What does cayenne pepper do in a cleanse?

Cayenne pepper has become a popular addition to cleanses and detox regimens in recent years. Proponents claim that cayenne can provide a number of health benefits when used as part of a cleanse. This article will examine the science behind using cayenne pepper for cleansing and detoxification.

What is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper made from the dried pods of cultivars of the Capsicum annuum plant. It is part of the nightshade family of flowering plants. Cayenne gets its heat from a compound called capsaicin, which stimulates pain receptors in the mouth and throat when eaten. This triggers a burning sensation, increased saliva production and a jump in heart rate. The Scoville heat unit scale measures the amount of capsaicin in peppers. Cayenne ranks high on the scale, containing 30,000-50,000 Scoville heat units.

In addition to capsaicin, cayenne pepper contains vitamins A, C and B6, manganese, potassium and flavonoids that act as antioxidants. Cayenne extract and powder are made from grinding up the dried peppers. These are used as a spice to add heat and flavor to many types of cuisine worldwide. Cayenne can be found in hot sauce, Cajun and Creole recipes, chili, curries and many Tex-Mex dishes.

Why Use Cayenne in a Cleanse?

There are several proposed benefits to using cayenne pepper in cleanses and detoxes:

• Stimulates digestion – Cayenne pepper may stimulate digestion by increasing saliva production and gastric acid secretion. The spice also stimulates intestinal peristaltic motion to support regularity.
• Anti-inflammatory effects – The capsaicin in cayenne has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation associated with toxins and digestive issues.
• Increases thermogenesis – Spicing up foods with cayenne may temporarily increase thermogenesis, or heat production in the body. This raises metabolism and could increase fat burning.
• Acts as a diuretic – Components in cayenne like capsaicin and flavonoids can act as mild natural diuretics to increase urine output. This helps flush out more toxins.
• Boosts circulation – Cayenne is thought to improve blood circulation throughout the body. Better circulation can enhance detoxification.
• Eases constipation – The effects of cayenne on digestion can help relieve constipation by stimulating peristalsis and bowel movements.

Research on using cayenne for detoxification is limited. However, preliminary studies suggest it has promise as a cleansing aid due to its effects on metabolism, thermogenesis, inflammation, and digestive health.

Active Components in Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper’s therapeutic effects come from its active components, including:

• Capsaicin – This is the main active compound that gives cayenne its heat and medicinal effects. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activities.
• Dihydrocapsaicin – A related compound to capsaicin also found in cayenne that has similar effects.
• Flavonoids – Cayenne contains antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol that exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective properties.
• Vitamin A – Cayenne is a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A supports immune function and vision.
• Vitamin C – Cayenne peppers are high in vitamin C. This nutrient has anti-oxidant effects and aids collagen formation.
• Vitamin E – Another anti-oxidant in cayenne that may prevent chronic disease and enhance immunity.
• Vitamin B6 – Cayenne provides vitamin B6 to support nerve signaling, enzyme reactions and red blood cell formation.
• Potassium – An essential mineral and electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, nerve signals and blood pressure.

These compounds give cayenne pepper the ability to stimulate detoxification, fight inflammation, increase thermogenesis for fat burning, and provide important vitamins and minerals.

How Does Cayenne Pepper Help Detoxification?

There are a few key ways cayenne pepper is thought to aid cleansing and detoxification:

1. Stimulates Digestion and Motility

Slow or impaired digestion is common during cleanses when people eliminate things like processed foods, dairy and wheat. Cayenne pepper can get digestion moving again by stimulating increased saliva output, gastric juices and bile production. It also boosts motility in the intestines to support regular bowel movements and elimination of waste products.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Cayenne pepper’s anti-inflammatory properties come from the capsaicin it contains. Capsaicin has been shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and mediators involved in chronic inflammatory conditions. It may also suppress activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a key pathway in regulating the body’s inflammatory response. Reducing inflammation in the gut and circulatory system can enhance cleansing functions and facilitate toxin removal.

3. Thermogenic Properties

The capsaicin in cayenne raises body temperature by increasing the metabolic rate. It does this by enhancing metabolism in fat tissues. This results in more calories and stored fat being burned throughout the day. Supporting thermogenesis and fat oxidation can complement cleansing protocols that aim to eliminate toxins stored in fat cells.

4. Diuretic Effects

Cayenne pepper acts as a diuretic to promote fluid loss through urination. In one study, people who consumed cayenne in capsule form had increased urinary frequency and volume output. As a natural diuretic, cayenne may help flush out more water, salts and toxins from the kidneys. This facilitates the removal of waste products from the blood.

5. Boosts Circulation

Better circulation allows the blood to more efficiently carry nutrients, oxygen and waste products throughout the body. Cayenne is believed to improve circulation in several ways. Its spicy heat causes flushing in the skin and mucous membranes, indicating increased blood flow. Cayenne also thins the blood to reduce clotting and lower high blood pressure, aiding overall cardiovascular function and nutrient delivery.

Other Potential Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

In addition to its detoxification properties, cayenne pepper may offer other health benefits including:

• Pain relief from conditions like headaches, nerve pain and osteoarthritis
• Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Helps manage blood sugar in diabetes
• Combats fungi, viruses and bacteria
• Slows the growth of cancer cells
• Boosts immunity and fights oxidative stress
• Promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing calories burned

How to Use Cayenne Pepper for Detox

There are several ways to incorporate cayenne pepper into a cleansing or detox regimen:

Add it to juices, smoothies and lemon water

Cayenne can be added to fresh juices, smoothies and lemon water. Start with just a pinch and work up to about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon. This will stimulate digestion, increase thermogenesis and provide antioxidants.

Take cayenne capsules

Capsule supplements containing cayenne pepper powder are commonly used to enhance detoxification. The recommended dosage is typically 20-120 mg per day. Space it out in 2-3 divided doses with food to reduce potential stomach irritation.

Include it in cleansing recipes

Look for detox cleanse recipes that incorporate cayenne pepper. It can be added to soups, broths, detox drinks, anti-inflammatory smoothies and more. Use it to spice up vegetable dishes as well.

Drink cayenne tea

You can make a digestion-boosting tea by steeping cayenne pepper in hot water with lemon. Add 1/4 tsp cayenne and the juice from 1/2 lemon to 8 ounces of hot water. Drink this tea in the morning on an empty stomach to stimulate cleansing.

Apply a cayenne plaster

For pain relief, muscle cramps or poor circulation, rub cayenne powder on the skin and place a damp cloth over it to make a plaster. Cayenne plasters cause localized vasodilation to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Cayenne pepper is generally safe to consume in culinary amounts. However, using high doses for detoxing can cause some adverse reactions including:

• Irritation of the mouth, throat, eyes or skin
• Heartburn, stomach irritation and ulcers
• Intestinal discomfort, gas or diarrhea
• Headaches and nausea
• Increased heart rate and sweating

Drink plenty of fluids when consuming cayenne to help dilute its effects. It’s also best taken with food to minimize irritation. Start with small amounts and slowly increase the dosage to assess your tolerance. Cayenne pepper may interact with certain medications for high blood pressure, diabetes and acid reflux. Check with your doctor before using therapeutic doses of cayenne for detoxing, especially if you take prescription medications.

The Bottom Line

Cayenne pepper is a warming spice used in many types of cuisine. It also has a long history of use in herbal medicine for stimulating digestion, increasing circulation and relieving pain. Cayenne contains beneficial compounds like capsaicin that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolism-boosting properties.
Research suggests cayenne can aid cleansing by improving digestion and motility, enhancing thermogenesis, acting as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent, and increasing circulation. Consuming cayenne pepper in moderation can safely support detoxification when part of a healthy cleansing diet. Just be mindful of dosage and potential side effects. Drink plenty of fluids, take cayenne with food and start slow when first using it for detoxification.

References

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