The stomach is lined with fairly hardy tissue because of the high levels of acid it must process. Sometimes foods can irritate the stomach, however, as well as other portions of the digestive tract. Foods that are heavily seasoned or spiced can cause abdominal pain, especially for people who have unusually sensitive digestive tracts.
Capsaicin
The compound that makes chili peppers and other spicy foods feel hot on the tongue is capsaicin. Capsaicin generates the sensation of heat because it is an irritant. This means that it can cause irritation and inflammation of the mucus membranes throughout the digestive tract, which includes the lower portion of the esophagus, as well as the stomach.
Spicy Foods and Acid Reflux
Spicy foods may also trigger stomach pain via their role in acid reflux. When spicy foods irritate the lining of the stomach, they can trigger increased acid production, which can cause acid to travel out of the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is not designed to withstand acidic conditions, which means that the acid will burn the esophagus. Pain in the lower esophagus may be mistaken for stomach pain because of its proximity to the stomach.
Misconceptions
A common misconception about spicy foods is that they can lead to peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are not caused by spicy foods, but are instead frequently caused by a bacterium known as H. pylori, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders explains. On the other hand, spicy foods and other factors, such as stress, can exacerbate the symptoms of an already existing peptic ulcer.
Treatment
The simplest way to treat stomach pain caused by spicy foods is to limit or eliminate spicy foods in the diet. Indigestion and stomach pain can also be eased by chewing foods thoroughly and giving the body some time to digest spicy foods before moving onto other activities, the Nemours website MedLinePlus advises. In some cases, antacids can relieve the pain caused by spicy foods.
Considerations
Stress and anxiety can also trigger indigestion. People who have stomach pain after eating spicy foods should avoid arguments during meals, as the stress can trigger indigestion, resulting in stomach pain. Excitement or exercise soon after meals can also lead to stomach pain and should be minimized.
