Posted by FireBreather on October 28, 2005, at 17:29:26
In reply to Bio-effects of Capsaicin and exercise compared, posted by FireBreather on October 28, 2005, at 17:28:10
Correction- First line should say effects on the BODY
> Ok you all. Lets discuss the effects on the boy short-term and long term of hot peppers (capsaicin) and exercise. Please keep in mind where talking about exercise (aerobic or anaerobic) intense enough for mood enhancing effects, and Hot peppers hot enough for intense heat.
>
> Both raise body temperature. Both Cause Persperation. Both increase Basal Metabolic Rate. Both Cause the release of endorphins. Both cause adrenals to release epinephrine. Both increase circulation. Both have positive effects on the heart. Both improve sleep. Both reduce blood pressure (long term). Both cause short term increases AND long term decreases in Substance P.
>
> Ok now, heres a few more similarities which I will explain in my own words. Intense aerobic exercise for long periods of time, In tense anaerobic exercise (like squating alot of weight) and the pain induced by very hot peppers seem to activate a similar emotion in my brain. For example, the squat is by far the most strenuous and intense weightlifting exercise. When I do 10 squats of 225 pounds, that at about 6 my brain starts entering a rage like state where anger and aggression and hostility in general are greatly increased until I finish the set. When the hot peppers are burning my mouth, it seems that this same part of my brain gets activated cuz I get very similar feelings, I believe this area is the amygdala, but thats my opinion.
>
> Long term exercise causes your body to adapt and get stronger. Your body is reacting to the stress your are causing through exercise by strengthening itself. Muscles get stronger, metabolism increases, your body produces more red blood cells. Pretty soon running 2 miles or lifting 100 pounds is simple so you have to move up in intensity. I think hot peppers are causing my body to react to the pain by increasing my tolerance to pain which indirectly is making me less susceptible to pain, through decreased substance P levels.
>
> Exercise is known to have mood enhancing and anxiety reducing effects through long term effects. I feel hot peppers have the same potential if they are consumed long enough. My brain and body are stronger, resilient and more equipped to handle stress. Could exercise and hot peppers both be increasing the threshold of the neurons in the amygdala. I belive its a possibility. Im definitely not getting stressed physiologically by things that normally would. The amygdala is where it all begins. If you want to learn more about the brain and the stress response, do a google or pub med search on the amygdala. Have a good weekend. Dont drink and drive.
poster:FireBreather
thread:570218
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051025/msgs/572787.html