Does eating spicy food cause high blood pressure

Eating more than one teaspoon of salt in one day goes against the recommendations of the American Heart Association, but eating bland food is no fun. A new study shows how spicy food can lower the desire for salt, subsequently lowering blood pressure and keeping it at a healthy level.

High blood pressure, AKA hypertension, is one of the most frequently studied risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease. Scientists know that keeping blood pressure at a healthy level is vital for maintaining cardiovascular health. Certain foods, like those with lots of salt, can increase blood pressure, but eating spicy foods may help people resist the temptation of salty food.

“Trace amounts of capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their pungent smell, enhance[s] the perception of food being salty," explained senior study author Zhiming Zhu. Based on this finding, Zhu and his team of researchers from the Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China wanted to see if eating spicy foods could also reduce salt consumption.

Capsaicin is one of several compounds called capasaicinoids, and what most people would describe as “hot” or “spicy” is actually not technically a taste but a different sensation; there are no taste buds associated with capsaicinoids.

In a study of 606 Chinese adults, researchers analyzed the varying preferences for salty and spicy flavors, looking for accompanying trends in blood pressure levels. They found that those with a “high spicy preference” had on average lower blood pressure and consumed less salt than people who liked spicy food the least.

A second part of the study involved imaging techniques to observe two parts of the brain, both associated with detecting a “salty” sensation: the insula and orbitofrontal cortex. Results showed that salty and spicy sensations in the brain shared similar detection areas. Additionally, spicy food increased brain activity in areas also activated by salt, increasing a person’s sensitivity to salt so they generally needed less to be satisfied with a food’s saltiness.

Zhu says that in general, a good way to cut down on salt consumption is to use a lot of spices during cooking: “Habit and preference matter when it comes to spicy food, but even a small, gradual increase in spices in your food may have a health benefit."

High blood pressure is a common problem in the U.S. today, and due to the dietary patterns and daily stress everyone faces, it doesn’t seem to be improving. Medication can assist in reducing high blood pressure, but it can only do so much if people are not managing their lifestyles. For example, sodium intake is one of the main dietary components that can raise blood pressure if not consumed in moderation. Additionally, some people may not want to take blood pressure medication and may be looking for other ways to naturally lower their blood pressure. Overall, the strains of everyday life, and the traditional eating habits of most people are causing serious problems.

Issues Of High Blood Pressure

People who are suffering from high blood pressure, or hypertension, will display numerous symptoms that cause problems in their daily lives. Some common symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, passing out, chest pain, racing heartbeat, and confusion. With these symptoms, people’s daily activities and overall quality of life can be negatively affected. Without proper treatment, high blood pressure can be extremely dangerous to one’s health and could lead to much more serious issues like heart attack, stroke and even death.

How Spicy Foods Can Help

As with any medical issue, scientists and doctors are performing studies to try to assist everyone who struggles with hypertension. The studies are not necessarily providing a magic cure, but they are producing some interesting results that appear promising. One study being tested in China by Zhiming Zhu looks at the correlation between lowered blood pressure and spicy foods by focusing on an ingredient called capsaicin. Capsaicin is actually the component in peppers that provides their spicy nature and has been shown to help the human body in unique ways. As the results in China are showing, capsaicin causes the linings in blood vessels relax and increase nitric oxide, a molecule that protects people from inflammation and other issues. The study shows that the capsaicin tricks the body into thinking it is consuming more salt than it actually is. This allows people to put less or no salt in their food and still get the same great taste due to the spicy flavors. Sweet peppers also have a compound called capsinoid, and the studies are showing that it has similar results as capsaicin for those who don’t care for spicy food.

The Simpler Option

It has been proven that consuming spicy foods from peppers that contain capsaicin can help lower blood pressure. Statistics show people who consume spicy food on a daily basis have a 14 percent lower risk of death, diabetes and cancer than people who consume it less than once a week. It is an easy way to lower one’s sodium intake, and it is much easier to add a few peppers or spices to food then cutting out salty foods altogether. It is also an effective, natural alternative to medication, which many people prefer. While some people may not be thrilled about eating spicier foods, it is important to remember that there are many different levels of spice that are beneficial. It is a simple way to enhance flavor and lower blood pressure with little effort. Making dietary changes no longer has to result in bland, tasteless meals.

Spicy Variations

There is no need to panic or sweat about eating something spicy because there are numerous chili peppers that contain capsaicin. Most people think they need to eat foods that are extremely spicy and will cause their mouth to burn, such as ghost peppers or jalapeños. When in reality, peppers have a variety of heat levels and even the mildest pepper can have huge health benefits. So, there is no reason to eat an extremely hot pepper that will result in pain, and even a spice such as paprika can result in lowered blood pressure.

If you are struggling with hypertension, it is important to find a medical provider who can discover the underlying causes and help you get it under control either with medication, lifestyle changes, or both. At CVG, we specialize in treating cardiovascular diseases and preventing cardiac events. To learn more, please visit our website: www.cvgcares.com.

Can spicy foods raise blood pressure?

Is spicy food not good for high blood pressure?

What foods affects high blood pressure?

Does spicy food affect your heart?