Fact Check- Doesn’t spicy food cause stomach ulcers?

Ruth Orji

Claim– Spicy food does not cause stomach ulcers.

A YouTube page @DoctorSethi alleged that spicy foods does not cause stomach ulcers.

https://youtube.com/shorts/l9vnBMj6vPA?si=IDig1KMr35f0royN

This post has since gathered 9,815 views; 384 likes; 34 comments; 27 shares.

NatureNews, Africa’s foremost newspaper on climate change, which is dedicated to providing accurate insights to stop the spread of fake news particularly among users of social media, subjected the claim to fact checking.

Findings: Using the Google search tool in conducting this research, NatureFact, the fact checking unit of NatureNews, accessed a few papers and studies.

A thorough fact-checking investigation has revealed that this assertion is indeed factual.

@canopy696 states that spicy foods does not cause stomach ulcers, it only exacerbates it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/pveFkEvzWZI?si=SASEt90_GgOcA1jt

@MikeMuellnerMD corroborates this

https://youtube.com/shorts/CN3PMVwa6-E?si=3OT3suMrvQ2CyfqK

@TheWhiteMarket11 agrees to this

https://youtube.com/shorts/SH1PvUbeY_Y?si=wUTt-cz0CzM5PKZ7

Spicy food is often blamed for stomach ulcers, but the relationship is more complex.

Myth-busting: Spicy food does not directly cause stomach ulcers.

Actual causes:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria infection (60-70% of cases)
2. Long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use (20-30% of cases)
3. Other factors: stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and genetic predisposition

Spicy food’s role:

1. Irritation: Spicy food can irritate the stomach lining, exacerbating existing ulcers or conditions like gastritis.
2. Acid production: Spicy food can stimulate acid production, potentially worsening ulcer symptoms.

However, Spicy food may also have beneficial effects, such as:

– Antimicrobial properties against H. pylori

– Anti-inflammatory effects

– Improved digestion

 

Precautions:

If you have stomach ulcers or concerns:

1. Avoid extremely spicy foods.
2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
3. Choose gentle, easily digestible foods.
4. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Moderate spice consumption is unlikely to cause stomach ulcers in healthy individuals.

Additional information:

There are several types of stomach ulcers, classified based on their location, causes, and characteristics:

1. Gastric Ulcers:

– Location: Stomach lining

– Causes: H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, stress, smoking

– Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating

 

2. Duodenal Ulcers:

– Location: First part of the small intestine (duodenum)

– Causes: H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, excess stomach acid

– Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding

 

3. Esophageal Ulcers:

– Location: Esophagus

– Causes: Reflux, H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, smoking

– Symptoms: Chest pain, difficulty swallowing, bleeding

 

4. Pyloric Ulcers:

– Location: Pylorus (stomach outlet)

– Causes: H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, excess stomach acid

– Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating

 

5. Stress Ulcers

– Location: Stomach lining

– Causes: Physical stress (e.g., trauma, burns), emotional stress

– Symptoms: Abdominal pain, bleeding

 

6. Dieulafoy’s Ulcer:

– Location: Stomach lining

– Causes: Abnormal blood vessel growth

– Symptoms: Severe bleeding, abdominal pain

 

7. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Ulcers:

– Location: Stomach and duodenum

– Causes: Excess gastrin production (hormone regulating stomach acid)

– Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding

Other rare types include:

1. Marginal Ulcers (near stomach stapling or bypass surgery sites)
2. Malignant Ulcers (cancerous)
3. Aphthous Ulcers (small, shallow ulcers)

Treatment options may include:

1. Antibiotics (for H. pylori)
2. Acid-reducing medications
3. Antacids
4. Lifestyle changes (diet, stress management)
5. Surgery (in severe cases)

Verdict– True. Spicy foods does not cause stomach ulcers. It only aggravates it