Have you ever eaten something that you thought was perfectly harmless, only to experience a bout of nausea, diarrhea and/or fever shortly afterwards? If so, it’s possible that one or more of the spices in your food caused the digestive upset. But how can this happen when many spices are commonly consumed without any known side effects?
In this blog post, we are going to take an in-depth look at the different spices that can trigger adverse reactions if not understood correctly and discuss ways to reduce these risks. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a little more flavor in a dish, pay attention! You certainly don’t want to miss important information about safe drinking.
You have heartburn.
Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation that affects many people after eating spicy foods. It can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain and can be caused by the consumption of certain spices, such as black pepper, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
Excessive consumption of any of these spices can irritate the stomach lining, leading to increased acid production and thus triggering heartburn. When it comes to managing spice symptoms, moderation is the key to maintaining a balanced diet without unwanted side effects.
You have pimples.
Many of us like to use spices to enhance the flavor, color and aroma of dishes. For some of us though, an otherwise pleasant experience can be ruined if certain spices can cause pimples.
As we probably know, acne caused by certain foods usually has more to do with fat and oil than with the addition of spices; however, there are a few spice-related non-fat culprits that are believed to be involved as well. Interestingly, chili peppers are among the few products that have been linked to acne breakouts due to their capsaicin content – also found in Tabasco sauce – which can irritate sensitive skin and cause inflammation of pimples.
Additionally, both black pepper and cinnamon have been reported to cause mild skin inflammation when used in large amounts or applied directly in small amounts. Given this information, it might be a good idea for people prone to facial breakouts to consider reducing or even avoiding spicy ingredients altogether to minimize the risk of breakouts.
You have diarrhea.
Many spices are said to have medicinal properties, but some can cause digestive upset such as diarrhea. Ginger, turmeric, chili powder, and cumin are common spices that can cause diarrhea.
Other seasonings that can cause diarrhea include mustard powder, fennel seeds, and curry powders. When cooked or taken in capsule form, these potent herbs can irritate the digestive system and cause irritation to the stomach lining, resulting in gastrointestinal upset, usually accompanied by loose stools.
To avoid these unwanted side effects, it is important that people with digestive disorders consult a healthcare professional about which spices they can safely consume.
You are nauseous.
Eating too many spicy foods can lead to unintended consequences, including nausea. Commonly used spices, such as pepper and chili powder, can have an inflammatory effect on the digestive system when consumed in excess, triggering a nausea reaction.
Some people may be more sensitive to these spices than others and more likely to experience adverse symptoms. Of course, certain herbs and spices are associated with the carminative condition, which means they can actually reduce the feeling of nausea.
Examples include fennel seeds, ginger root, cardamom pods, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks and cumin seeds. Knowing which spices to choose or avoid can make all the difference for those at risk of nausea after eating spicy foods.
You have a thunderclap.
Spices, such as cayenne pepper, curry, and chili powder, can cause sudden headaches due to their high concentration of volatile oils. These active compounds cause a strong sensation when inhaled or consumed, which can trigger migraine-like symptoms in people with multiple chemical sensitivities.
Although the initial reaction may be shocking, spices are relatively harmless when used in moderation. It is therefore important to explore how to safely enjoy the many benefits of spices, such as boosting digestion and reducing inflammation, without fear of adverse reactions.
