“Can I eat spicy food while pregnant?”

You must have thought about it once in your pregnancy journey because we hear mixed reviews about it. Even on the internet, the debate is unsettled about whether eating spicy food during pregnancy is allowed or not. Keeping in mind pregnancy is the most common topic when it comes to myths, some say eating spicy doesn’t harm the baby or the mother, while others say that nothing can be as harmful as eating spicy while pregnant. 

So, we are here to see if it’s a fact or a myth. 

One thing is for sure: every woman’s pregnancy is different from the other. So, there is no “One shoe fits all” when it comes to eating spicy while pregnant. Some women become more sensitive to spices, while others can easily handle some level of spice. 

Secondly, spices can also cause symptoms like heartburn, acidity, and upset digestive system and can also irritate the stomach lining. That’s why some women like to avoid spices to avoid discomfort in pregnancy. 

That’s why we hear mixed reviews about the consumption of spices during pregnancy. 

So, the truth is that eating spicy food during pregnancy is completely safe for you and your baby if you are not too sensitive. Otherwise, avoiding spicy food is a good option. 

Safety of Spicy Food While Pregnant

Now that you know that you can eat spice while pregnant (Pass the sriracha and pump up the peppers!), It’s time to have a look at the do’s and don’ts of eating spicy food when you’re expecting it. 

Eating spicy food is generally safe for pregnant ladies, but avoid too many spices. It can disturb your digestive system, and you may have to deal with irritation and discomfort. Pairing spicy food with cool food like yoghurt or cucumber is always recommended, but avoid it close to bedtime. Get some antacids approved by your healthcare provider or remedies like ginger tea and mint tea to help you with digestive discomfort. 

Benefits of Eating Spicy Food While Pregnant

Now that we are digging deep into eating spicy food during pregnancy let’s discuss some of the benefits of the practice. 

• The most commonly found element in spicy food, Capsaicin, boosts metabolism and improves blood circulation. 
• Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting capabilities. 
• Most importantly, the release of endorphins can help boost the mood and reduce stress. 

Side Effects of Eating Spicy Food

Then there’s this other side of the picture that you must treat as a warning. 

• Spicy food can irritate the stomach lining, which in turn can exacerbate acid reflux and make your pregnancy journey uncomfortable. 
• Morning sickness is very common in pregnant ladies, and chilli peppers can add to it by disturbing the digestive tract. 
• Sweating and increased body temperature after eating, combined with pregnancy needs, can cause dehydration. 

Apart from all these perks and lows, remember, pregnancy is the most beautiful journey in every woman’s life. Enjoy it to the fullest by maintaining a balance between everything. Pregnancy symptoms can sometimes make it tough, but learning about pregnancy symptoms and when they appear can help you handle them. 

Happy Motherhood!