Everyone gets diarrhea from time to time; the average adult in the United States experiences it about once a year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although overdoing it on a spicy meal can cause some stomach discomfort, diarrhea is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite; you should see your doctor if your symptoms are severe or the diarrhea persists for more than a few days. Frequent occurrences of diarrhea may indicate an underlying condition.
Solutions
To prevent the dehydration that can result from diarrhea drink plenty of water and fluids that contain electrolytes such as a sports drink. Over-the counter medicines such as bismuth salicylate and loperamide may also help treat your diarrhea. If you have bloody diarrhea, however, do not use over-the-counter medicines and see your doctor; this is a sign of a parasitic or bacterial infection, which are best treated with antibiotics.
Food Poisoning
Diarrhea can be a symptom of a food-borne illness, also called food poisoning. A number of bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli, hepatitis A, rotavirus and salmonella, can contaminate food during various points of production. If you consume food that contains a virus or bacteria, you can contract food poisoning; other symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps and fever. If you eat spicy food at a restaurant and feel sick later, food poisoning may be to blame -- not from the spices, per se, but from food contamination. Symptoms usually subside on their own as toxins leave your system, but contact your doctor if your symptoms are severe. Consider letting the restaurant and/or your local health department know what occurred, so they can test the food for further contamination.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If you frequently experience diarrhea, cramping and bloating, you may have a condition called irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. With IBS, the muscles in your colon don't coordinate properly with those in your rectum or pelvis, so colon contents are not released on a normal schedule. Spicy food, large meals and high-fat foods can all trigger symptoms, so use caution when it comes to your spicy food intake if you've been diagnosed with this condition.
Precautions
Spicy food can cause heartburn, so you may be using over-the-counter antacids to counteract this side effect. However, antacids can also cause diarrhea. To avoid worsening your diarrhea while fighting heartburn, take an antacid that contains both magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, or ask your doctor about prescription options if your heartburn is recurring.
