Am I addicted to spicy foods?

Question

I can't get enough spicy foods. Every day I eat spicy things. Habenero pepper cheese. Habenero tabasco. On my pizza I use so much red pepper I take the cover off because it comes out too slowly. I use up about 1 bottle of red pepper per month. I love Blazin sauce (from buffalo wild wings) on my chicken and hamburgers. I get a runny nose when I have really spicy food but I still can't seem to get enough of it. Am I addicted to spicy foods?

I also get diarrhea often. Could that be from eating too much spicy food?

Chris. I don't smoke.

Answer 1

I'm Indian, and most people in my family including myself eat chillies with everything. I hate bland food!!!

Chillies are meant to be good for you too - I heard something about antioxidants in them.

Enjoy but don't overdo it. You could try chilli oil for a lighter taste, or pickles.

Answer 2

Addicted To Spicy Food

Answer 3

Actually, your system can "suffer" from an overabundance of spicy food as anything taken in the extreme can. The acidic aftermaths can reek havoc with the natural bacterial flora in your digestive tract... that's why you're experiencing the odd bout with "the runs." If you upset the natural balance, you'll need to take steps to restore it: Foods like yogurt, bananas, sweet acidofolis milk, etc., can help to restore the natural bacteria in your gut. I understand your love affair with spicy foods, and as you age, the "affinities and attractions" only become greater; but the key word here IS moderation. You might do well to take some cooking classes in Cantonese, Sechwan, and/or Indian (dot) cuisine... they've perfected the balance over time: When I eat well prepared Indian food, I'd swear there is a direct link to the cosmos and I even feel like I'm appoaching the center of the universe... the taste sensations are downright archetypal... almost sacred!

Answer 4

If you were having an reaction to spicy foods it would be heart burn. Diarrhea is caused from germs and bad food. So possibly the spicy foods you eat were left out or out of date? But anyway, there is nothing in the spicy foods that you eat that allow you to become "addicted". It's just what your body craves.

Answer 5

Maybe you should gradually use a little less spicy stuff on your food. Aleast your addicted to spicy food instead of sweets, & yeah you probably do get your diareaha from the spicy foods, since you eat so much.

Answer 6

You have a serious addiction that is messing up your enjoyment of food. If all you eat is spicy it becomes what bland was and you have no room for something hotter anymore.

I love chillies too, so, when you want an extra burn, have a look at
http://www.hot-headz.com

i have a bottle of Dave's Insanity Limited Edition Private Reserve 2003 for special occasions

Answer 7

LOL! heck yeah you're addicted to spicy foods, but you're not alone. some people just have a spicy palette, they either want a lot of flavor in their food or they like it extra hot. most that like spicy food grew up eating dishes prepared that way. there are many cultures that prefer it and find american food very bland. my niece puts garlic powder in everything and a friend of mine loves to suck on bullion cubes.

But be careful, spicy foods in excess can actually be harmful. they can lead to stomach problems, acid reflux, bad breath and they can even permanently reduce the sensation in your taste buds. yep, it can wear your taste buds down, which is probably why you need more zest in your food than you did say 2 yrs ago. All in all you're not alone, but remember - moderation, moderation, moderation.

Answer 8

Are you a smoker? Many times smokers crave spicy foods after a number of years of smoking due to taste bud damage.

I've actually heard that cayanne pepper is good for the digestive system; so there's a plus!

Answer 9

Yes your addicted to spicy food. Spicy food may cause diarrhea but i dont know the medical explanation of it.

Answer 10

Actually once you eat something spicy you "hurt" your taste buds therefore you have to eat something even hotter to really taste it. It can take a few days for your taste buds to "heal" you may not be addicted but would really just like to taste your food. But no different than piercings you may prefer the "edge" in food... but watch it it can give you stomach problems. Beside you have to have a problem with it to be an addict...lol... are you in denial

Answer 11

The act of eating spicy foods causes and endorphin rush in your brain, it is possible to become addicted to this (extreme sports junkies, exercise freaks, smokers all experience this to some degree).