We live in a country where spicy foods, from suya and pepper soup to jollof rice, are a staple. Many believe that consuming excessive amounts of spicy foods can lead to gastric ulcers due to its irritant and potentially acid-secreting properties.
This begs the question: do spicy foods cause ulcers? According to medical experts, the answer is a resounding “No.” Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or oesophagus. The most common ulcers are peptic ulcers, which include gastric (stomach) and duodenal (upper small intestine) ulcers.
They occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced, allowing the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach.
Contrary to popular belief, no scientific evidence suggests that spicy foods cause stomach or mouth ulcers.
This myth has been spreading for years, leading many to avoid their favourite spicy dishes for fear of developing ulcers. However, research has shown that while spicy foods may irritate existing ulcers, they do not cause them.
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According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the most common causes of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can damage the stomach lining, leading to the development of ulcers.
When it comes to mouth ulcers, the causes can be varied. Trauma to the mouth, viral or bacterial infections, allergies, and chemotherapy are some of the known causes. Chronic inflammation-related diseases may also cause mouth ulcers. However, spicy foods are not among these causes.
However, if you already have any form of ulcer, spicy foods might worsen the symptoms. The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom advises people with mouth ulcers to avoid spicy foods as they may irritate the ulcer.
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) stresses certain foods may irritate an already existing ulcer.
Some of those foods to avoid include: cheese, alcohol, coffee, baked goods, citrus fruits, chocolate, fried foods, sweetened carbonated drinks.
Foods to take include veggies like cauliflower, apples, blueberries, raspberries, and probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kombucha and many more.
While spicy foods can irritate existing ulcers, they are not the cause. So, if you’re a fan of spicy foods and have been avoiding them due to fear of ulcers, you can breathe a sigh of relief. However, if you’re currently dealing with an ulcer, it might be best to lay off the spice until it heals.
As always, if you have any concerns about your health, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.
