Spicy food is often a favorite of many people because it is delicious and provides an experience that excites the taste buds. However, once the meal is over, the aftermath can be quite uncomfortable.

Although water is the first solution that comes to mind when dealing with spiciness, it may not be the best choice. Even though it gives relief initially, it can quickly lead to discomfort, especially in cases where the meal was exceptionally spicy. Below are reasons why you should avoid water after consuming spicy food:.

Water Spreads Capsaicin to other Parts of the Mouth and Increases Spiciness

Capsaicin is the chemical compound responsible for the spiciness in chili peppers. When it comes into contact with water, it immediately spreads to other parts of the mouth, including areas that were not affected initially.

This phenomenon leads to an increase in spiciness rather than relief. It is recommended to use dairy products like milk or yogurt instead of water to neutralize the spicy sensation.

These products have casein, which binds to capsaicin and removes it from the mouth, providing a soothing relief that is both cooler and sweeter than water.

Water Increases Production of Stomach Acid

If you are one of the people who experience heartburn or acid reflux, drinking water after eating spicy food will only make the situation worse.

It dilutes the stomach acid, slowing down digestion, which creates a conducive environment for acid reflux to occur. As a result, consuming water after a spicy meal can lead to indigestion, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Instead, it is advisable to take an over-the-counter antacid when experiencing heartburn or acid reflux after consuming spicy food.

Water Leads to Stomach Upset

Drinking cold water immediately after having a spicy meal can harm the digestion process and aggravate the stomach. This is because cold water lowers the temperature of the stomach, reducing the number of enzymes and making digestion slower.

The spicy food already has a high spice content, which aggravates the stomach lining. Therefore, drinking water only adds to the discomfort, leading to stomach upset, cramps, and even diarrhea. For optimal digestion, it is recommendable to drink warm water or tea after every spicy meal to soothe the stomach lining.

Water Leads to Dehydration

It is common knowledge that water is essential in hydrating the body. However, drinking water after eating spicy food can lead to dehydration.

This is because spicy food initiates a thirst response; thus, drinking water in such a condition prompts the body to lose more water than it gains. Consuming water after eating spicy food can also lead to frequent urination, increasing the chances of dehydration.

Therefore, it is recommended to drink fluids that contain electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, to replace the lost fluids and minerals. Drinks such as coconut water, lemon water, or sports drinks can be beneficial in rehydrating the body.

Waterless Alternatives for Reducing Spiciness

Instead of drinking water after consuming spicy food, there are other options that can help you deal with the spiciness. These include:.

Sucking on ice cubes or frozen fruit pieces like grapes or melon can help in reducing the spiciness and provide a refreshing aftertaste.
Eating bread or starchy foods like rice or potatoes can neutralize the spiciness.
Taking a spoonful of honey, syrup, or sugar can also provide relief from spiciness because it coats the throat and tongue, reducing the impact of capsaicin.
Using citrus fruits like lemon or lime to add a tangy flavor can also mitigate the spiciness because the acidity in these fruits reduces the heat.

The Bottom Line

Many people reach for water when they experience the discomfort brought about by spiciness in their meals.

However, as discussed above, water is not the best solution because it can lead to more discomfort than relief, including stomach upset, dehydration, and heartburn. Instead, it is advisable to try other means like dairy products, starchy foods, or citrus fruits to neutralize the spiciness and provide relief.