Spicy food has been implicated in everything from heartburn and diarrhea to heart attacks. In almost every instance, it has been proven untrue. Spicy dishes are consumed around the world, and in many cultures. Moreover, those who eat spicy foods more often are usually healthier than individuals who consume a conventional Western diet with little heat and plenty of fat. What about the connection between spicy food and piles? Is it true?
What Are Piles?
Before we go much further, let’s get a clear understanding of what is being claimed here. Piles are hemorrhoids (it’s an archaic term that still lingers). Hemorrhoids are just inflamed blood vessels around the anus. They happen for any number of reasons, but are mostly due to putting too much pressure on the pelvic floor. Lifting heavy objects, straining during bowel movements, and even sitting for too long can be contributing factors.
Spicy Food and Piles
The notion that spicy food and piles go hand in hand is an old one, and like a lot of other folk wisdom, it is untrue. However, it is easy to see how it might have come about. Anyone who has ever eaten a good bit of spice and then had a bowel movement the next day knows that it can feel somewhat “warmer” than usual. Now, imagine that you have hemorrhoids but are not aware of them. The capsaicin in the spice passes through your digestive system, and when it comes in contact with hemorrhoids, it can definitely create an unpleasant situation.
Medical Facts
To put the notion that spicy food and piles are connected to rest, an actual medical study was conducted. It was reported through the National Institutes of Health. The study included 50 patients with hemorrhoids. They were given capsules containing red chili powder to be taken with their lunch. Before the experiment, they recorded their hemorrhoid discomfort. They recorded it again after a bowel movement the next day. None of the 50 patients reported any change in discomfort after taking the capsule.
The authors of the study stated, “There is no scientific evidence that a spicy meal based on red hot chili pepper may worsen hemorrhoid symptoms and, therefore, there is no reason to prevent these patients from occasionally enjoying a spicy dish if they so wish.”
Can I Enjoy Spicy Food with Piles?
Yes, you can enjoy spicy foods. Capsaicin does not cause or affect hemorrhoids. However, if you are sensitive to spicy food and it generally causes stomach upset, it might be best to avoid eating it. This has nothing to do with the spice and everything to do with the usual result of such stomach upset – diarrhea. Serious diarrhea can cause serious pain for hemorrhoid sufferers, particularly if there are repeated bouts of sitting on the toilet.
In the end, only you can determine whether you are sensitive to spicy foods, but understand that capsaicin is not the cause of piles.