Stars like Kelly Clarkson and Shaquille O'Neal have been spotted swallowing spicy stuff for the challenge, which aims to raise awareness and funds for the neurodegenerative disease.But while we watched them struggle to chomp on crazy hot peppers, we couldn't help but wonder: What makes chilies so darn fiery and are they even safe to nosh on in excess?"Capsaicin attaches to the receptors on the taste buds that detect temperature and sends signals of spicy heat to the brain," explains Bazilian, who's also the author of Eat Clean, Stay Lean.When we eat very hot peppers, the brain receives "pain" signals that can result in an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting, says Bazilian.Back in October 2016, one man actually burned a hole in his esophagus after consuming (and subsequently retching) ghost peppers during an eating contest.To reap the benefits of hot peppers, choose varieties that aren't too high on the Scoville scale and consume them in tasty meals, rather than straight up. .
Can you hurt yourself eating chilli peppers?
And hot-hunters are safe in the knowledge that although capsaicin, the spicy molecule in hot peppers, is activating receptors in pain neurons in their mouths, it’s not really causing any damage.Chillies are rated on a spiciness scale known as Scoville – a grading of heat that goes from the lowly bell pepper (0) right up to the fearsomely named Carolina Reaper (2.2 million). .
A hot topic: Are spicy foods healthy or dangerous?
I’ve met too many people who swear that eating spicy foods is dangerous.In this post, I want to shed some evidence-based light on eating spicy foods to separate fact from fiction.Capsaicinoids, which include the compound capsaicin, are the chemical components of peppers that create their spicy taste.Research over the past couple of decades has demonstrated that capsaicinoids — and thus, spicy foods — also possess several health benefits.People frequently ignore the fact they are taking ibuprofen ‘around the clock’ or that they may have a bacteria called H. Pylori (one of the world’s most common causes of ulcers).Contrary to popular belief, multiple studies show that capsaicin actually inhibits acid production in the stomach.As a matter of fact, capsaicin has been considered as a medication for preventing ulcer development in people who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.If you’re worried about an ulcer, go see your friendly neighborhood gastrointestinal (GI) doc (you can look me up if you’re in Chicago).A study in 2008 demonstrated that spicy foods aggravate symptoms associated with anal fissures.The analysis found spicy foods reduce appetite and that they increase energy expenditure.The simplicity of the show is what makes it beautiful — it’s just a host interviewing celebrities while eating super spicy hot sauces.I guess I was a victim of ‘toxic masculinity’ because my testosterone levels made me try one of the hottest sauces on the show.After guzzling a gallon of milk, eating a loaf of bread, and going to my prayer closet, I decided to look up the dangers of ridiculously spicy foods.When I started my search for dangers of super spicy foods, the first article I came across was from The Journal of Emergency Medicine.One study specifically highlighted that frequent consumption of spicy foods can trigger upper gastrointestinal symptoms in some people with dyspepsia (or, indigestion).For people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), spicy foods can also trigger symptoms.
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Can Spicy Food Burn Your Stomach & Intestines?
While these foods can certainly cause a hot, burning sensation in the mouth, they also have a reputation for aggravating stomach or intestinal discomfort -- particularly in people who already have disorders involving the gastrointestinal tract.However, if you have conditions that already cause discomfort or pain in the stomach or intestines, let your symptoms and your doctor guide you on how much and how often spicy foods can fit in your diet.It's very common for people to experience this burning sensation in the mouth, but the feeling of warmth can continue as the spicy food makes its way down the esophagus and into the stomach and intestines.Some people can even experience pain and cramping, as activated TRPV1 receptors stimulate the intestines to move in order to get rid of the offending substance.According to a study published in the April 2010 issue of "Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility," more than the normal amount of TRPV1 receptors are found in the intestines of people with irritable bowel syndrome or hypersensitivity of the rectum.For example, a study of 16 people with irritable bowel syndrome, published in the July 2014 issue of "Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility" showed that a 6-week trial of chili powder improved symptoms of abdominal and rectal burning.If you have a gastrointestinal disorder such as acid reflux, an ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome, spicy foods are not necessarily off limits. .
7 Surprising Health Benefits of Jalapeños
One of the most unique compounds in jalapeños is capsaicin, an alkaloid that gives peppers their characteristic spicy quality and is responsible for many of their health benefits.Several studies have found that capsaicin and other similar compounds called capsaicinoids can boost metabolism by 4–5% per day, potentially making it easier to lose weight ( 7 , 8 ).In addition to boosting metabolism, capsaicinoid supplements have been shown to reduce abdominal fat and appetite so that people eat 50–75 fewer calories per day ( 6 , 9 , 10 ).All of these factors help explain why regularly consuming chili peppers is associated with a significantly reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese over time ( 11 ).While this research is promising, it is important to note that many of these studies investigated the effects of capsaicin or chili peppers in general, not just jalapeños.Summary Research suggests that jalapeños and other spicy peppers may promote weight loss by boosting metabolism, increasing fat burn and reducing appetite.In fact, several human studies have found that regularly eating chili peppers is linked to a higher risk of cancer.Summary Preliminary studies suggest that capsaicin may help fight cancer in high doses, but more research is needed to determine whether this holds true in humans.Stress While it is commonly believed that spicy foods like jalapeños can cause or aggravate stomach ulcers, research has shown this to be false ( 32 ).Chili peppers can also help reduce the stomach damage caused by the overuse of NSAID pain relievers and alcohol, potentially preventing the formation of ulcers from the start ( 36 , 37 ).Compounds found in spicy chili peppers are especially powerful at slowing the growth of common foodborne bacteria and yeasts ( 39 , 40 , 41 ).Chili extracts can even stop cholera bacteria from producing toxins, potentially reducing the impact of this deadly foodborne disease ( 42 ).Beyond food poisoning, new research suggests that capsaicin can help prevent other types of infections, such as strep throat, bacterial tooth decay and chlamydia ( 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ).These early studies suggest that chili peppers may have strong antimicrobial properties, and future research is underway to determine if they may be used as natural preservatives or medicines.Summary Jalapeños and other spicy chilis contain compounds that can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts that cause infectious diseases.Wearing gloves when handling peppers can prevent transferring the spicy compounds to other sensitive areas of your body like your eyes.People with irritable bowel syndrome may also experience unpleasant symptoms after eating spicy chilis, especially if they are not a regular part of their diet.Summary The most common side effect of eating jalapeños is a temporary burning sensation of the mouth, but simple steps can be taken to reduce it.Research shows that there is little to no loss of capsaicinoids during the drying process and only a moderate reduction from smoking or pickling, so it can be beneficial to consume jalapeños in all of their forms (63, 64).Stuffed with meat, cheese or pilafs According to estimates, the average person living in the United States or Europe consumes roughly 1.5 mg of capsaicinoids per day.Summary Jalapeños can be eaten in a variety of ways, including raw, cooked, smoked (also known as chipotle peppers), dried and even powdered. .
Why Eating Spicy Food Can Give You Diarrhea
Whether you’re eating Mexican, Indian, or Cajun meals, or just enjoying some zesty Buffalo wings during the big game, spicy food is a popular treat for lots of people.Foods prepared with hot spices such as cayenne or chili peppers contain a powerful ingredient known as capsaicin.Digestion is a highly organized process that begins from the first bite until we go to the bathroom to have a bowel movement.The brain tries to understand what's going on and begins to release the body’s own pain blockers known as endorphins.To protect your body from what it senses as harm, the small intestine quickly pushes the capsaicin through the gut.As a defense, the colon speeds the whole process up, and it makes us run to the restroom with diarrhea.Recap Capsaicin in spicy food irritates pain receptors in the digestive tract.In most cases, taking it easy on your gut and eating non-spicy foods for a few days will get you through the worst.It's important to also stay well hydrated (drink plenty of water) and avoid caffeinated beverages that can make diarrhea worse.However, there's a reason your friend can eat those super-hot wings with no problems and you spend all day in the restroom.Take steps to prevent diarrhea by recognizing your trigger foods, learning how to avoid them, and finding ways to enjoy spicy meals without experiencing unpleasant bathroom situations. .
Ugly Dangers of Eating Spicy Foods, According to Science — Eat
Simply add a dash of tabasco or sriracha, and—voila!—you've instantly made your meal more palatable without piling on the calories.According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, people who ate spicy foods six to seven days per week "showed a 14% relative risk reduction in total mortality.".The resulting symptoms of too much capsaicin, according to the folks at Healthline, include "nausea," "vomiting," "abdominal pain," and "burning diarrhea.".According to many leading health experts, eating spicy foods closer to your bedtime isn't advised because lying down can actually exacerbate the discomfort you feel.If you're someone who suffers from acid reflux—something commonly brought on by the consumption of spicy foods—it can lead to not only vomiting but also to soreness, swelling, and "a horse, muffled voice.".Pierce Laboratory in New Haven, Conn, simply touching some spicy foods can potentially have health risks.The central nervous system can be confused or fooled when these pain fibers are stimulated by a chemical, like that in chili peppers, which triggers an ambiguous neural response.For more ways to handle food safely, don't miss this collection of Hidden Health Dangers You Can't Ignore. .
What Happens To Your Stomach When You Eat Over-Spicy Food
Consultant, Laproscopic & Bariatric Surgeon, Habilite & Apollo Spectra Hospital, "While spicy foods do not cause ulcers or reflux but it can increase the severity of symptoms in patients already suffering from such conditions.It also decreases the sensitivity of taste buds so if you plan on enjoying your favorite spicy dishes for years to come, less is more.".Indians have a tendency to gorge on masaledar khana that uses generous amounts of spices and, of course, lots of red chilli powder .While eating spicy food may have some serious health benefits, it may also mess up your system, especially your stomach.Eating over-spicy foods can aggravate ulcers in the sensitive mucosal lining or in the small intestine, called the duodenum, or sometimes even in the esophagus making it worse.Consuming moderate amounts of spicy food is okay; for instance you can eat 2-3 times a week, but definitely not daily.Gastritis is caused due to inflammation of the gastric mucosa, the membrane that lines the stomach. .
Is It Bad to Eat a Lot of Jalapenos?
Jalapenos pack a nutritional punch, including vitamins A, C and K and a potent antioxidant phytochemical called capsaicin.Jalapenos rank below chipotles, serranos and cayenne and well below scotch bonnet and habanero peppers.Gastrointestinal issues: According to National Capitol Poison Control, eating too many hot peppers can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.You may feel a worsening burning sensation in your mouth and throat as you eat more of the peppers.Prevent the growth of bacteria: A 2015 study in Frontiers in Microbiology examined capsaicin's antibacterial and anti-virulence activity against Streptococcus pyogenes and found that it inhibited intracellular invasion and the breakdown of red blood cells and prevented the spread of infection to deep tissues. .
