This article is a translation of the following Japanese article:
Original: 辛いものが好きな人の体はどうなっている？健康面から見る理由と注意点
“I find myself choosing spicy foods”
“It’s not satisfying without stimulation”
“Even though I know it’s painful, I can’t stop”
People tend to think that people who like spicy food are people with strong tastes,
types that seek stimulation, but sometimes it has something to do with their body’s condition and system.
Author: “The fact that you like spicy food is not just a matter of taste, but is often influenced by your body’s reactions.”
Mechanism of feeling spicy
Spiciness is not a “taste” like sweet or salty, but a sensation that is transmitted to the brain as pain or irritation.
Capsaicin contained in chili peppers
- Irritating the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach
- Causes a reaction like an increase in body temperature
- Promotes sweating
.
The brain responds to this stimulus
- Endorphins (feel-good chemicals)
- Adrenaline
and gives a temporary feeling of euphoria and refreshment.
Why do we like spicy food? Reasons to think from the body
① Stress relief/change of mood
When you eat spicy food,
- I feel refreshed
- The mood clears up
Many people feel this way.
This is thought to be because the stimulation causes the secretion of feel-good substances in the brain, which temporarily relieves stress.
Author: “The more tired you are, the more you want to eat spicy food.”
② Refreshing feeling due to metabolism and sweating
Capsaicin contains
- Promotes blood flow
- Promotes sweating
There are functions such as.
As a result,
- It warms your body
- Feel refreshed
As a result, it is easier to feel that “tough = good”.
It is also said that people who get cold easily tend to like spicy food.
③ Habituation to stimulation
If you eat spicy food frequently,
- The same spiciness is not enough
- Seeking stronger stimulation
Changes are more likely to occur.
This is less a matter of taste and more of a habituation to the stimulus.
Author: “It is not uncommon for the spiciness to gradually escalate.”
④ Effect of increasing appetite
Appropriate spiciness is
- Stimulates secretion of saliva and gastric juice
- Increases appetite
Awakening has an effect
Some people find it easier to eat spicy foods when their appetite is low.
Positive effects of spicy food on the body
If consumed in moderation, spicy foods can have the following benefits:
- Easy to warm your body
- Refreshing feeling due to sweating
- Appetite support
- Change/refresh
Author: “There is no need to assume that spicy food is bad for your health.”
Disadvantages of spicy foods that you should be aware of
① Irritation to the stomach and intestines
Spicy taste irritates the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.
If you eat too much,
- Stomach heaviness
- 胃痛
- Diarrhea
etc. are more likely to occur.
② Displeasure in the esophagus and stomach
If you take a strong spicy food on an empty stomach,
- Easily irritated stomach
- Heartburn occurs
Sometimes.
In particular,
- People with weak stomachs
- Persons with reflux esophagitis
requires caution.
③ Too much salt and fat
Spicy dishes
- Strong taste
- Use a lot of oil
There is a tendency.
As a result,
- Excessive salt content
- Excessive lipids
.
Author: “The balance of the entire dish is more important than the spiciness itself.”
Key points for dealing well with painful things
① Avoid when hungry
As much as possible, spicy food
- During the meal
- After eating something
.
② Be aware of frequency and amount
Rather than having strong spiciness at every meal/every day
- Minimize the amount
- Adjust spiciness
This reduces the burden on the body.
③ Combine with protein and vegetables
Not only spiciness, but also
- Protein
- Wild vegetables
- Fermented foods
, it helps relieve irritation to the stomach and intestines.
Be careful in these cases
- Eating spicy food makes you feel unwell
- Frequent stomach pain and diarrhea
- If it’s not spicy, you won’t be satisfied
In such cases, do not push yourself too hard and reconsider your intake or consult a medical institution.
Summary｜If you like spicy food, it is important to know your body’s reaction
The reason why you like spicy food is
✔ Your constitution
✔ Stress
✔ Reaction to stimulation
etc. may be involved.
The important thing is:
Don’t hold back too much
Don’t eat too much
Watch your body’s reactions
Author: “It’s best to enjoy spicy foods as a form of enjoyment.
Listen to your body and incorporate them wisely.”
