Can Disturb Fasting, Here are 4 Side Effects of Often Eating Spicy during Sahur

Illustration of spicy food for sahur (photo: Pixabay/Anilsharma26)

YOGYAKARTA - The side effects of eating spicy food during sahur cannot be taken lightly, because it can trigger various digestive disorders that interfere with fasting.

During sahur, the stomach is often empty. Well, exposure to capsaicin, the active substance in chili peppers that causes a hot and spicy sensation directly on the stomach wall, has the potential to have a negative impact on the body's health.

So, what are the risks of side effects that can potentially arise from eating spicy food often during sahur? Summarized from various sources, see the complete information in the article below.

Side Effects of Often Eating Spicy Food during Sahur Increase the production of stomach acid

Spicy foods contain capsaicin compounds that give a hot sensation on the tongue. However, behind this sensation, capsaicin can also stimulate the excessive production of stomach acid. If consumed on an empty stomach at iftar, this condition can trigger irritation on the stomach wall.

For people with ulcers and stomach acid disorders such as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), spicy foods can aggravate existing symptoms.

Furthermore, stomach acid that rises into the esophagus can cause a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, bloating, and pain in the stomach. Because during fasting there is no food or drink intake to neutralize stomach acid, these complaints can feel longer and interfere with activities throughout the day.

Causes stomach pain and diarrhea

Another side effect that is quite common is digestive disorders such as heartburn, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Capsaicin can stimulate the contraction of the intestines to be more active than usual. In some people, especially those who have a sensitive digestive system, this condition makes the desire to defecate increase.

If diarrhea occurs during fasting, the body will lose fluids and electrolytes faster. Even during fasting there is no intake of replacement fluids until the time of breaking the fast. As a result, the risk of dehydration, weakness, dizziness, and even concentration disorders becomes higher.

This condition can certainly interfere with productivity and comfort when performing fasting.

Makes you thirsty quickly.

Eating spicy food during sahur can also trigger excessive thirst. The sensation of heat from chili increases body temperature and stimulates the production of sweat.

When the body loses fluid faster while there is no intake of drinks for dozens of hours, the thirst will feel more intense. Lips become dry, the throat feels uncomfortable, and energy quickly decreases. This makes fasting feel heavier, especially if you are active outdoors.

Irritates the stomach and intestines

In sensitive individuals, excessive consumption of spicy foods can cause irritation to the stomach and intestinal lining. This irritation occurs because capsaicin can disrupt the natural protective layer of the gastrointestinal tract. If it happens continuously, the stomach wall can become more susceptible to inflammation.

In the long run, this habit has the potential to trigger chronic digestive disorders such as gastritis (gastritis). Symptoms include a sore stomach, nausea, nausea, to decreased appetite. During fasting, these conditions can feel more disturbing because the stomach is in a state of emptiness for longer.

This is information about the side effects of often eating spicy food during sahur. Get other interesting news updates by visiting the VOI.id page.