How eating spicy foods affects digestive health and weight loss

Spices are an essential component of culinary practices around the world. They add flavour, aroma and color to dishes, making them appealing to our senses. Food is made spicy with chilies and pepper, which are an important part of cooking traditions around the world. Some people love to eat spicy food on a daily basis, but it is not the same feeling for everyone. Many people with low spice tolerance constantly worry whether eating spicy foods will upset their stomachs. Just like other food items affect our digestive health, spices also leave their impact on our stomach. Let us understand how spicy food is related to our digestive health.

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Eating more spicy can cause these stomach diseases:

1. Acid Reflux

When we eat spicy food, our body produces more acid in the stomach. This causes irritation in the lining of the stomach which can cause one to feel discomfort and uneasiness in the stomach. Not only this, sometimes it can also cause abdominal swelling and pain.

Spicy food: Chillies can cause stomach irritation. photo credit: unsplash

2. Acute gastritis

Most people occasionally suffer from gastritis which is often passed off as indigestion. Gastritis is caused by inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which is a thin membrane that lines the stomach. Symptoms of acute gastritis include nausea, vomiting, headache, and blood in the stool and vomit.

3. Diarrhea

Have you ever had a spicy meal and then worried about going to the bathroom? Well, too much spicy food can actually upset your stomach, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. This can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can leave you feeling weak and drained of energy.

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According to Dr. Kapil Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon, “Spicy foods do not cause ulcers or reflux, but they can increase the severity of symptoms in patients already suffering from such conditions. Also, spicy foods Can also cause diarrhea. It also reduces the sensitivity of taste buds so if you plan to enjoy your favorite spicy dishes for years to come, less is more.”

Does eating spicy food help in weight loss?

Spices like chili and black pepper have been suggested to aid in weight loss because chili contains a component called capsaicin and black pepper contains piperine that helps increase the body’s metabolism and reduce fat. According to reports According to information from the National Center for Biotechnology, if you consume them in excess, they also reduce your appetite. According to Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora, “The capsaicin in spicy food helps burn fat and boosts your metabolism. However, you’ll need a targeted workout along with a nutrition plan to lose weight.” Unfortunately there is no magic bullet for weight loss.”

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Disclaimer: This content provides general information only including advice. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your own physician for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.