When you bite into a chili pepper, its hot and spicy flavor comes courtesy of capsaicin, a chemical so powerful, it is used in insect repellents and pepper sprays. Capsaicin also can stimulate powerful reactions in your body, including sweating. If you eat spicy foods regularly, knowing how and why you sweat helps you understand this body process.
Significance
Chilies contain six compounds, but capsaicin is the most potent. Chilies from South America are the only foods that contain capsaicin, which is located in the white portions, or "ribs," of the chilies. The chemical is used in spices, pepper sprays and even as a topical cream. In addition to its benefits in adding spice to your foods, capsaicin has benefits for your body. It has antibacterial properties that might have value in healing stomach ulcers, according to Florida State University. The heat capsaicin emits also can help deaden nerve endings, reducing pain, when applied as a topical agent.
Chemical Reaction
Capsaicin can stimulate sweating due to its chemical makeup. The chemical is considered to be a defensive mechanism because its temperature-raising and irritating properties can deter insects. When you eat chilies containing capsaicin, it sets off a heat-activated molecular sensor in your body, which senses the change in heat, thinking you have moved someplace with a high temperature -- when in reality, the heat source is inside your body.
Sweating
Now that your body thinks it is hot, it signals the normal responses to heat, one of which is sweating. This body response is designed to cool your body, which releases water via your sweat glands. The sun and heat cause water on your skin to evaporate. The increased air when the water is evaporated helps to further cool the body, much like when you fan yourself. Drinking cool glasses of water can help replace water loss and cool your burning mouth.
Warning
While sweating is not an adverse effect when you eat capsaicin, eating excess amounts of capsaicin can lead to problems, including irritation of your mouth. Capsaicin also can irritate your stomach and intestines. If you are eating spicy foods and begin to notice irritation in your mouth, cease eating the foods to avoid stomach upset.
References
- National Pesticide Information Center; "What Is Capsaicin?"; March 2009
- Florida State University; "Phytochemical Gallery: Capsaicin"; March 2004
- University of Arizona: The Capsaicin Receptor
- MSNBC.com; "The World's Spiciest Foods"; Lois Akinmade; May 2009
- E! Science News; "Some Like It Hot! Structure of Receptor for Hot Chili Pepper and Pain Revealed"; May 2008
- "USA Today"; "Sweat Is Nature's Way of Handling Heat"; Tracey Wong Briggs; May 2005
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