Cayenne pepper is used as a seasoning for foods and for its medicinal properties. It can be used as either fresh or dried and adds heat to foods as well as traditionally used to aid with digestive and circulatory issues.
Even though cayenne pepper is considered safe to eat, it might trigger digestive irritation if too much was eaten.
Close look on cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which is a chemical compound that provides hot peppers including cayenne its distinctive heat. Excess capsaicin in food can trigger generalized symptoms of irritation in the mouth, stomach and intestines as well as vomiting or diarrhea. Remember that capsaicin is present in both dried and fresh cayenne as well as in powder form.
Measures to lessen irritation
For those who enjoy the addition of cayenne in food or the doctor suggested to take it as a supplement, take it as part of a meal or right before a meal to lessen stomach irritation.
Since capsaicin does not enter the body via the skin, it might linger on the fingers after preparing cayenne peppers. Be careful not to touch the skin, eyes or open wounds after handling cayenne, both fresh or dried with your bare hands.
Is there a risk for heartburn?
In large quantities, cayenne pepper can trigger heartburn. The presence of capsaicin can irritate the stomach and lining of the esophagus which increases the amount of stomach acid generated. This flows upwards into the esophagus which results to a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
Take note that capsaicin triggers digestive reflux symptoms among those who regularly suffer from heartburn as well as those who do not have any reflux issues.
What are the complications with medications?
Capsaicin can interact with some medications. If the individual is planning to use cayenne supplements or increasing the consumption, a doctor should be consulted first.
Aside from affecting aspirin and blood-thinning drugs, cayenne can also affect drugs that reduce stomach acidity including those used for treating the symptoms of heartburn. If using diabetes drugs, blood thinners or medications for high blood pressure, a doctor should be consulted before increasing the intake of cayenne.