Poll Does Spicy Food Affect Your PTSD?

[anthony]

Good poll, though my opinion from my own knowledge would lead me to believe it would only be either/combination:

1. IBS from anxiety / PTSD, or
2. A persons body has never been able to handle spicy food well, or
3. Age

As our bodies age, what we often used to be capable of having, enjoying, our bodies no longer process with the same ease. I can still do spicy, though I just can't do lots and lots... never really have been able to do lots of spicy food at once, just in moderation myself. But I do like to have it once in a while. Can't say IBS is an issue though for me nowadays, as it was a side effect for me from my anxiety, though diagnosed... still a side effect from anxiety. If I keep my anxiety in check, then my bowels don't suffer. DOH!

 

[Dylan]

What I find interesting is that, prior to ~21, even the mildest of the mild (think LaVictoria mild) was too hot for me.

It was after I got very ill that I suddenly craved it - all the time. I would eat raw jalapenos on rice cakes. I carried Tabasco around in my purse like an alcoholic might carry a flask of whiskey.

My brother's nutritionist said that there's a link between digestive enzymes (lacking) and the long-term desire/craving for spicy foods. I don't know about that, but all three of us (my brothers and I) crave and love very spicy food. My parents do not.

-Dylan

 

[Katja]

Hey!

I love spicy food but I can only smell it and not eat it! That is an interesting topic! I have never put this 2 together IBS and PTSD but it is an aha moment for me...I have taken all this tests but there are no signs of food allergies...and as long as I can remember I have had a nervous stomach and now I know why. Especially when feeling trapped it would act up. I am sensitive to garlic and too much dairy and it is rough to find the right thing on the menu when you go out to eat. Sometimes I think...I am just making it up...lets go for a spicy meal and some whipped cream..well I do regret that later on....and I have done that soooo many times. Denial! It is like I want to have a stomach of steel and also a mind of steel and body...ha! That is not really the reality.

 

[Sinead]

I love spicy food and eat it regularly. I haven't noticed any link between it and my PTSD.