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From heartburn to irritating diarrhea; Know how spicy food affects your health
Spicy food can make your food taste delicious, however, it also has its own implications. Therefore, make sure to control your intake of spicy food as it can be harmful to your health. Read on to know how spicy food affects your health.

Here’s how spicy food affects your health
Photo: iStock
spicy food Can be charming and they can be a good choice for an occasional indulgence. However, if you are eating spicy food every day, it is important that you understand that it can have serious effects on your health. Although spicy food can make your food taste delicious, it also has its own implications. Therefore, make sure to control your intake of spicy food as it can be harmful to your health.
Here, see how spicy food affects your health.
gastrointestinal irritation
Spicy foods, especially those containing capsaicin, can irritate the stomach lining. This causes discomfort, acid reflux or heartburn. In people with conditions like GERD, symptoms may worsen after eating spicy foods.
aggravates ulcers
Symptoms may be increased in people with peptic ulcers or other stomach problems, causing pain, nausea and indigestion. Capsaicin may stimulate acid production in the stomach, which may worsen existing ulcers or slow the healing process.
stomach irritation
Capsaicin relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This may cause heartburn or acid reflux, which can cause irritation in the chest and throat, especially in people who are sensitive to spicy foods.
Diarrhea
Spicy foods can stimulate digestion and speed up bowel movements. In some people, it may cause diarrhea because capsaicin irritates the intestines, speeding up transit time and causing loose stools.
endorphin release
Capsaicin also promotes the release of endorphins which act as natural pain relievers in the brain. This endorphin rush causes a feeling of euphoria and may lead to the development of a tolerance to spicy foods over time, as people may find it a pleasurable sensation that is linked to the release of these neurotransmitters.
temporary loss of taste sensation
Eating excessively spicy foods can affect the taste buds, causing a temporary loss of taste. This numbing effect can last for several minutes or longer depending on the level of sharpness.
sweating and redness
Capsaicin increases body temperature, causing sweating, redness, and a feeling of heat. Although it may not be harmful, excessive sweating can be uncomfortable and, in rare cases, can lead to dehydration if too much is consumed.
skin irritation
Spicy ingredients like chili can irritate or even burn the skin if not handled carefully. Capsaicin may cause redness, itching, or burning, especially if it comes in contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes or nose.
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