Diabetes is a chronic condition that can produce fainting spells, fatigue, mental confusion and irritability. Untreated diabetes can even lead to coma or death. Although natural remedies should not replace traditional medical treatment for diabetes, capsaicin, a chemical compound in hot peppers such as cayennes, jalapenos and habaneros, may help to relieve several complications and symptoms associated with this condition.
Blood Sugar Control
Capsaicin may help to lower glucose levels in your bloodstream, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Elevated blood glucose is one of the primary complications of diabetes. Diabetics typically do not produce enough insulin, a substance manufactured by the pancreas, to deliver blood sugar to your body's cells for energy and cellular repair. Unused blood glucose can be toxic to your body, particularly your liver and kidneys. It can also cause fatigue, dizziness and mental confusion.
Cholesterol Control
High blood cholesterol, particularly high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is common among diabetics. Elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides may contribute to arterial blockages, which may lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Capsaicin may lower "bad" cholesterol in your bloodstream, reducing your risk for diabetes-related heart disease, according to Balch.
Foot Pain
Burning foot syndrome is a symptom that affects about 50 percent of all diabetics, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." It is characterized by intense, chronic ankle and foot pain accompanied by a burning sensation. Capsaicin has been used for treating chronic pain since the American Civil war, and it may be particularly useful for relieving burning foot syndrome. The FDA has approved external capsaicin preparations for treating this condition, notes Castleman.
Risks
Although capsaicin is regarded by the FDA as generally safe, it may pose occasional risks. Using capsaicin in hot peppers externally may produce rashes or an intense burning sensation on your skin, according to Castleman. It can also burn the mucous linings of your eyes, nose and mouth. Rinsing affected areas, except for mucous membranes, with white vinegar may help to relieve this burning sensation.
In rare cases, capsaicin may cause diarrhea, stomach upset and rectal burning when taken internally.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
