How Spicy Foods Affect Acid Reflux
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
9 April, 2025
We Indians love our spicy foods absolutely, but many of us have to deal with the negative after effects for quite a while. This can be unpleasant and downright painful, in extreme cases. Heartburn symptoms include acid reflux and this burning sensation where you may hiccup or bring up gastric juices. Heartburn has many causes, but eating spicy food is a primary cause. For some individuals, other kinds of foods may trigger the same issue – which is why people have different triggers and it is important to identify them, so you can learn to avoid them. Heartburn affects less than 30% of the Indian population.
Why Do Spicy Foods Cause Heartburn And Acid Reflux?
Foods that allow the sphincter muscles to relax and let food up – towards the throat can cause heartburn and related symptoms. That is what has been thought all these years and common culprits include mint, coffee, spicy foods that contain capsaicin, oleacein, acidic stuff like tomatoes, citrus juices etc. cannot outright cause heartburn issues. They can only worsen what is already happening inside- and this is due to the inner gastric lining getting inflamed due to exposure to potent stomach acids. If you eat a lot, your stomach has less room to maneuver and this can worsen heartburn and reflux symptoms. For people with heartburn, it is better if they have smaller meals, spread out through the day. Reflux can get worse if you don’t sit upright while eating and stay like that for an hour or longer after the meal.
Best Foods To Avoid With Acid Reflux And Heartburn-
Some well known triggers include onions, red chillies, garlic, tomatoes, green chillies, black pepper, fatty meat, greasy foods and citrus fruits respectively. Coffee, tea and other caffeine containing drinks can be acidic and dehydrate you further, making stomach acid more acidic. In general though, it makes sense to know what foods cause heartburn symptoms and avoid them. If you cannot, then eat very small quantities. If you take antibiotics often, or have aspirin and related drugs, then you may have to deal with reflux.
Spicy Foods And Acid Reflux: Tips For Managing Symptoms-
The easiest way to stop feeling lousy after a spicy meal is to pop some antacids in- these can help neutralise stomach acid and even offer some protective coating to the food pipe. But, you should not take antacids often, as they can cause other problems too. This is because they cannot stop your stomach lining from getting inflamed. Some people may have too much calcium in their system with overuse of antacids. It is hence best to drink a glass of cold milk or have some buttermilk to help you feel better. Drinking lots of water is also a well known practice.
Conclusion
Heartburn is a common condition that can affect you at any time, because you made a bad choice while eating a meal. Though spicy foods have often been vilified in this regard, research has shown that spicy foods are not all to blame. It also makes sense to eat less, avoid triggers and not worry too much even if you have reflux-like symptoms. You can use an extra pillow to stay upright too. You will feel better soon. Antacids are well known drugs that can help you deal with symptoms, but you should not eat them often. They may cause unwanted side effects like constipation, headaches and even diarrhoea in a small percentage of people. If heartburn is making you miserable, it is better to talk to your doctor.
