Can Spicy Foods Cause Stomach Ulcers?

Spicy lovers: Chances are you’ve been warned that your habanero salsa and red curry are eventually going to cause a stomach ulcer. This may have left you wondering if you should lay off the spice, particularly if your favorite foods cause stomach discomfort. Is there any truth to this statement? Here’s what you need to know about spicy foods and how they affect your digestive health.

What is a Stomach Ulcer?

Let’s first define what a stomach ulcer is. A stomach ulcer is an open sore somewhere in the digestive system that can cause everything from mild pain to serious bleeding. Ulcers can even perforate the lining of the digestive organs if not treated well, so they are a serious concern for those who have them. An estimated 4.5 million people in America alone suffer from this condition, so it is not uncommon.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers have been blamed on everything from too much stress to spicy or greasy foods, but what is the real culprit?

The CDC believes that as many as 80 percent of all stomach ulcers are due to a Heliobacter pylori, a bacteria sometimes found in the digestive system. Others come from chronic or over use of anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen. Stress and even smoking can make ulcers worse, but not necessarily cause them.

Can Foods Cause Stomach Ulcers?

There is no proof that foods can cause stomach ulcers, even spicy and greasy foods. But where does this myth come from?

Spicy foods don’t cause ulcers, but people who have an ulcer sometimes find that certain foods irritate it, increasing their discomfort. People who find their pain triggered when they eat a bowl of chili may jump to the conclusion that the food caused the ulcer, but the truth is that it only made it feel worse.

In past centuries, doctors even believed that the spicy component of foods like peppers or curry would actually burn the lining of the stomach, contributing to the ulcer. This has been proven untrue, but the myth still circulates.

Can spicy food be good for digestion?

Interestingly, recent research has found that capsaicin, which is what makes chili peppers hot, can actually trigger the body’s natural healing, and can heal or prevent ulcers. When you eat this nutrient, it stimulates the secretions in the stomach, which can reduce your risk of developing an ulcer.

If you have been diagnosed with an ulcer, and you find that spicy foods make your symptoms worse, you should absolutely avoid them. However, if you do not have an ulcer or don’t have a problem eating spicy foods, feel free to continue to enjoy them. They do not put your stomach or your digestive health at risk in any way, and they may actually help prevent ulcers slightly.

If heartburn, acid reflux, or gastrointestinal irritation affect your quality of life, request an appointment online with an Ogden Clinic gastroenterologist or give us a call at 801-475-3000.

Spicy food and ulcers: Possible links and treatments

No research suggests that spicy food causes ulcers in the mouth or stomach. However, eating spicy foods may irritate existing ulcers.

Some people may associate spicy food with ulcers, but experts suggest this is a myth.

Spicy food does not trigger ulcers or cause them to occur, but it may be beneficial for people to avoid eating spicy foods if they already have ulcers.

This article examines the causes of mouth and peptic ulcers and the links with spicy foods. It also discusses how to prevent and treat ulcers and answers some frequently asked questions.

There is no evidence to suggest that spicy foods cause mouth ulcers.

Oral ulcerations can develop from multiple causes. A 2016 review indicates that doctors can diagnose 29 different ulcerative lesions based on the number of ulcers and how long they last. The research notes that the causes of short-term mouth ulcers can include the following:

• trauma to the mouth
• viral or bacterial infections
• allergies
• chemotherapy

In addition, people may have mouth ulcers that last longer, and doctors associate them with various conditions or infections such as Behçet’s disease or herpes. Other research from 2023 suggests that mouth ulcers may relate to stress.

Experts suggest that no treatment prevents mouth ulcers from forming. Although they may cause some pain, they typically heal on their own.

Furthermore, scientists do not know why they occur, although stress, vitamin deficiencies, and injuries to the mouth may be risk factors. Chronic inflammation-related diseases may also cause mouth ulcers.

A person must consult a doctor or dentist if they have multiple or recurrent mouth ulcers. Treatments may include:

• gels
• creams
• mouthwashes

These topical treatments may contain pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory agents to reduce symptoms. People may be able to buy mouth ulcer treatments over the counter or can speak with a pharmacist. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend laser therapy or anti-inflammatory tablets.

Advice

However, even though evidence does not suggest that spicy food causes mouth ulcers, it may worsen symptoms.

The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom advises people with mouth ulcers to avoid spicy foods as they may irritate the ulcer. Instead, it recommends eating soft foods and drinking cool drinks through a straw.

The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) stresses that spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers. However, it states that certain foods may irritate an already existing ulcer.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) notes that the most common causes of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The NIDDK also notes that researchers have yet to find diet and nutrition important in causing, preventing, or treating peptic ulcers.

Doctors treat the underlying causes of stomach ulcers to help them heal and prevent them from returning.

Therefore, doctors may prescribe medications for H. pylori infection or suggest alternatives to NSAIDs if someone takes them. They may also check for uncommon causes if ulcers are not due to H. pylori or NSAIDs.

The ACG notes that doctors treat nearly all peptic ulcers with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or lansoprazole to reduce stomach acid. This medication may be a tablet or IV administration directly into the bloodstream in severe cases where the ulcer is bleeding.

If a person smokes, the NIDDK also advises that quitting smoking can lower the risk of peptic ulcers.

The following section answers some common questions about ulcers and spicy foods.

Is spicy food causing my peptic ulcers?

Experts advise that there is no evidence that diet or certain foods cause ulcers.

What are the three main causes of ulcers?

H. Pylori infection and using NSAIDs are the most common causes of peptic ulcers.

Causes of mouth ulcers include trauma, infections, and chemotherapy.

Does spice worsen ulcers?

Spicy foods may irritate an existing ulcer. People can ask a doctor or dietitian which foods to avoid.

No evidence suggests spicy foods cause peptic ulcers or mouth ulcers. However, eating spicy foods may irritate symptoms if someone has an existing ulcer.

A doctor can diagnose a peptic ulcer and treat the underlying cause. Mouth ulcers may be temporary and heal themselves or with the help of topical creams and gels to reduce inflammation or decrease pain.

Consequences of overeating spicy food: what happens in the body?

Find out what can happen if you eat a lot of spicy food. An increase in appetite, an increase in body temperature, irritation of the stomach, and possible digestive problems can all occur when consuming large amounts of spicy food. Learn how to eat spicy food the right way to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Spicy foods such as chili peppers, jalapeño, mustard or wasabi not only have a strong taste, but also the ability to cause various reactions in the body. Overeating spicy food can lead to unpleasant consequences that can affect not only the stomach, but also other organs.

One of the main consequences of overeating spicy food is irritation of the gastric mucosa. Hot spices contain substances called capsaicins, which can cause a burning sensation and discomfort in the stomach. With excessive use of hot spices, gastritis or stomach ulcers can occur.

In addition, overeating spicy foods can cause digestive problems. Hot spices stimulate the production of gastric juices, which can lead to heartburn, excess acidity and reflux. This can cause discomfort and pain in the stomach, as well as lead to the development of chronic diseases of the digestive system.

Finally, overeating spicy food can have an effect on the cardiovascular system. Spicy spices can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease. Also, hot spices can cause vasodilation and increased sweating, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Spicy food and its consequences

Spicy food is an integral part of many cuisines around the world. Spicy dishes are distinguished by their special piquancy and rich taste. However, eating spicy food can have some negative effects on the body.

One of the main consequences of overeating spicy food is irritation of the gastric mucosa. Spicy spices, such as chili peppers, contain substances that can cause inflammation of the stomach lining. Moreover, the spicier the dish, the greater the likelihood of irritation.

In addition, overeating spicy foods can lead to gastritis or stomach ulcers. Spicy spices contribute to an increase in acidity in the stomach, which can lead to the destruction of the mucous membrane and the occurrence of ulcerative defects. Therefore, people suffering from chronic stomach diseases are advised to limit their consumption of spicy foods.

Also, spicy foods can cause digestive problems. Spicy spices stimulate the production of gastric juices, which can lead to heartburn, excess gas, and even diarrhea. Therefore, moderate consumption of spicy foods is recommended for people with sensitive stomachs.

In general, spicy food has its positive and negative aspects. Moderate consumption of spicy foods can stimulate appetite, improve digestion, and even elevate mood. However, overeating spicy foods can lead to irritation of the stomach lining, ulcers, and digestive problems. Therefore, it is important to observe the measure and take into account your individual characteristics when eating spicy food.

Stomach explosion: what happens when you overeat spicy food?

Overeating spicy food can lead to unpleasant consequences for the body. When we eat too much spicy food, our stomach faces a huge load. Spicy foods contain substances such as capsaicin that irritate the lining of the stomach and can cause a burning sensation and discomfort.

In addition, overeating spicy food can lead to increased production of gastric juice, which can cause heartburn and even gastritis. Constant overeating of spicy foods can lead to the development of chronic stomach diseases such as ulcers and gastritis.

Another negative effect of overeating spicy food is intestinal irritation. Spicy foods contain substances that can cause inflammation and irritation of the intestinal wall. This can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.

In addition, overeating spicy foods can cause excessive sweating and increased heart rate. Spicy foods contain substances that can stimulate the nervous system and cause increased activity in the body.

In general, overeating spicy food can lead to various unpleasant consequences for the body. Therefore, it is important to eat spicy food in moderation and monitor your well-being.

Heartburn and inflammation of the esophagus: why can spicy food cause discomfort?

Spicy foods contain substances that can irritate the lining of the esophagus. When eating spicy foods, such as pepper, chili, ginger and other spices, pain receptors in the esophagus are activated, which causes discomfort.

The pungency of food is due to the presence of capsaicin in it, a substance that is the main source of its pungency. Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings in the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and pain. This can lead to heartburn – a burning sensation in the chest area and behind the sternum.

Inflammation of the esophagus may occur with frequent and excessive consumption of spicy foods. Continuous stimulation of the esophageal mucosa with capsaicin can lead to the development of chronic inflammation, which is accompanied by pain and discomfort. Inflammation of the esophagus requires medical intervention and may require long-term treatment.

To prevent the discomfort caused by spicy foods, moderate consumption of spicy foods is recommended, and avoidance of spicy foods before bed. It is also helpful to eat spicy foods in combination with other foods that can soften the spiciness, such as dairy products or starchy foods. In the event of frequent heartburn or pain in the esophagus, it is recommended to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Digestive problems: how does spicy food affect the stomach and intestines?

Spicy foods can cause a number of digestive problems because they contain substances that can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. When eating spicy food, the body reacts to this by increasing the secretion of gastric juice and increasing intestinal motility.

As a result of increased secretion of gastric juice, spicy food can cause heartburn and stomach pain. The reason for this is that spicy foods contain capsaicin, which irritates the stomach lining and can cause inflammation of the lining.

In addition, spicy foods can cause diarrhea and indigestion. This is due to an increase in intestinal motility, which is stimulated by spicy food. Increased peristalsis leads to a rapid movement of food through the intestines, which can cause frequent diarrhea and unstable stools.

If the consumption of spicy food becomes systematic, it can lead to chronic digestive problems such as stomach ulcers or intestinal inflammation. Therefore, it is important to consume spicy foods in moderation and, in case of digestive problems, consult a doctor for advice and treatment.

Excessive bile secretion: how does spicy food affect liver function?

Spicy foods, such as overeating spicy foods, can have a negative effect on liver function. One of the main functions of the liver is the production and secretion of bile, which is involved in the process of digestion. However, with excessive consumption of spicy foods, the liver can begin to secrete bile in excess.

Excess bile secretion can lead to various problems. First, bile contains acids that help break down fats. However, when bile is secreted excessively, these acids can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing stomach discomfort and pain.

In addition, excessive bile secretion can lead to diarrhea. Bile contains bile acids, which are involved in the digestion process and help absorb fats. However, when there is excess bile secretion, these acids can cause increased intestinal motility, resulting in frequent stools and loose stools.

In addition, excess bile secretion can have a negative effect on digestive enzymes such as pepsin and amylase. Bile contains bile acids that can neutralize these enzymes, making it difficult to digest and absorb food.

In general, excessive bile secretion caused by eating spicy foods can negatively affect liver function and digestion. Therefore, it is recommended to eat spicy food in moderation and monitor your diet to maintain liver health.

Increased heart rate: why can spicy food cause a strong heartbeat?

Spicy food may cause increased heart rate due to a number of factors related to its effects on the body. Spicy foods contain substances such as capsaicin, which can stimulate receptors in the mouth and stomach, causing the body to react.

When spicy food is ingested, capsaicin activates receptors that normally respond to heat, causing a burning sensation. This sensation can lead to an increase in heart rate, as the body reacts to the sharpness as a potential threat.

In addition, spicy foods can cause an increased heart rate by stimulating the nervous system. Capsaicin can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight or flight response. This can lead to an increase in heart rate and high blood pressure.

In some cases, increased heart rate after eating spicy food may be due to an allergic reaction or intolerance to capsaicin. This can cause inflammation and dilation of the blood vessels, resulting in an increased heart rate.

In general, increased heart rate after eating spicy food is a normal body response to capsaicin stimulation. However, if the increased heart rate is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, then it is necessary to see a doctor for a health assessment.

Effect of spicy food on the nervous system: why can it cause irritability and insomnia?

Spicy food containing a lot of spices and peppers can have a negative effect on the human nervous system. When eating spicy food, receptors located on the tongue and in the oral cavity are activated, which transmit signals to the brain.

These signals cause a reaction in the nervous system, which can result in various symptoms. One of them is irritability. Spicy food can stimulate nerve receptors, which leads to increased excitability and tension in the body. This can manifest itself in the form of irritability and aggressiveness.

In addition, eating spicy food before bed can lead to sleep disturbance and insomnia. Spicy foods can stimulate digestion and speed up your metabolism, which can make you wake up and make it difficult to fall asleep. In addition, spicy foods can cause heartburn and acid reflux, which can also interfere with normal sleep.

It is important to note that reactions to spicy foods can vary from person to person. Some people may be more sensitive to spicy foods and experience more severe symptoms, while others may not feel any effect on their nervous system. Therefore, it is recommended to be attentive to your reactions and, if necessary, limit the consumption of spicy foods, especially before bedtime.

Related videos:

Q&A:

Why does my mouth burn and tingle after eating spicy food?

The spiciness of food causes a reaction in the body, especially if we eat it in large quantities. The spiciness is due to the presence of capsaicin in food, a substance that irritates heat receptors on the tongue, lips and mucous membranes. This causes a burning and tingling sensation in the mouth.

How does overeating spicy food affect the stomach and digestive system in general?

Overeating spicy food can irritate the stomach, as spicy food stimulates the secretion of gastric juices. This can cause heartburn, nausea, and even vomiting. In addition, spicy foods can speed up the movement of the food bolus through the intestines, which can cause diarrhea and stomach discomfort.

Can overeating spicy food cause an allergic reaction?

Overeating spicy food usually does not cause an allergic reaction, because the spiciness of food is due to physical irritation of the receptors, and not the body’s immune response. However, some people may have an individual intolerance to capsaicin, which can cause severe allergic reactions. In such cases, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods.

How does overeating spicy food affect the cardiovascular system?

Overeating spicy food can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart palpitations. This is due to the body’s reaction to the spiciness of food and the release of adrenaline. However, these changes are usually minor and go away on their own after a while.

What are the consequences of overeating spicy food for the digestive system?

Overeating spicy foods can irritate the stomach and intestines, which can cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, spicy foods can irritate the lining of the mouth and throat, resulting in a burning and tingling sensation.

Spicy food and circulation: how does it affect blood pressure and blood flow?

Spicy food can affect the circulation in the body. When we eat spicy food, the body reacts to its spiciness by causing reflex vasodilation. This is due to the activation of receptors on the tongue and in the digestive tract that respond to the spiciness of food.

Vasodilation leads to increased blood flow and lower blood pressure. However, this effect may be temporary and quickly reverse. After reflex expansion of the vessels, their narrowing may occur, which leads to an increase in blood pressure.

In addition, spicy foods can stimulate the production of adrenaline in the body. Adrenaline is a hormone that raises blood pressure and increases the force of heart contractions. This can lead to increased blood flow and increased blood pressure.

Also, spicy foods can cause vasodilation in certain organs, such as the intestines, which increases blood flow to these organs and makes them better nourished. However, in some cases, spicy food can cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to increased blood flow in these organs and increased peristalsis.

In general, spicy foods have a variety of effects on the circulation of the body. It can cause both an increase and a decrease in blood flow and blood pressure, depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the amount of spicy food consumed.

Conclusion: why is it important to eat spicy food in moderation and take care of your health?

Spicy food is an integral part of many cuisines around the world and is enjoyed by many people. However, overeating spicy foods can have negative effects on the body.

Spicy foods contain substances such as capsaicin that stimulate pain receptors in the body. Overeating spicy foods can irritate and inflame the lining of your stomach and intestines, which can lead to burning, pain, and discomfort.

In addition, spicy food can cause an increase in the secretion of gastric juice, which can lead to an increase in the symptoms of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Also, spicy foods can cause high blood pressure and deterioration of the cardiovascular system in people suffering from hypertension or heart disease.

Therefore, it is important to eat spicy food in moderation and take care of your health. It is recommended to limit the amount of spicy food in the diet, especially for people with gastrointestinal problems. It is also necessary to pay attention to the reaction of your body to spicy food and, if necessary, consult a doctor for advice and nutritional recommendations.

Spicy food does not lead to gastritis – a gastroenterologist spoke about the benefits and harms of spices

Back to list

10/11/2022

The spices are popular among gourmets and are used in many dishes to enhance the taste.

Can spicy food help you lose weight? Can spices kill bacteria? Is spicy food addictive? – Svetlana Domozhirova, gastroenterologist, pediatrician of INVITRO-Ural LLC answered these and other questions.

What are the benefits of spices / spicy food for the body? Is spicy food good for digestion or not?

If we talk about spices used in cooking, and not about spicy fast food, then we can note many useful properties of hot spices. These include speeding up the metabolism and, as a result, faster and more efficient burning of calories. Also, spicy spices in moderation properly stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, blood flow to the walls of the stomach increases, and its mucous membrane is better restored. However, excess juice can enter the esophagus and cause an unpleasant burning sensation.

Therefore, when talking about traditional cuisines of Asian countries and dishes prepared from natural ingredients, it is important to remember the measure. Fast food, as a rule, is high-calorie fast food with a lot of additives and flavor enhancers, due to which a person can eat more than the norm. For example, spicy instant noodles will only slow down your metabolism.

Thanks to capsaicin, a substance contained in hot peppers, the accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels is reduced. Capsaicin fights harmful bacteria that can enter the body with food and can kill some cancer cells in the body.

Some mixtures of hot spices have a positive effect on blood circulation. Scientists have proven that due to the release of endorphins, in response to the use of hot spices, mood improves.

Does spicy food help you lose weight?

Spicy spices speed up the metabolism and cause the body to burn energy faster and more efficiently, which in turn leads to weight loss. But it is worth noting that a calorie deficit leads to weight loss.

Is it true that spicy food can provoke overeating, making the dish taste brighter?

On the contrary, people who prefer spicy food rarely consume it in huge portions, and therefore control their calorie intake more effectively.

Can spicy food lead to gastritis?

Spicy food is not the cause of gastritis. But in people with existing stomach problems, it provokes exacerbations and pain by increasing the release of acid, which will irritate the already poorly protected mucosa to a greater extent.

What diseases prevent spicy food and why?

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, cholelithiasis.

Spicy food can provoke an exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, as spices increase the secretion of gastric juice, increasing aggression on the already inflamed walls of the gastrointestinal tract, and its excess leads to acid reflux into the esophagus, with an unpleasant burning sensation.

Also, we must not forget that any spice can cause an allergic reaction. Allergies to spices are more likely to overlap with pollen and fragrance allergies, as spices are plant components. Among spices, curry, pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin and coriander can cause allergies. Symptoms may include itching, skin rash, sneezing and nasal congestion, red and itchy eyes, watery eyes; extremely rarely, a serious condition can develop – anaphylaxis. By the way, coughing when inhaling spices is more often associated with the irritating effect of spices on the respiratory mucosa, and not with a true allergic reaction.

Is it true that hot spices kill bacteria? If so, which spices/foods have these properties? Whereby?

It’s true. Capsaicin – a component of various spices has antiseptic properties. In hot countries, food is rich in hot spices in order to destroy bacteria and viruses that come with food.

Chili peppers rich in capsaicin destroy the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which cause inflammation of the stomach. Clove has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The main substance of turmeric root, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial properties.

Is it true that spicy food is addictive and a person can constantly increase the amount of spices and sauces that he consumes?

This is partly true. Acute disrupts the sensitivity of human receptors responsible for taste. If you regularly eat spicy food, then ordinary food will no longer be so tasty and interesting. As a consequence, a lack of a sense of proportion in the use of spicy may develop. Despite the beneficial properties of hot spices, they should not be abused, since such a diet is not the basis of a healthy diet and can harm the body.

Why do some people enjoy spicy food and others don’t?

This is because everyone’s experience and sensory perception is different.

The experience depends on the cultural and historical preferences of certain groups of people, the characteristics of the national cuisine. This is a higher tolerance for spicy foods that develops over time. That is, if a person is familiar with spicy foods from childhood, then over time this food is comfortable for him to use.

Susceptibility to spicy food is determined by sensitivity to pain perception. Spicy food is sensed by the pain receptors on our tongue, the so-called TRPV1 receptors – also known as the capsaicin receptor, the temperature receptor.