Does eating spicy food really cause stomach ulcers?

Many people believe that hot and spicy foods are the culprit causing stomach ulcers. Medical experts say this is incorrect .

According to MU Health Care, spicy food is blamed for causing stomach ulcers. People with stomach pain are often advised to limit eating spicy foods. However, in the 1980s, that theory was disproven, as was the notion that stress causes stomach ulcers.

Dr. Matthew Bechtold, a gastroenterologist at MU Health Care, said the main cause of stomach ulcers is a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Spicy foods are linked to stomach ulcers

Spicy foods can irritate existing stomach ulcers and worsen the condition. (Photo: quizly.com).

The American Gastroenterological Association (ACG) also emphasizes that spicy foods do not cause stomach ulcers. However, they note that certain foods can irritate pre-existing ulcers, according to Medical News Today.

Although misconceptions about the cause of stomach ulcers were dispelled more than 30 years ago, Dr. Bechtold said that to this day many patients still do not know that spicy foods are not harmful.

"They tend to blame spicy food for their problems," he said .

One study on capsaicin — the ingredient that gives chili peppers their spicy flavor — even shows that it may benefit the stomach. "Capsaicin actually stimulates the stomach to produce protective mechanisms against ulcers," says Dr. Bechtold .

He also shared that there is no evidence that spicy foods harm already formed ulcers. However, if spicy foods cause stomach discomfort, reduce the spiciness in your diet.

Causes of stomach ulcers

H. pylori bacteria are spread through contaminated food and water or through poor hygiene. It can cause stomach ulcers by growing in the stomach lining, causing inflammation and making the stomach and intestinal lining more vulnerable to stomach acid.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can lead to stomach ulcers include common over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They can irritate the stomach lining and can interfere with chemicals that help regulate the protective layer.

Stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs can be prevented by reducing or stopping drug use. Your doctor may also prescribe a daily oral medication, such as Prilosec, Pepcid, or Cytotec.

"If eating a certain food, whether spicy or not, causes indigestion, you should avoid that food," advises Dr. Bechtold .

People with symptoms including severe stomach pain, fever, bloody stools, nausea and vomiting should be checked for stomach ulcers.