Hot peppers have shown promising benefits to a person's overall health, and weight loss in particular, thanks to the compound in hot peppers that makes them taste spicy. While those with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have been told to limit or completely stop their intake of sodium and table salt, spices such as hot peppers serve as a very flavorful substitute. Hot peppers have many health benefits that those with CKD can take advantage of beyond flavoring, including inflammation reduction, improvement of blood circulation and acceleration of weight loss.
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Peppers such as Cayenne have the unique ability to stimulate circulation. Recent research has shown that Cayenne can assist to heal muscle and joint pain, and even speed healing of damaged tissue. Increased blood flow also helps to protect individuals from high blood pressure and heart disease.
Hot peppers can reduce pain and inflammation which can cause blood clots and increase a CKD patient's chance of a cardiovascular event. What's more, many peppers have been found to have antimicrobial properties which curb cardiovascular disease and linked to killing cancer cells as well as stopping diabetes.
Studies have proven that sufficient amounts of peppers can stop the accumulation of fat by increasing the rate of breaking down lipids and converting them to energy. This energy is then transferred to vitamins that peppers are rich in such as A and C which can help those with CKD fight diseases and strengthen their immune system. Antioxidants found in peppers can fight signs of aging.
In terms of weight loss, hot peppers contain properties that stimulate energy which burns three percent more calories, especially when eaten before exercising. Capsaicin also radically affects the production of the thyroid hormone (controls adrenaline and dopamine) that regulate appetite. By adding hot peppers to your meals, you are cutting your appetite by more than half, just enough for you to eat healthily but not overeat.
Hot peppers have been used for hundreds of years to help in indigestion and gastrointestinal irregularities. By stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, the compound, Capsaicin makes nutrient absorption more efficient. A study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, concluded that Capsaicin and peppers can control carbohydrate breakdown for more efficient calorie consumption and energy production. It is for this reason that further clinical studies are being conducted toward capsaicin's possible treating function against obesity.
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The National Kidney Foundation recommends that those with CKD, "Learn to flavor your foods with herbs and spices instead of table salt." Do not use salt substitutes unless approved by your Nephrologists because they are often high in potassium. Instead, try using a dash of spice such as hot peppers or hot pepper sauce to enhance the flavor of your next meal.
*Note: Do not forget to order your No BP/No Stick Medical Alert Bracelet!
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"Nutrition and Peritoneal Dialysis." Http://www.kidney.org/. National Kidney Foundation.