Whether or not to avoid spicy foods is more a personal and cultural preference than a hard-and-fast rule, says Dureiko. “For some people they aren’t a problem, but they can trigger GI symptoms and acid reflux in other people,” she says.
Eating spicy foods in large portions could trigger side-effects even if your tolerance for heat is generally good, says Tucker.
Healthier Substitute
If you can’t tolerate spicy foods, add flavor to your cooking with ingredients like lemon, ginger, mint, cilantro, parsley, and lemongrass, says Tucker.
“They add zing without causing heartburn or indigestion. Additionally, ginger has been used for years to manage nausea and add flavor to dishes,” she says.
If you like peppers, try the nadapeño, the milder cousin of the jalapeño. “It’s wonderful to add to tacos, salads, and any dish calling for spice,” says Tucker. Sichuan pepper and white pepper can also give a milder heat to dishes, she says.
Garlic seasoning could be a more digestible choice than raw garlic. Or try onion (although for some people on GLP-1s, onions can cause gas), says Tucker.
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