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Journalism of Courage
Internet sensation Orhan Awatramani, also known as Orry, welcomed Farah Khan and her cook, Dilip, into his home, where the trio prepared crispy chicken wings in his kitchen as part of the choreographer’s YouTube vlog. After a tour of Orry’s palatial house, as they prepped for the dish by adding spicy paprika powder, Orry requested Farah to keep it minimal, saying, “I have IBS. I don’t eat chilli. Do I have chilli, Vishnu (his staff member)? No, never. I eat flavourless.”
Later, while tasting the dish, Orry, 30, said, “Subah me aapko pata chalega ki mera phatt gaya ki nahi. (If my stomach is all well or not).”
Taking a cue from this interaction, let’s understand if there is a link between IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, and spicy food.
Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, Dept of Gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told indianexpress.com that spicy foods are a common trigger for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) because they can irritate the lining of the digestive tract and stimulate the gut, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. “Ingredients like paprika contain capsaicin, which increases gut motility and can worsen discomfort in sensitive individuals,” said Dr Jindal.
Reducing the spiciness in food can significantly lessen intestinal irritation and inflammation, helping maintain smoother digestion and fewer flare-ups.
To manage IBS, it’s important to identify personal triggers through a food diary. “Along with spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or processed foods can also aggravate symptoms. Choosing milder seasonings such as herbs, cumin, coriander, or turmeric instead of chilli-based spices can help flavour food without causing irritation,” said Dr Jindal.
What to note?
When dining out, opt for less oily and mildly spiced dishes, and eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce strain on the digestive system.
“Staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting regular physical activity also play key roles in keeping IBS under control,” said Dr Jindal.
Ultimately, moderation and mindful eating, not complete elimination, are key to keeping IBS symptoms manageable while still enjoying a varied diet.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
