Spicy food lovers need to know! Stomach pain and diarrhea after eating spicy food A burning sensation in the chest causing great discomfort. Here's expert advice on how to relieve stomach pain caused by spicy food. Revealing 5 foods that counteract spiciness and drinks that provide immediate relief, along with strict prohibitions to avoid worsening the condition.
What causes stomach pain after eating spicy food? Spicy cuisine has long been part of Thai culture. Medical statistics indicate a rising trend in gastritis and acid reflux cases annually, with frequent consumption of very spicy food being a key trigger. The symptom of stomach pain after eating spicy food is caused by a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. It binds to sensory receptors in the digestive tract, causing the stomach to secrete excessive acid, undergo strong contractions, and irritate the stomach lining, resulting in painful burning sensations.
If you have just had a spicy meal and are experiencing this problem, medical advice from the Gastroenterology Specialists Association recommends the following urgent relief measures.
1. Drink milk or low-fat yogurt.
Medical studies show that capsaicin dissolves well in fats and proteins but not in water. Drinking cow's milk or eating yogurt provides casein protein, which binds to capsaicin and helps wash it away from the stomach lining, quickly reducing the burning sensation.
2. Eat bananas, plain rice, or bread.
Carbohydrate and starch foods in small amounts, such as bananas, plain rice, or bread, act as absorbents that soak up capsaicin and stomach acid, preventing direct contact with the stomach lining. They also coat the stomach to help relieve pain.
3. Sip warm ginger tea or chamomile tea.
Ginger has notable anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion, while chamomile relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract. Sipping these warm beverages helps reduce stomach contractions and relieves cramps effectively.
4. Use antacids or stomach-coating medication.
Medical treatment guidelines state that if you experience sudden burning stomach pain due to acid irritation, chewing antacid tablets or taking stomach-coating drugs can quickly neutralize stomach acid and lessen the burning sensation. However, consult a pharmacist before use.
5. Sip plain water slowly.
Avoid immediately drinking very cold water, and strictly avoid tea, coffee, or alcohol, as these can further irritate the stomach.
Many mistakenly believe cold water relieves heat, but water cannot dissolve capsaicin. Drinking too much water can spread the spicy compound throughout the stomach and intestines, worsening the irritation.
These beverages stimulate acid secretion in the stomach, which can exacerbate ulcers or irritation.
Although most stomach pain from spicy food subsides within hours, Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital warns to seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
These symptoms may indicate not just irritation but serious conditions like perforated stomach ulcers or acute infectious enteritis requiring urgent specialist treatment.
Eating spicy food can enhance flavor but should be consumed in amounts your body tolerates. If you experience stomach pain after eating spicy food, choose appropriate relief methods, such as drinking milk, eating easily digestible foods, or using antacids as needed. Most importantly, adjust your eating habits by avoiding spicy food on an empty stomach to protect your digestive system long-term.