Capsaicin. You may have heard of this term before, especially if you enjoy eating spicy dishes. Capsaicin is a compound that is only found in spicy peppers. It has no calories and no real dietary content. Other than the seed, capsaicin is found in every part of the pepper. However, the most significant amount is on the inner wall, right where its seeds attach.
There’s more to spicy peppers and capsaicin than meets the eye, though. It turns out that capsaicin might be an excellent way to treat mesothelioma. Sounds crazy, right?
Surprisingly, it’s not. But before we look at that, let’s look at mesothelioma in more depth.
Mesothelioma Background
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is related to asbestos exposure. In most cases, this cancerpresents in the lining of the abdomen and lungs. However, it sometimes presents in the tissue around the heart, as well. At this time, there is no known cure for mesothelioma, but there are constant advancements underway. There are also many therapies that can help, if not cure, this severe cancer.
The cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which is a mineral that was once commonly used for its fire-retardant and insulating properties. Nearly 75% of the people with mesothelioma are men who have been exposed to asbestos while working in blue-collar or military work. It’s also possible to gain secondhand exposure if you live near an area where asbestos was mined or you washed the clothing of someone who worked with asbestos.
The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include muscle weakness, shortness of breath, chest or abdomen pain, fluid around the lungs, dry coughing, fever, fatigue, and respiratory illnesses. If you are someone who has had exposure to asbestos and you have these symptoms, you should speak with a doctor immediately. An early diagnosis can help your life expectancy based on the cancer.
Mesothelioma is one of the more aggressive cancers which means oncologists have more limited options for treatment. Any research that points toward a possible remedy or cure is always a glimmer of hope for those who suffer from this horrible disease.
Research Evidence
According to MesotheliomaHelp.com, “Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center report that the long pepper, a spicy Indian pepper, has medicinal properties shown to silence the GSTP1 gene that is found in high levels in tumors and is associated with poor prognosis in many cancers, according to a Jan. 3 article in EurekaAlert. A chemical in the pepper called Piperlongumine (PL) has shown “activity” in some cancers including breast, lung, and colon.”
During this research project, it was determined what the molecular structure of a pepper looks like. It was also discoveredprecisely how those molecules in the pepper interact and work with genetic markers. The findings from this study are astounding, and there are hopes that this new information will help in developing drugs to fight cancer.
Mesothelioma & Capsaicin
Asbestos-related mesothelioma, along with various other cancers, often begins to build a resistance to the typical conventional treatments. This means that multiple different medications may be required to beat cancer thoroughly. However, research that can determine more information about a gene or biomarker helps oncologists learn new, personalized ways to potentially treat cancer, meaning the treatment may be more effective.
Capsaicin is potentially one of those ways, although more research will be required before it is known for what it may be able to do for the individual with mesothelioma.
Ruhr University Study
The above research is not the only study that points toward capsaicin being an excellent treatment for mesothelioma. Research done at Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany discovered that capsaicin, which is found in the pepper, has been shown to obliterate cancer cells and stop thegrowth of some other cancers. It’s also been shown to limit metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer and kill off tumor cells.
Medical News Today explained that “the cancer cells died more slowly. Additionally, tumor cells died in larger numbers, and the remaining ones were not able to move as quickly as before. This suggests that their ability to metastasize was reduced.”
The Idea Behind Cancer Diets
The idea of a cancer diet is something that is modern and new. While health foods have been a part of the conventional diet since the 70s and people have moved toward them for prevention of disease – scientists are only now finding that certain foods have various substances that can kill present cancer cells after the disease has been found.
Of course, these methods of treatment do not take the place of radiation, chemotherapy, and other conventional therapies. However, it is entirely possible to consume mainly foods that have been shown, through medical research, to help fight cancer.
Hot Peppers Through the Ages
Chili peppers may not seem like the most likely dietary choice to fight cancer, but research shows that maybe it should be.At this time, scientists are working to determine precisely how the capsaicin that makes peppers spicy is also able to kill cancerous cells. So, in some cases, unusual foods are a part of a diet that revolves around fighting cancer.
Some diet foods intended for cancer have specific compounds that kill the bacteria known to cause other diseases, as well. In fact, food anthropologists have theorized for a long time that there must be some reason that people in warm climates developed diets that include spicy foods. In the time before refrigeration was common, foods would spoil in these climates quite quickly. However, some spicy foods would ensure foods did not spoilfor a more extendedperiod.
Native Americans have also used peppers as a medication for thousands of years. They have long been shown to offer various health benefits. Studies have shown they may reduce insulin levels, lower heart rate, and more. We’re only now learning the many benefits of thisfantastic substance.
Capsaicin Binding Properties
In a research study that took place at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, a study was published explaining that capsaicin actually binds to the surface of a cancer cell, and then breaks down the membrane that protects and coats the cancer cells. In this same study, the research was done in a laboratory using isolated cells. There is still a need for studies to be done on laboratory animals and then volunteer humans before the results can be entirely verified, but a good start has been made.
Evidence for Capsaicin in Cancer Diets
Older studies have shown that capsaicin has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In fact, in 2006, capsaicin was found to cause prostate cancer cells in mice to die, while the healthy cells were entirely unharmed. In addition to that, Chinese researchers have reported that those who eat spicy dishes numerous times a week might have a lowered risk of death by 14%, especially when related to death due to cancer, respiratory, and heart problems.
This information was based on data from nearly 500,000 people between 30 and 79 in the years between 2004 and 2008. This data was collected as a health database project. The published study, in the British Medical Journal, stated that consuming spicy foods even once or twice a week could lower risk of death by 10% and eating it once a day moved that number up to 14%.
Other Useful Nutrition Aids
There are other ingredients that may be usefulas additions to a cancer diet. Turmeric is being studied to determine if it may stop cancer growth. Cumin and curry are also being examined in similar research projects. However, there is a long way to go before any of these things are determined for sure.
Another ingredient that may help reduce therisk of cancer is none other than garlic. Numerous studies show the herb may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, but more research is needed regarding other cancers. However, adding garlic to a cancer diet is an excellent option.
Using Capsaicin
The most recommended way to add capsaicin to your body is by eating foods that include it. Thisconsists of all peppers, except for the bell pepper which contains none. For those who do not eat spicy foods on a regular basis, it’s best to start with mild varieties before moving up to more spicy peppers.
Capsaicin is available as a supplement, as well. You can find many varieties on Amazon and similar shopping websites. Creams are also available, which are useful for rubbing onto aching joints or muscles. These can also be used for cluster headaches and psoriasis. There are also patches and other methods of using capsaicin. However, for the purposes of this article, you should be aware that eating foods high in capsaicin is the best way to receive the positive cancer-fighting effects.
Precautions Before Consuming Capsaicin
As capsaicin comes from hot peppers, which are known for heat and pain, it’s always a good idea to be cautious when consuming it. It is generally safe in the amounts you’ll find in food, but it can cause nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and other digestive issues in some people. If you are using a supplement, it’s best to keep your consumption to less than three grams a day.
If you are prone to acid reflux, you may find that it worsens when consuming foods with capsaicin. If it does, it may be best to avoid these foods. At the very least, talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of including capsaicin in your diet.
Also, some people may experience allergic reactions to peppers. If you experience skin reddening, digestive problems, joint pain, or inflammatory response, you may be allergic to peppers. If this occurs, you should discontinue eating these foods and speak with a doctor.
Any food or drug with capsaicin can cause massive irritation if it reaches your mucous membranes, eyes, or broken skin. When cooking and eating these foods, be careful to wash your hands to remove all residue once you are finished. Reaching any of these areas can result in a significant amount of pain.
Incorporating Capsaicin into your Diet
Many foods have been shown to help with fighting cancer, which makes it easier to incorporate them into your regular diet. In addition to peppers, the following are known to help fight or reduce your chance of cancer:
- Green Tea – due to antioxidant properties
- Whole Grains – natural plant parts to assist in preventing cell damage
- Watermelon – contain antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A
- Tomatoes – has antioxidants, best can eaten raw
- Berries – antioxidants which help protect against certain cancers
- Cruciferous Vegetables – vegetables like kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts offer glucosinolates, which may help with protection from DNA damage
- Oregano – contains molecule that helps reign in the spread of cancer cells
- Black Pepper – with turmeric, inhibits the growth of cancerous stem cells in breast tumors
- Garlic – lower risk of GI tract cancers
- Turmeric – antioxidant with anti-cancer results
- Orange Fruits and Vegetables – many antioxidants that may help fight cancer
In addition to these foods with cancer-fighting properties, there are also some foods that you should avoid, if possible. These include sugar, refined carbohydrates, refined oils, dairy products, and farm-raised meats.
Here are some recipes that incorporate capsaicin and other cancer-fighting food sources:
- Breakfast Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Green Chile and Roasted Tomato Guacamole
- Roasted Cauliflower with Red Chile, Cilantro, and Lime
- Roasted Sweet Potato Spring Rolls
- Beef Short Rib & Bean Chili
- Vegan Tortilla Soup
- Chili Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
- Ancho Chili Pumpkin Pie
- Beer Braised Chicken Fajitas
- Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Smoked Sausage
If these recipes don’t hit your fancy, don’t worry! You can quickly take to your favorite web browser and search for more recipes with your favorite type of pepper included. You’ll be surprised to find there are hundreds out there, even for desserts and drinks.
Conclusion
While it may be many more years before capsaicin becomes a recommended option for helping with mesothelioma, the data that is already available shows excellent things. If you are looking for alternative remedies to supplement conventional cancer treatment, adding spicy peppers to your meals is one option you have. It’s not likely to cause any problems and the benefits can be significant.