Spicy foods have been blamed for stomach troubles and poor digestive health for a long time now. In the past, it was considered that spicy meals might cause irritation of the digestive system, which could result in stomach ulcers, vomiting, or diarrhoea. People felt it was true since they experienced stomach ache and cramps after consuming spicy foods. In order to cure this condition, a bland diet was followed, with most spices avoided. However, according to a number of recent research, spices are beneficial to digestive health as well as possessing a variety of other health-promoting characteristics. Spicy foods, according to studies, are known to induce digestive troubles in those who already have digestive disorders such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, or irritable bowel disease, among other conditions.
Spicy foods and the health advantages they provide
Spices such as turmeric, ginger, and chilli peppers enhance the flavour, colour, and heat of food without the need for additional salt, sugar, or saturated fats in the preparation. Spices not only improve flavour, but they also have the ability to provide health advantages. A number of spicy meals are high in nutritional value as well. Chilli peppers, for example, are a fantastic source of vitamins C, A, E, B6, K, iron, and fibre, among other nutrients. The anti-inflammatory benefits of spices such as chile, turmeric, and black pepper have long been recognised in the culinary world.
Spicy meals may provide a variety of health advantages, including the following:
- Increase your metabolism.
- Cancer may be avoided.
- Heart health should be promoted.
- Aids in the digestion of food
- Boost your immunity.
- Improve your mood.
What causes food to be spicy?
An irritant, capsaicin, is the primary element in spicy foods, and it is this irritant that causes the burning feeling that happens when one bites into a hot chilli. In the tongue, capsaicin binds to the pain receptors TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1), which are found on nerve endings. This binding causes a chemical reaction in the body, which sends messages to the brain, alerting it to the presence of spicy stimuli in the environment. Capsaicin also attaches to receptors in the body that sense heat, giving the sensation of being 'hot.' Ingestion of capsaicin stimulates pain receptors on membrane lining of oesophagus (food pipe), resulting in a burning feeling in the chest after food is eaten. As it descends further into the body, it may begin to impact the lungs, resulting in hiccups. However, these side effects of capsaicin are natural and only last a short time.
The beneficial benefits of spicy food on the digestive tract are well documented.
Recent research has concentrated on the impact of two key spices – chilli pepper and turmeric – on the body. The following are the active compounds in these spices that are beneficial to digestive health:
- Capsaicin is found in meals that include chilli peppers.
- Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
The following are some of the beneficial benefits of capsaicin on the digestive system:
- Acid production in the stomach is inhibited by this medication.
- It stimulates the production of saliva, which aids in the digestion of the meal it is consumed with.
- Increases the release of digestive juices in the stomach, which aids in digestion.
- By decreasing the formation of enzymes, it helps to improve the operation of the digestive system.
- Activates the production of alkali and mucus secretions in the stomach, as well as the flow of blood to the mucosa, assisting in the prevention and repair of gastric ulcers.
- Helicobacter Pylori, for example, is a bacterial illness of the stomach that may be treated with this supplement.
- Aids in the treatment of diarrhoea induced by bacterial infections.
- Protects the stomach against chemicals that might cause harm.
- Reduces inflammation in the digestive tract, which is a source of stomach pain.
The following are some of the beneficial benefits of curcumin on the digestive system:
- It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that help to maintain a normal digestive system.
- It is used to treat acid reflux, flatulence, and functional dyspepsia, among other things (recurring symptoms of indigestion).
- Improves digestive efficiency by reducing inflammation in the intestines.
- Specific pain receptors are blocked, which may aid in the treatment of digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.
What causes gastrointestinal problems in those who are sensitive to spicy meals after ingesting these foods?
When spicy meals are taken in moderation, they have been shown to provide a number of digestive health advantages. It is possible that the stomach pain that many individuals suffer is not due to spicy food, but rather to other variables such as coffee, alcohol, fatty or fried meals, tomatoes, and acidic citrus fruits, among others.
A small number of patients with bowel issues, on the other hand, may have gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming a spicy meal. After entering the stomach, capsaicin works to increase gastric mucus production while also speeding up digestion. Stomach discomfort and cramps may occur as a result of the digestive process associated with spicy foods. Later in the gut, capsaicin stimulates a number of responses that help to expedite the digestive process. This aids in the digestion of meals that would otherwise take a long time to digest. Capsaicin, on the other hand, activates a few nerves and pulls more water into the colon at certain points throughout this process. When this happens, the colon contracts excessively and causes diarrhoea to occur.
Conclusion
Spicy foods offer several health advantages and may thus be included in a healthy diet without hesitation. On the contrary to sauces and condiments that are loaded with sugar and other processed substances, spices may be used to improve the flavour of food without adding any additional calories. According to recent studies, consuming spicy foods on a regular basis is related to living a longer life span.
If you have any concerns about your digestive health, you should consult with a gastroenterologist.
