So... What's the Deal with Tomatoes?

Tomatoes might be the star of salsa, sauces, and spaghetti night—but for some people, they’re also the sneaky villain behind bloating, heartburn, joint pain, and mystery inflammation.

​

🍅 Not-so-innocent nightshades

​

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family (along with peppers, eggplant, and white potatoes). While many people can enjoy them without issue, others are more sensitive to the compounds they contain—especially alkaloids and lectins—which can irritate the gut lining, trigger immune responses, and contribute to chronic inflammation.

​

Translation?

​

Tomatoes might be the reason your gut feels like it’s in a boxing match after taco night.

​

🔥 High in histamines = high drama

​

Tomatoes are also naturally high in histamines—the same chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction. For people with histamine intolerance or gut imbalances, eating tomatoes can overload the system and lead to symptoms like:

​

• Bloating or cramping

• Skin rashes or flushing

• Headaches or brain fog

• Acid reflux or heartburn

• Fatigue or joint stiffness

Not exactly the kind of post-meal glow you’re going for, right?

​

🌿 Good news: flavor doesn’t have to mean flare-ups

​

That’s why we created Chi Salsa and TomaNo Sauce—to give you all the rich, zesty flavor you love, without the gut fallout. Our recipes are crafted with fermented veggies, low-inflammatory ingredients, and gut-loving probiotics so you can enjoy your favorite foods without sacrificing your health (or taste buds).

​

Because we believe you shouldn’t need a food sensitivity chart to enjoy dinner.