SPICY BIOLOGY

Here’s what happens to your body when you eat fiery food.

TONGUE LASHING Your body’s entry point for food is the mouth, of course, where your tongue is the first line of defense. A multitude of flavors come through when spicy food hits your taste buds, and with them, an intense tingling, burning sensation that will (hopefully) subside in a few minutes. Your tongue is reacting to capsaicin, a molecule found in chili peppers that binds to receptors on your tongue; these receptors alert your brain that you’re in severe pain. No permanent damage is done because spicy food doesn’t cause any lasting effects to soft tissue.

THE HEAT IS ON A launch sequence has been activated. Now that your brain knows your mouth is dealing with capsaicin, it starts a process called thermogenesis, or “heat production.” You body’s internal core temperature rises slightly—just enough to cause sweating and a runny nose. This causes increased blood flow, dilating tiny blood vessels called capillaries. That, in turn, makes your face and neck turn red. But again, it’s only temporary.

IF IT FEELS GOOD, DO IT Collectively, your symptoms represent a stress response. Your nervous system sends in the cavalry in the form of endorphins. Released into the bloodstream, these pain-alleviating chemicals work in part by numbing your nerves… including the nerves on your tongue. That’s why eating spicy food is painful at first, but then becomes pleasurable—it’s your brain kicking in the endorphins.

IT’S MOUTHWATERING In addition to blood and mucus running a bit more freely, capsaicin causes your salivary glands to ramp up production and wash away the spicy molecules.

THE PAIN LINGERS ON Capsaicin is hard to get rid of. When you swallow the spicy food, the capsaicin makes its way down your esophagus and into your stomach. Both organs are lined with receptors. The ones in your throat convey the same burning sensation as those in the mouth, which can give the false sensation of heartburn. After it reaches your stomach, the capsaicin can cause the muscle valve at the top to stay open for too long, which allows acid back up into your esophagus, causing real heartburn. If the capsaicin makes it into your small intestine, receptors respond by releasing a neurotransmitter that causes stomach cramps…and diarrhea.

Now that you know what happens when you overindulge, it should be easy to prevent the agony of spice-induced gastritis…until the next time you’re tempted by tacos or vindaloo.

Nikola Tesla thought his brother Dane, who was killed by a kick from a horse, was smarter than he was.