Gastritis is a health condition characterized by inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis is a clinical term used to describe physiological inflammation of the stomach lining, which is a more serious condition than temporary stomach irritation. If you suspect you have gastritis, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Spicy Foods
Although spicy foods can certainly feel like they are burning away the lining of your stomach, there is little scientific evidence that suggests spicy food actually causes damage to the stomach lining, explains an article published in the September 21 issue of the New York Times. Cases of mild, temporary irritation have been reported following ingestion of spicy foods, but gastritis is not widely reported as a consequence of spicy food.
Irritation
Because spicy foods may cause mild stomach irritation, eating spicy foods if you already have gastritis might make the symptoms worse, warns the New York University Langone Medical Center. If you have been diagnosed with gastritis, you may benefit from eating a bland diet that does not frequently include spicy foods.
Causes
Certain foods and habits have been linked to gastritis, including excessive use of alcohol and cigarette smoking, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Heavy intake of acidic beverages, such as coffee, can increase the acidity of the stomach and cause inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to gastritis. Long-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen or naproxen, is one of the major causes of gastritis, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Other Causes
Health conditions such as microbial infection and autoimmune diseases are also frequent causes of gastritis. Stomach infections from bacteria, viruses or fungi are common causes of gastritis, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, particularly the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Autoimmune disorders, such as pernicious anemia, are less common causes of gastritis.
References
- New York Times: Eating Spicy Food: What are the Effects?; Jane E. Brody, September 1983
- MayoClinic.com: Gastritis; April 2011
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gastritis; January 2010
- New York Univerisity Langone Medical Center: Gastritis; Daus Mahnke; September 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastritis; Steven D. Ehrlich; September 2009
