Chili garlic sauce is an ingredient and condiment that adds heat, sweetness and garlic to a variety of ethnic dishes. Unfortunately, many individuals limit their intake of spicy foods due to potential gastrointestinal, or GI, side effects. While chili garlic sauce can cause uncomfortable secondary responses, medical literature indicates it is not to blame for rectal bleeding.
Chili Garlic Sauce
The chili in chili garlic sauce comes from red chili peppers high in capsicum. In addition to providing heat and spice to foods, capsicum affects a variety of body systems. Chili can relieve itching when applied to the skin and is an important source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
GI Side Effects
Chili garlic sauce often causes temporary oral burning immediately after ingestion, but should not cause additional GI side effects in healthy people. If you have cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy, you should avoid eating chili garlic sauce, as it can trigger diarrhea and abdominal pain. Chili peppers are otherwise safe for most healthy people, and you should consume them according to your personal taste.
Chili Garlic Sauce and Rectal Symptoms
Chili garlic sauce does not typically cause rectal bleeding, except in certain circumstances. A 2007 study in the "World Journal of Surgery" showed that patients who consumed red chili peppers after hemorrhoid surgery were slightly more likely to experience rectal bleeding than patients who avoided chili peppers post-surgery. The patients who ate chili also experienced more anal burning and itching than did the other group.
Precautions
Rectal bleeding can signify serious medical problems, from hemorrhoids and fissures to colon cancer. If you notice rectal bleeding, avoid blaming it on chili garlic sauce or any other food product. Note your symptoms, the amount of blood, any pain and any precipitating factors. Seek medical care urgently with either your primary care physician or a GI specialist. If you notice a large amount of rectal bleeding, seek emergency care.
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