms and any possible triggers, as instructed by your doctor.
Drugs to prevent allergic reactions when exposed may also be part of the treatment approach. Typical prescription drugs consist of:
Antihistamines: They work against histamines, which trigger the allergic reaction and cause symptoms like hives and sneezing.
Commonly used antihistamines are Clarinex (desloratadine), Allegra, and Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Decongestants: They aid in narrowing blood arteries to allow mucus to drain.
Afrin nasal spray (oxymetazoline), Sudafed PE (phenylephrine), and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) are some known decongestants.
Anticholinergic nasal sprays: These inhibit nasal secretions.
E.g., Atrovent Nasal (ipratropium)
Steroid nasal sprays: They reduce swelling but take a few days to work.
E.g., Nasonex (mometasone) and Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate)
EpiPens: Epinephrine injections stop anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.
The simplest method to prevent food allergy symptoms is to avoid triggering food. Here are some easy swaps to common nightshade foods:
