Eating spicy food can cause digestive issues. But can it cause ulcers?
According to health experts, the ulcer-spicy food relationship is a myth. However, spicy food can irritate ulcers that already exist. Read on to find out more.
Spicy Food and Mouth Ulcers
Ulcers can occur in the mouth and the digestive tract. Mouth ulcers develop in the soft tissue lining of the tongue, cheeks, lips, or palate. Although they are painful, they are likely to go away on their own in a week or two.
There are many reasons mouth ulcers may develop including:
- Trauma to the mouth
- Allergies
- Chemotherapy
- Viral or bacterial infections
However, there is no evidence that they can be caused by spicy food.
There is no known treatment for the prevention of mouth ulcers. The best advice is to stay healthy as they may be caused by stress, vitamin deficiencies, and illness.
If you get a mouth ulcer, you may be able to reduce pain and inflammation by applying gels and creams or by using special mouthwash.
Note, while spicy foods do not cause mouth ulcers, they can irritate them. It’s best to stay away from spicy food when you have an ulcer. Eat soft foods and drink cool drinks through a straw until the ulcer goes away.
Spicy Food and Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. Upper abdominal pain is a common symptom.
Stomach ulcers may go away on their own if you take steps to address what’s causing them. For example, you may take medicine to decrease stomach acid or treat a bacterial infection that may be the underlying cause.
Doctors have identified nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Helicobacter pylori infections as the main causes of peptic ulcers. The latter is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach and small bowel. Spicy foods have not been identified as a cause.
Doctors may advise patients to take medication for Pylori infection or suggest NSAID alternatives to reduce ulcer symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors are often used to reduce stomach acid. These can be administered orally or through an IV.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) also recommends quitting smoking as tobacco may increase the risk of peptic ulcers.
While spicy food does not cause peptic ulcers, it may irritate them.
Final Thoughts
There is no evidence that spicy foods cause peptic or mouth ulcers. However, they can irritate them making symptoms worse. If you have an ulcer, it’s advisable to speak to a doctor to discuss the foods you should and shouldn’t be eating.
Here’s wishing you a hearty diet and the best of digestive health.
