Why Don't Athletes Eat Tomatoes? Separating Myth from Fact

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While most people consider tomatoes a healthy food, an elite US footballer, Tom Brady, sparked a dietary trend by claiming he avoids them to prevent inflammation. The discussion around why athletes don't eat tomatoes involves specific concerns about nightshade vegetables and their potential effects on performance and recovery.

Quick Summary

The popular notion that athletes avoid tomatoes stems from high-profile figures who restrict nightshades due to suspected inflammatory effects. While scientific evidence for a widespread inflammatory link is weak, individual food sensitivities or allergies can lead athletes to make dietary exclusions for optimal performance and recovery.

Key Points

Nightshade Myth: The belief that tomatoes cause inflammation is based on their nightshade family classification and a compound called solanine, but this is largely a misconception.
Tom Brady's Influence: The practice was popularized by NFL star Tom Brady, whose personal anecdote has been misinterpreted as a universal truth for athletes.
Scientific Findings: Research indicates tomatoes contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants, like lycopene, and can actually help reduce some markers of inflammation after intense exercise.
Individual Sensitivity: Some athletes may have a genuine, individual sensitivity or intolerance to nightshades, or they may experience issues with acidity or FODMAPs, but this is not a universal truth.
Elimination Diet Protocol: For those concerned, a temporary elimination diet under a professional's guidance is the best way to determine if a specific food, like tomatoes, is a trigger.
Performance Factors: Focusing on a balanced whole-foods diet and proper recovery practices is more impactful for athletic performance than fearing a single vegetable.

Understanding the Nightshade Myth and Athlete Concerns

The perception that athletes should avoid tomatoes is largely connected to the broader "nightshade myth." Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family of plants, which also includes white potatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers. A natural compound called solanine, a glycoalkaloid, is found in nightshades and is often cited as the reason for avoiding these foods. While toxic in very large amounts (such as from eating tomato leaves or green potatoes), the solanine content in ripe tomatoes is not considered harmful for most people. The belief that this compound causes inflammation and joint pain has been propagated, especially in certain wellness circles, despite a lack of robust scientific backing.

The Influence of Celebrity Diets

The myth gained significant mainstream traction through the diet promoted by NFL quarterback Tom Brady. His regimen, known as the TB12 Method, includes a strict avoidance of nightshade vegetables, among other food groups, based on the premise that they contribute to inflammation. For many fans and aspiring athletes, his success and longevity at an elite level are compelling evidence for following a similar diet. However, experts point out that relying on a single athlete's anecdotal experience overlooks the importance of individualized nutrition and the complexity of his overall lifestyle and genetic makeup. The success of Brady's diet could be more related to his avoidance of processed foods, refined carbs, and sugars, which are known to cause inflammation, rather than the exclusion of nightshades specifically.

Scientific Perspective: Tomatoes and Inflammation

Evidence Against the Inflammatory Claim

Contrary to the nightshade myth, current scientific evidence actually suggests that tomatoes and their derivatives have anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics found that tomato juice consumption could decrease markers of systemic inflammation in well-trained male athletes after exhaustive exercise. This is largely attributed to lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in high concentrations in tomatoes. A systematic review concluded that while tomatoes had no effect on some inflammatory markers, they did significantly reduce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), another marker of inflammation. Furthermore, research suggests that the synergistic interaction of lycopene with other bioactive compounds in whole tomatoes may provide a stronger antioxidative effect than lycopene supplements alone.

Individual Sensitivities and Gastrointestinal Issues

While science refutes a general inflammatory effect, individual dietary sensitivities are a real factor for some athletes. Food sensitivities or allergies, including those to nightshades, can trigger a range of symptoms, from joint pain and headaches to gastrointestinal distress. For athletes whose performance is highly dependent on managing their body's fine-tuned balance, even subtle sensitivities can be a concern. Some potential reasons for discomfort from tomatoes include:

Acidity: The natural acidity can exacerbate symptoms for those with acid reflux or GERD.
FODMAPs: Tomatoes contain fructans, a type of fermentable carbohydrate that can cause issues for athletes with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other digestive disorders.
Other GI Issues: Like other high-fiber foods, tomatoes can cause bloating or other discomfort for those with specific gastrointestinal conditions.

For an athlete who suspects a sensitivity, an elimination diet under medical supervision is the recommended course of action.

Comparison: Benefits of Tomatoes vs. Reasons for Avoidance


Aspect	Potential Benefits of Tomatoes for Athletes	Reasons Why Some Athletes May Avoid Tomatoes
Inflammation	Rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants like lycopene; studies show reduction in certain inflammatory markers post-exercise.	Influenced by anecdotal claims (e.g., Tom Brady) about nightshades causing inflammation; individual sensitivity to alkaloids.
Performance & Recovery	Lycopene and other compounds can help reduce oxidative stress and aid muscle recovery after strenuous exercise.	Gastrointestinal discomfort from acidity or FODMAPs could hinder performance or training effectiveness.
Nutrient Density	High in Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, all vital for athletic health.	Concerns over nutrient absorption or GI issues outweighing potential benefits for some sensitive individuals.
Digestive Health	Contains fiber, which is generally beneficial for digestive health.	Potential for adverse effects (bloating, gas) in athletes with IBS or other GI sensitivities.

Conclusion: Personalizing an Athlete's Plate

The notion that athletes across the board should avoid tomatoes is based on anecdotal evidence and a misinterpretation of nightshade compounds. While the widespread myth about nightshades causing inflammation is not supported by scientific research, individual responses to food are highly personal. For the majority of athletes, the antioxidant-rich benefits of tomatoes, particularly in aiding post-exercise recovery, make them a valuable dietary addition. For those who experience specific symptoms like joint pain or digestive issues, working with a healthcare provider or a sports dietitian to conduct a proper elimination diet is the most effective approach. Ultimately, a well-rounded diet focused on nutrient density and individual tolerance, rather than unfounded dietary fears, is the true key to optimal athletic performance.

Practical Steps for Athletes Considering Tomato Elimination

If you're an athlete who has heard the nightshade myth and is considering removing tomatoes from your diet, here are some actionable steps:

Assess Symptoms: Pay close attention to how you feel after consuming tomatoes. Are you experiencing joint pain, bloating, or other specific symptoms?
Consult a Professional: Talk to a registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition. They can help you design a plan and properly assess your individual needs.
Try an Elimination Diet: Under professional supervision, remove all nightshade vegetables for at least two weeks to see if your symptoms improve. Reintroduce them one at a time to identify a specific trigger.
Replace Nutrients: If you do cut out tomatoes, make sure to replace the vitamins and antioxidants they provide with other colorful, non-nightshade vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Focus on Whole Foods: A well-balanced diet rich in various whole foods is more important than fixating on the exclusion of a single ingredient like tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, scientific evidence does not support the claim that tomatoes cause inflammation for the general population. In fact, tomatoes contain powerful antioxidants, such as lycopene, that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Tom Brady follows a strict dietary regimen, and his former personal chef claimed he avoided nightshades, including tomatoes, based on the belief that they cause inflammation. However, this is based on his personal belief, not conclusive science.

Solanine is a naturally occurring glycoalkaloid found in nightshade plants like tomatoes. While toxic in extremely large doses (found in tomato leaves or green potatoes), the amount in ripe tomatoes is very low and generally harmless.

Yes, some individuals may have a sensitivity or intolerance to nightshade vegetables that can cause various symptoms, including joint pain or digestive issues. These individual reactions are not universal to all people or athletes.

The most effective method is to undergo an elimination diet under the supervision of a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. This involves removing nightshades completely for a period and then reintroducing them to observe any returning symptoms.

Not for most athletes. Studies have shown that tomato consumption can help reduce exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, which benefits recovery. The decision to avoid them should be based on individual sensitivity, not unfounded rumors.

If an athlete has a confirmed sensitivity, they can get similar nutrients from other colorful vegetables. Examples include carrots, bell peppers (some are non-nightshade), sweet potatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens.