Can eating spicy food cause piles? Let’s find out if it’s a myth or fact

Those hot wings with additional chilli sauce taste amazing. Isn’t it? But a little later on or maybe the next day, the feeling on the other end may not be as wonderful. All because it makes it burn when you poop! A lot of people may advise against eating spicy food and as the word goes around, it can even lead to piles. But does this claim hold any truth? Can eating spicy food cause piles? Let’s find out!

Well, spicy food can be problematic but they cannot cause piles. At least that’s what a ketogenic diet specialist and a celebrity nutritionist Dr Siddhant Bhargava tells us in his recent Instagram video.

Here’s what his post says, “Everyone must have heard it, so have I. Don’t eat spicy food or you’ll get piles. Before I clear this up, let me tell you what piles are.”

What are piles or haemorrhoids?

Piles is medically called haemorrhoids. This is a condition where the blood vessels in or around the anus become inflamed or engorged. This can be caused due to constipation, diarrhoea or excessive time spent on the toilet. It symptoms may include:

• The rectum
• Pain that can occur while sitting
• Anal discomfort, itchiness, swelling, or bleeding
• Digestive issues such as constipation

When you have piles, there are some days when you experience more pain than others. Your eating habits and the type of diet you follow directly affect how well or poorly you pass foods through your bowels.

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Check out his Instagram post for yourself:

Does spicy food give you piles?

Spicy foods should be avoided, especially if you already have piles, as should any other unhealthy foods which may result in diarrhoea or constipation. However, there are no studies or any evidence to support the claim that eating spicy meals might cause piles. Therefore, it is a myth that eating spicy meals may result in piles or haemorrhoids.

Dr Bhargava says, “Spicy foods are basically foods that have an acid called capsaicin. It is a defence mechanism of some plants to prevent pests from eating their fruits. This acid may cause some burning sensation but it’s much much milder than the hydrochloric acid that is already present in your stomach! The burning sensation you feel when you poop the next day, it’s because the chilly flake hasn’t digested fully and is being passed through your stool. There’s no disadvantages to this, just a little discomfort.” So, if you like to consume spicy foods, tolerate it!

However, it is better to avoid or limit the consumption if you consistently feel discomfort and digestive problems after eating spicy foods. Switch to a diet low in heat-producing spices and chillies, and refrain from binging on delicacies from the street foods. Your body will later appreciate your choice if you make it!

Takeaway

You now understand that consuming spicy meals does not cause piles. And if you don’t actually feel any discomfort after consuming spicy dishes, all spice lovers can remain stress free and enjoy that spice.