A doctor who graduated from Harvard University has gone viral after discussing if a love for spicy food could place the heart at risk.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, shares his experience and knowledge with his 352,000 followers on TikTok (@doctorsethimd ).
He previously revealed why he avoids plastic water bottles – and why everyone should too – especially while out in the blazing heat: microplastics.
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Now, in a recent clip on TikTok racking up 107,000 views and over 1,000 likes, he shares how eating spicy food can cause a heart attack, reports What’s The Jam.
He begins with the case of a young teenager who died last year from a heart attack after eating a single tortilla chip, dusted with ultra-hot seasoning.
The One Chip Challenge, as it’s known online, is a trend that involves a person eating the crisp containing Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, without eating or drinking anything else.
Its effects on the body have been studied, with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital finding that, aside from mouth and throat pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and intestinal discomfort can occur.
Since the teen’s death, the challenge’s publicity has been halted.
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Dr Sethi, 42, from California, US, explains: “Capsaicin [is] a compound that makes peppers hot [and is] found in chili peppers – [but it] offers several health benefits – only when used in moderation.
“It provides pain relief, aids weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite, and also has anti-inflammatory properties.”
The doctor further notes studies which have found that this can also lower risk of strokes and heart attacks in people consuming peppers regularly.
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However, he warns that very high levels of capsaicin can cause health issues, such as; burning sensations in the mouth and esophagus, nausea and vomiting, as well as acid reflux and chest pain.
There are life-threatening conditions, too, such as heart attacks – but these are very rare.
He ends with saying: “With that being said, teens and kids should avoid challenges like these.
“And if you experience extreme side effects from spicy foods, seek medical attention immediately.”
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people left questioning their love for spicy food.
“I like spicy especially on my chips,” one person commented.
Liza added: “But I eat too much spicy.”
“Not really man Indian food is spicy,” Atwal said.
Ujjwal commented: “What about green chillies doctor.”
“Thank you so much Doc,” Binu added, followed by two prayer emojis.
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