Why does my Stomach hurt after doing the One Chip challenge?

Introduction:

The One Chip Challenge is a popular internet challenge that involves consuming a single, extremely spicy tortilla chip made with Carolina Reaper peppers, one of the hottest peppers in the world. Many people who have attempted this challenge have reported experiencing stomach pain after eating the chip. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why your stomach may hurt after doing the One Chip Challenge and provide some tips on how to alleviate the discomfort.

The Science Behind Spicy Foods:

Before we dive into why the One Chip Challenge might be causing stomach pain, it’s important to understand why spicy foods can be uncomfortable for some people. The heat in spicy foods comes from compounds called capsaicinoids, which stimulate pain receptors in the mouth and throat. These pain receptors trigger a response in the body that can include sweating, flushing, and increased heart rate.

When spicy foods enter the stomach, they can also cause discomfort. Capsaicinoids can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, spicy foods can cause the muscles that control the entrance to the stomach to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Why Does the One Chip Challenge Cause Stomach Pain?

Now that we understand the science behind spicy foods, let’s explore why the One Chip Challenge might be causing stomach pain. The One Chip Challenge uses Carolina Reaper peppers, which have an average Scoville rating of 1.6 million. To put that in perspective, a jalapeno pepper has a Scoville rating of around 2,500.

Consuming a pepper with such a high Scoville rating can cause a number of digestive issues. Capsaicinoids can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, the high heat of the pepper can cause the muscles in the digestive system to contract, leading to cramping and diarrhea. Some people may also experience acid reflux or heartburn as a result of consuming such a spicy food.

Tips for Alleviating Stomach Pain After the One Chip Challenge:

If you have already done the One Chip Challenge and are experiencing stomach pain, there are several things you can do to alleviate your discomfort:

1. Drink Milk: Milk contains a protein called casein, which can help to neutralize the heat from the peppers. Drinking a glass of milk after eating the chip may help to reduce the discomfort.
2. Eat Something Mild: Consuming something mild, like bread or rice, can help to dilute the spicy compounds in your stomach, reducing the discomfort.
3. Take an Antacid: If you are experiencing acid reflux or heartburn, taking an antacid like Tums may help to neutralize the stomach acid and alleviate your symptoms.
4. Rest: If you are experiencing cramping or diarrhea, it’s important to give your digestive system a chance to rest. Lie down and relax for a while until your symptoms subside.

Conclusion:

The One Chip Challenge can be a fun and exciting way to test your limits, but it’s important to understand the potential consequences of consuming such a spicy food. If you experience stomach pain after the challenge, remember that it’s a normal reaction to consuming such a high Scoville-rated pepper. By understanding the science behind spicy foods and following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can alleviate your discomfort and recover from the challenge in no time.