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Why Do You Crave Spicy Food in Pregnancy?
Craving a particular type of food during pregnancy is never random, but is mostly influenced by sensory changes, hormones and body needs. The following reasons will help you understand the science behind craving hot or spicy foods.1. Hormonal Shifts
The oestrogen and progesterone levels rise dramatically during pregnancy. These hormones affect your sense of taste and smell, making some foods less appealing and others much more desirable. Therefore, some women find the strong taste of spicy food more tempting.2. Temperature Regulation
Your body naturally becomes warmer during pregnancy. Sweating after eating spicy food helps your body regulate its temperature due to its cooling effect. It is a way to restore temperature balance through craving spices and also provide relief.3. Dopamine Release (The “Feel-Good” Effect)
Your brain receives a signal to release endorphins that make you feel good because spices stimulate the pain receptors in your mouth. It leads to a mood boost, which is something your body may need to cope with pregnancy mood swings.4. Digestive Stimulation
Spices can aid in digestion and increase appetite in some women. If your early pregnancy days were spent experiencing nausea or loss of appetite, spicy foods may help you regain interest in food.Is It Safe to Eat Spicy Food During Pregnancy?
You may overthink every little thing when you are pregnant, including your food choices, whether it is savoury, sweet or spicy. Spicy foods are not harmful to consume during pregnancy, unless your doctor has advised against them or you have a medical condition.Spicy foods are harmless to your baby and do not influence their taste preferences, but they may lead to the following problems.
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Indigestion
- Worsened morning sickness
Do Spicy Cravings Mean Anything About Your Baby?
You may have heard that craving spicy food may lead to excessive hair growth in your baby, or they will develop a preference for spicy foods. However, these are just myths, because your cravings have nothing to do with your baby’s gender, personality or future food habits.Your cravings only reflect your body’s response to hormonal changes and need for comfort through food during pregnancy.
Possible Nutritional Connections
Cravings do not always mean just temptation, and can be a way for your body to make up for the missing nutrients. You may also crave a particular dish instead of spicy foods in general.- You may want to eat spicy curries for the vegetables or proteins that are present in them.
- Spicy foods may contain various micronutrients that are essential for your body during pregnancy.
How Much Spice Is Too Much Spice?
You need to balance eating spicy foods with other foods as well to avoid discomfort. Eating such foods once is a good way to satisfy your cravings.- Limit your intake of spicy foods if they cause you severe heartburn or stomach upset.
- Fried or oily foods with spices may cause indigestion, so avoid them.
- Drink water to reduce the effect of spicy foods from sweating and losing fluids.
- Do not eat any food that makes you feel sick, even if you have a strong craving.
Smart Ways to Satisfy Spicy Cravings
You can satisfy your taste buds by including healthier options in your meals.- Eat foods prepared with mild spices, such as turmeric, ginger, cumin, or coriander.
- Opt for baked or grilled spicy dishes instead of deep-fried ones.
- Pair spicy foods with cooling items, such as yoghurt or cucumber, to balance the heat.
- Try adding a small amount of spice to soups or stir-fries instead of heavy, oily curries.
When to Be Cautious
Although craving spicy food is normal, consult your doctor for advice on safe food choices in the following circumstances.- You have gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or chronic acid reflux.
- You experience severe or persistent digestive discomfort after eating spices.
- You notice your cravings are extreme and start to interfere with eating other nutritious foods.
Consuming such foods once in a while is safe during pregnancy, but observe the reactions in your body. You can balance spicy foods with other foods to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
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FAQs on The Science Behind Spicy Cravings During Pregnancy
- Will eating spicy food during pregnancy harm my baby?
Eating spicy foods may cause heartburn or indigestion, which can be uncomfortable with everything that goes on during pregnancy. You can safely eat such foods, as they will not harm your baby. - Do spicy cravings mean I’m having a boy or a girl?
Spicy cravings are the result of undergoing hormonal and sensory changes when you are pregnant. They do not define the gender of your baby. - Can eating spicy food trigger labour?
Spicy foods may upset your stomach, but it does not induce labour, as there is no scientific evidence.
