Does spicy food cause acid reflux?

Chilli contains capsaicin, which activates pain receptors and can cause burning in a sensitive oesophagus. Many people tolerate mild spice but not hot dishes.

Tips

• Use warming but mild spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric and ginger.

Try instead

Mild curries with less chilli

Is it a trigger for you?

Reactions vary a lot between people. Log spicy food in the symptom diary for two weeks: it shows how often each food is followed by symptoms. Then try two weeks without it and compare.

Similar foods

Read the full diet guide →