Find answers to medical questions from experts about coping with spicy food and a big appetite.
Too Hot To Handle
Question: I enjoy spicy foods but every time I indulge, my nose runs and my stomach feels uncomfortable. What causes these reactions? Is there any way to prevent these discomforts?
Answer: Most spicy food contain naturally occurring chemicals known as capsaicin or allyl isothiocyanate. These chemicals are found in chillies, pepper, wasabi, mustard and many more spices. They not only cause a burning sensation on the tongue but also irritate the mucus membranes of the nose and eyes, as well as the stomach lining. As a result, you could have watery eyes, a runny nose and abdominal discomfort when eating spicy food.
Capsaicin is not water-soluble, so drinking water will not ease the burning sensation on your mucus membranes and stomach lining. There could be temporary relief in drinking cold water as this will overpower the effect of the capsaicin on the nerve receptors. But the relief is short-lived as the heat and the irritation return straight away.
Here are some preventive measures you can take:
- Know your limit. Everyone has a different threshold for spicy food. Try not to indulge too much and too often. Too much spicy food could also lead to erosion of the stomach lining, and peptic ulcer disease.
- Drink milk with spicy meals. Casein, the protein found in milk, is able to bind with capsaicin and clear it fast from your system, hence reducing the burning sensation.
- Gulp down some cold sugar water. The interaction between sugar and capsaicin also reduces the burning sensation. Dissolve a tablespoon of sugar in cold water and drink it to relieve symptoms.
- Recognise red flags. If even small amounts of spiciness start to cause a severe burning stomach pain that radiates to the back or even cause cold sweats, that may be a symptom of erosive gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Consult a doctor immediately.
Constant Craving
Question: I’m a woman in my early 20s, and I can eat a full meal up to six times a day — without ever feeling really full. My mother thinks I have tapeworms in my stomach. I read up on them and it seems improbable that in this day and age, I can get tapeworms. Or is it a possibility? If my big appetite is not caused by anything untoward, is it okay to eat so much in a day?
Answer: Tapeworm infestation is quite rare in our society. The most common symptoms are diarrhoea, nausea with extreme hunger or loss of appetite. Some may experience loss of weight and abdominal pain. If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor who can do a simple stool parasite test to identify any tapeworm infestation.
Caloric requirement also differs between individuals. For instance, an avid sportswoman or an active breastfeeding mother will have very different nutritional needs compared to a woman who spends most of her time at her desk. If you are in a healthy weight range and not gaining extra weight, it is likely that your daily caloric requirement is high. However, do remember to always adopt a balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Deepa Govindasamy
Resident Physician
Hougang Polyclinic
National Healthcare Group Polyclinics
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FAQs
Emotions & Hormones
Our hormones influence our emotions and our cravings, hormones such as cortisol and testosterone may trigger cravings for spicy foods. Not to mention, when we are stressed or anxious, our bodies produce more cortisol which can lead to a desire for comfort foods like hot and spicy dishes.
What medical condition prevents you from eating spicy food? ›
Spicy foods are healthy. Spicy foods don't cause ulcers, but be careful if you have irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Basically, if spicy foods give you stomach pain, think before you eat.
Why does spicy food make me hungrier? ›
Chiles and other spices might also affect your hunger. “There's some research that capsaicin acts on the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that controls hunger and fullness,” Lane says.
Why do I feel so full after eating spicy food? ›
Capsaicin slows down digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which could help you feel fuller and eat fewer calories overall, Yawitz says.
What deficiency causes spicy cravings? ›
What Deficiency Causes Spicy Cravings? There's a chance you may not be deficient in any nutrient. "There is a lack of research linking specific nutrient deficiencies to spicy food cravings," Costa explains. "Rather, certain hormonal imbalances or psychological factors are more likely to influence such desires.
What is the psychological reason behind eating spicy food? ›
The reason for this psychological appeal towards spicy food lies in capsaicin. Capsaicin is what triggers the release of endorphins, natural painkillers, and mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain.
What organ does spicy food affect? ›
Capsaicin, released as a fine spray when you bite into foods that contain it, triggers heat receptors in the skin, tricking the nervous system into thinking you're overheating. In response, your brain cranks up all of your body's cooling mechanisms.
Why can't my body handle spicy food? ›
Everyone reacts differently to capsaicin, says Dr. Capin. “Some people are naturally more tolerant of spice because of genetics. They are just born with fewer receptors for capsaicin, which gives them a built-in tolerance for heat.” For others, the way their body's pain receptors react to capsaicin changes over time.
What disease is caused by consuming spicy food and overeating? ›
Stomach ulcers (though spicy foods do not actually cause ulcers) Gallbladder issues. Acid Reflux/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Irritable bowel syndrome (INS)
Why is everything I eat suddenly spicy? ›
This could be due to a number of factors including a change in your diet, increased consumption of spicy foods, or a medical condition such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or an allergy. It is best to speak to your doctor to determine the cause.
Either eat something spicy and fulfill your cravings. Else just have some chips or anything savory or just have some yogurt. Yogurt cools down your body and soothes your tongue from craving.
What is the side effect of always eating spicy food? ›
It can cause gastrointestinal distress
Eating spicy food in moderation is generally safe for people who don't already have stomach issues. However, it can cause inflammation to the areas that aid digestion and can sometimes lead to heartburn, stomachaches or diarrhea.
Is spicy food bad for your gut? ›
Digging into a spicy meal isn't necessarily bad for digestion, but our experts say it can pose problems and trigger symptoms among people who have digestive issues like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What spicy food is an anti-inflammatory? ›
Chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne and other dried chilies spice up sauces, marinades and rubs. Tip: Chilies can be hot, so start with just a dash or two. When trying a new spice, start small and add more after you've taste-tested your dish.
What should I eat after eating a lot of spicy food? ›
Ice cream, milk, cottage cheese, and bread or another starchy food might help settle your stomach after eating spicy food. 4 A small amount of peppermint oil may help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Is eating spicy food sensory seeking? ›
Sensory seeking could be likened to cooking and eating spicy food. Someone who is processing sensory input effectively will use just the right amount of spice to make the food enjoyable to eat without being too hot to tolerate.
What does eating a lot of spicy food do to your body? ›
Extremely spicy foods is one potential cause of profound esophagitis, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, and research has found that capsaicin frequently triggers gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Spicy food is also responsible for a lot of garden-variety indigestion, other research found.
What does it mean when you crave spicy and sour food? ›
Feeling stuck, bored or generally dull might make your body convert this frustration into cravings for spicy foods. Mint also heightens senses and alertness. Sensation seekers have been correlated with cravings for spicy, crunchy or sour foods with strong cravings.
