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As New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has dealt with a series of serious injuries in recent weeks, he's been turning to a mixture of cayenne pepper and water to help his body heal.
Rodgers told reporters he has been drinking the concoction he calls “the fountain of youth” after being introduced to it by Jets punter Thomas Morstead.
Per webmdHealth benefits of cayenne pepper include pain relief from capsaicin “by reducing the amount of a chemical messenger called substance P, which travels to your brain to signal discomfort.”
Capsaicin may boost your metabolism and improve digestive health.
Compared to some of the treatment methods Rodgers has used in the past, including psychedelics such as ayahuasca, his use of cayenne pepper and water is largely reasonable by his usual standards.
Recovery may also be necessary to help Rodgers throughout the season. He struggled with left knee and hamstring issues in the Jets' Week 8 game against the New England Patriots.
Rodgers, who will turn 41 on Dec. 2, is the oldest player on an active NFL roster this season. 42-year-old Jason Peters is currently on the practice squad for the Seattle Seahawks.
Rodgers has battled foot, ankle and hamstring injuries this season, which is no surprise considering he tore his left Achilles in his first game with the Jets last year.
It's also a normal symptom of aging, especially if you're a 40-year-old athlete playing his 20th season in the NFL.
Rodgers and the Jets will be hoping that the recovery from the “fountain of youth” can provide a spark to the team. They have lost five straight games and are tied for last place in the AFC East with a 2-6 record heading into Thursday's game against the Houston Texans.