Burning Sensation When Passing Stool After Eating Spicy Food

A lot of us can feel our mouth watering when we think of a spicy Mexican pizza or buffalo hot wings; and though your taste buds are screaming for a bite of these spicy treats; you are haunted by the feeling of the aftermath burn felt the next day when you defecate after a spicy meal the night before. Your mouth longs for spicy food, but your anus protests strongly the next day. Why does this happen? Why consumption of spicy food causes burning while passing your stool? Not many of us know the strong connection between our mouth and anus. In this article, we will look into the cause of burning sensation when passing stool after eating spicy food and how to treat and prevent this horrific condition.

Capsaicin is a chemical compound responsible for the taste of the spicy foods and it is also the active element of chili peppers that is related to the spiciness of a chili on a Scoville scale. The higher the capsaicin in a food item, the higher will it be on this scale. The highest to score on this scale and the most potent chilis include the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion and the Carolina Reaper.

When you consume capsaicin, this chemical attaches to TRPV1, which is a pain receptor; and this is the same receptor, which transmits signals to your brain upon accidentally burning yourself, such as when you touch a hot stove with your hand. This receptor is present throughout your body, including digestive tract, mouth and of course your anus.

When the capsaicin attaches to TRPV1, it results in pain and heat sensations and also increases the speed of passage of food through the GI tract. However, some of the capsaicin passes undigested via the gut and this directly affects the delicate skin surrounding the anus. Other than this, the increase in the speed of intestinal activity results in decreased absorption of the bile acids, which are essential for absorption and digestion of fats in the small intestines. The presence of bile acids in larger amounts in your feces causes further irritation to the sensitive skin around the anus. Excessive bile in the colon also can cause diarrhea. This is the whole story behind why burning sensation occurs when passing stool after consumption of spicy food.

However there is some good news, you don’t have to completely shun the spicy food and you can keep your hot peppers and spices shrine in your kitchen and can enjoy it too. Fact of the matter is, it is beneficial for your health to crank up the heat now and again.

It is also thought that spicy food consumption can benefit your mental health. People suffering from chronic pain can benefit from chili peppers. Other than this, chili peppers can also help with lowering cholesterol; reducing blood pressure and also contain anti-cancer elements.

When your heart is set on eating a spicy meal, you have to focus more on canceling or resolving the burning after-effects of the spicy delight. This is how you do it:

Application of a soothing barrier cream around the anal region is a good way to go before passing the stool. After you are done, immediately wash your anal region with a mild soap and apply the barrier cream again.

Sitting in warm water also helps in relieving the burning sensation after pooping.
Include Probiotics: Probiotic supplements also help in alleviating the burning poop problem.

Other than this, topical anesthetics can also be used to combat the burning pain felt when passing the stool after spicy meal.

Over-the-counter pain relievers also help in relieving that burn/pain when passing stool after spicy food consumption.

Make sure to wipe gently after passing your stool so as not to aggravate the anal soreness.

• Your Body Will Adapt To Spice

  With time, gradually your anus will adapt to the spicy meal which you have on your weekends. People who are not used to spice in their foods should slowly build their tolerance so that your GI tract and anus has the time to accommodate the ill-effects of your spicy curry.

• Include Bland with Spice

  It is also a good idea to include some low-fat bland foods with your spicy meal, such as yogurt or bread as a precaution to give some respite the heat.

• More Fibre

  When consuming spicy food, it is important to eat less fatty foods and more fibre, as this will cut down on the production of bile acids, which further aggravate the burning sensation to an already sore anus after a spice binge. You can also take a fibre supplement after eating spicy food item, like hot chicken wings; this will help in absorption of fatty acids and prevent in aggravating your burning poop problem. It is also a good idea to eat a fibre rich food consistently, especially if you are fond of your curry.

• Go on a Spice Marathon

  There is also a theory to continue eating spicy food for over a period of three weeks. The idea behind this is, it will desensitize your body and make it immune to the chili.

• Seek Medical Advice

  If the burning sensation or pain persists when passing stool; and even increases after eating spicy food, then it can also indicate something worrisome like an abscess or infection; and it would be a good idea to seek medical advice.

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