What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Spicy Foods

Spicy foods like chili contain a molecule called capsaicin. Capsaicin affects the body’s pain and heat receptors. So, you may notice changes in your body when you eat spicy foods.

Spicy foods contain capsaicin. Capsaicin causes heat production in the body. It does this by binding to a receptor called TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1).

When you eat spicy foods, TRPV1 is activated. This triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which increases your body’s energy expenditure.

A research review showed that capsaicin supplements can reduce body weight and waist circumference, but the effect is modest. However, foods don’t contain as much capsaicin as supplements. Even if you eat a lot of chili pepper, the human body cannot absorb capsaicin into the bloodstream effectively.

Capsaicin can help reduce stomach acid production. It can also increase alkaline secretions, which help neutralize stomach acid. It can also increase blood flow to the digestive lining.

However, it is unclear whether chili consumption significantly changes stomach acid or protects the digestive lining in humans. Eating enough fiber remains one of the best strategies to support digestion.

Eating spicy foods does not harm your taste buds. If you regularly eat spicy foods, your TRPV1 receptors become less sensitive to capsaicin. This means you’ll find it easier to tolerate spicy foods, even if you eat the same amount.

Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors in the gastrointestinal system, which may increase sensation and sensitivity.

Eating chili peppers in usual quantities is unlikely to cause digestive problems. However, spicy foods are associated with an increased risk of heartburn, burning, and discomfort in people with conditions such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Some purported benefits of eating spicy foods include prevention of cell damage, decreased inflammation, antimicrobial effects, and pain relief. However, these effects are often only reported in laboratory or animal studies. Here are some myths about spicy foods:

Myth: Spicy foods cause significant weight loss.

Capsaicin may cause minimal calorie burn due to thermogenesis. However, the human body cannot effectively absorb capsaicin from food into the bloodstream. Even capsaicin supplements have only a modest effect on weight. The best strategy remains a nutritious and balanced diet alongside an active lifestyle.

Myth: Spicy foods permanently damage the digestive tract or cause ulcers.

Eating chili peppers is not likely to cause damage to the digestive tract in usual amounts. However, people with acid reflux and gastritis may experience irritation after eating spicy foods.

Myth: Spicy foods detoxify your body.

Capsaicin has been shown to prevent cell damage in laboratory and animal studies. Its antioxidant effects in humans remain to be discovered.

Myth: Eating chili prevents cancer.

The anticancer effects of capsaicin have only been demonstrated in test-tube and animal studies. These effects have not been proven in humans.