Can Potato Juice Cure Infections?

Are potatoes healthy?

Potatoes are naturally low in fat and contain many biologically active compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants. A medium-sized baked potato contains more than 25% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Potatoes are also a good source of vitamin B6 and potassium.

Which potato is the healthiest?

Potatoes with red and purple flesh contain higher amounts of antioxidants than yellow or white potatoes. Cooking can affect the nutritional content of potatoes, and unpeeled potatoes retain more nutrients than peeled potatoes after cooking. Boiling potatoes causes greater losses of nutrients than baking, roasting, or frying. Since potato skin is a good source of dietary fiber, skin peeling reduces the fiber content of potatoes.

What is potato juice good for?

Although potatoes are good source of vitamin C, there is no evidence that consumption of potato juice is effective in treating infections such as strep throat. Potato juice is used in some European countries as an antacid, and the results of at least one study suggest that freshly squeezed potato juice may improve symptoms of indigestion. Potato juice may also have beneficial effects on inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Some of the compounds found in potato juice may also help protect against cancer growth, although there is currently not enough evidence to support the use of potato juice for cancer prevention.

Is it good to put raw potato on your feet when you’re sick?

Although some people believe that placing raw potato slices in your sock can help treat illnesses, there is no proven evidence that this practice is actually helpful. When raw potato slices are exposed to air (or placed in socks), a chemical reaction occurs that causes black or brown discoloration of the potato. While some people may attribute the discoloration to the potato drawing toxins out of the body, this process actually represents a natural oxidation reaction that is unrelated to detoxification.

Can potatoes treat infections?

Potatoes, tomatoes, and other plants are susceptible to infection caused by plant-based bacteria. One of these bacterial species was recently found to produce an antifungal drug, solanimycin. As an antifungal drug, solanimycin may be effective in treating certain types of yeast infections that affect potato plants, but it has not been shown to be effective in treating infections in humans. 

Can potatoes make you sick?

Glycoalkaloids, including solanine and chaconine, are biologically active compounds found naturally in potatoes. Glycoalkaloids may help decrease blood glucose levels and reduce inflammation but can also cause nausea, vomiting, and other unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms when consumed in high amounts. Higher amounts of glycoalkaloids are found in potatoes that are green or exposed to light, and because of this it’s safest to avoid consumption of green skinned or sprouted potatoes.

What do you do if potatoes make you sick? 

If unwanted or unexpected symptoms develop after eating a potato or drinking potato juice, get guidance from Poison Control immediately. Help from Poison Control is available at www.poison.org and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. 

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicologist

For media inquiries, please contact Krista Osterthaler at osterthaler@poison.org.