Mostly all Indians love Spicy food and use different kinds of Spices and Masalas while making delicious dishes. But excessive spicy food can lead to many digestion issues. It it right that Spices improve the taste but once they reach our Digestive Systems they can cause irritation to the Stomach’s Mucosal Lining.
I also like Spicy Food but I eat that only once in a month or so. Otherwise my diet is of less salt, medium spice and very less sugar. I cannot have Spicy Food for dinner especially, that I will find it difficult with indigestion and sleep problems if I take it.
Yes, consumption of extremely spicy foods can cause various Stomach Ailments. It is the Acidic Content present in the Spicy Food that creates issues. Spices increase the Acid Secretion and reduce the strength of Gastritis Mucosal Barrier. Spices on the other hand provide a number of Vitamins and Nutrients but too much of them also can be dangerous sometimes.
Garam Masala is often classified as great for Digestive System as they help producing Digestive Enzymes which are key to breaking down the food. But in my experience, too much of Spicy Food is not good especially if you are in the age group Sixty and above where physical exercise is comparatively less.
Common issues
I have read in an article that Acid Reflux, Acute Gastritis, Gastric Ulcer, Insomnia and Loss of Apatite are the regular issues associated with excessive Spicy Food. Spices, rich in Acidic content creates issues with the Walls of the Stomach, damaging it and the result could be an Acid Reflux. Simple Indigestion or Acute Gastritis with symptoms of Vomiting, Nausea, Fever, Diarrhea and Headache may be observed.
Spicy Food can cause Ulcers in the sensitive Mucosal Lining or in the Small Intestine. They are either called as Duodenum (Duodenal Ulcer) or in the Esophagus (Esophageal Ulcer). Gastric Ulcers can be sometimes painful with burning Stomach Pain, Nausea, Vomiting and even Weight Loss. Body temperature is raised by Spicy Food and can trigger Insomnia. For that reason, it is advisable to avoid Spicy Food in the night for Dinner.
Drink milk which neutralizes the Acid secreted by the Spicy Food and avoid having Spicy Food in late night meals. Fried, Oily and Spicy Food can increase Acid Secretion and hence should be avoided as much as possible. If at all required to satisfy yourself, take Spicy Food only with Main Meals and that too in the day time.
Disclaimer: Information provided here are for public awareness only. The effect of Spices can be different from person to person. But it is always best to be on the safer side
