Myth: Eating Spicy Food Can Give You Ulcers

Spicy foods, often associated with stomach irritation, are frequently blamed for causing ulcers. Many people avoid spicy dishes, thinking that they will lead to the development of painful sores in the stomach lining.

Spicy foods do not cause ulcers. While they can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms in people who already have ulcers or gastritis, they do not create ulcers in healthy individuals. The primary cause of ulcers is an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of NSAIDs. Spices, such as chili peppers, contain compounds like capsaicin, which may temporarily increase stomach acid production, but they don’t directly cause ulcer formation. If you have a history of ulcers or stomach issues, it’s wise to avoid spicy foods that could irritate the stomach further, but they should not be viewed as the cause of ulcers.