A Spicy Start: How It All Began
When Nelson Cheney was just a child, he began eating spicy peppers and sauces to impress his dad. Now at 36, Cheney still consumes these fiery foods, but now it’s for his 1.1 million followers on TikTok.
The Birth of “@craving_capsaicin”
Cheney, known on social media as “@craving_capsaicin” — a reference to the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their heat — became addicted to the adrenaline rush from eating extremely spicy foods.
“For me, it is a way of life,” Cheney explained. “I love chasing that endorphin dump. I love the feeling when I beat a challenge and get all pumped up. It’s kind of like winning a race.”
The Thrill of Extreme Foods
Scientists confirm that Cheney isn’t alone in his love for extreme foods. Humans can be drawn to the perceived danger of spicy or acidic foods, much like watching a horror movie. The experience triggers a fight-or-flight response, during which the brain releases endorphins and dopamine, hormones that make people feel good. Once the brain determines everything is safe, there’s a sense of accomplishment.
The Science Behind the Heat
“These challenges are really drawing people in who have that psychological affinity — sensation-seeking, reward-seeking types of behaviors. So the more dangerous it is, the more thrilling it is,” said Elisa Trucco, director of the Research on Adolescent and Child Health Lab at Florida International University.
Spicy and sour foods both generate painful responses, but they activate different nerves in the body. Capsaicin from spicy food travels to the throat, nose, and esophagus, activating nerves involved in the sense of touch, similar to touching a hot stove.
“You can feel spice everywhere,” said Robert Pellegrino, a postdoctoral fellow at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.
The Sour Side of Things
On the other hand, sourness activates taste nerves. When people eat sour foods, the body initiates a pain reaction because it detects an acidic substance that could be harmful if ingested. Despite this, the brain can override the initial pain reaction.
Paul Rozin, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, attributes this to humans’ ability to differentiate between serious and “benign” pain. “That’s where the pleasure comes, from the fact that you’re overriding your body’s signal not to do this,” Rozin explained.
The Social Media Factor
Social media further fuels the appeal of extreme food challenges by triggering a dopamine release when people receive likes and follows. “I think a lot has to do with the status, the popularity, and the feedback that you get from other people,” said Trucco.
Cheney, a sheet metal worker by day, enjoys the online community he has created, which he views as a result of his passion for growing and eating peppers. “I’ve got so many people that went from not even eating hot stuff to having a tolerance and now eating spicy food daily. So it’s cool to get people joining in with me,” he shared.
The Risks of Extreme Eating
While these challenges may be satisfying for some, they have faced backlash following several deadly incidents. Last year, a teen in Massachusetts died after eating a tortilla chip packed with chili pepper extract for a social media challenge. In another case, a 10-year-old girl in the U.K. suffered burns in her throat after ingesting super sour candy seen in a TikTok video.
Expert Advice on Extreme Foods
Dr. Edwin McDonald, a gastroenterologist at the University of Chicago Medical Center, emphasized that while spicy and sour foods are generally safe in moderation, extreme spice can lead to a hospital visit. “Consuming some foods that have capsaicin in it may be associated with increasing longevity and decreasing the risk of cancer,” McDonald said. “But these are not the peppers that people are doing in the challenge.”
Considerations for Participants
Extreme eating challenges can be dangerous, especially for those with underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure and asthma. Dr. Chantel Strachan, an internal medicine physician and assistant professor at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, advised caution. “Unfortunately, we usually find out after a first attempt how you react to these substances,” she noted.
The Role of Parents in Preventing Risks
Children and teens are particularly susceptible to social media challenges, which is why Trucco advised parents to be vigilant. “The way these challenges are depicted, it’s very glamorized; you only see the benefits,” she said. “As a parent, it’s really important to be aware of what they are and have those open conversations with your children.”
References:
NBC News – https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/spicy-food-why-some-like-extreme-hot-ones-rcna161907