You know the feeling – you take a bite of that spicy hot sauce and suddenly your mouth is on fire.
You reach for a glass of water, but it only seems to make things worse.
So what can you do to soothe that burning sensation? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with some science-backed remedies that will help put out the flames.
From dairy products to starches and acidic foods, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of cooling down your mouth after eating spicy food.
So sit back, grab a glass of milk, and let’s dive in!
What Helps A Burning Mouth From Hot Sauce?
When it comes to cooling down a burning mouth from hot sauce, there are a few remedies that have been proven to work.
First and foremost, dairy products are your best friend. Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream all contain a protein called casein that can break down the capsaicin molecules responsible for the burning sensation. Casein acts like a detergent, surrounding and washing away the oil-based capsaicin molecules in your mouth. So next time you reach for a glass of water, opt for a glass of milk instead.
If you’re not a fan of dairy or are lactose intolerant, don’t worry – there are other options. Acidic foods like lemonade, limeade, orange juice, or tomato-based foods can help neutralize the alkaline capsaicin molecules. The acid balances out the capsaicin’s activity, providing relief from the burning sensation.
Starches like bread, rice, or tortillas can also help act as a physical barrier between the capsaicin and your mouth. The volume that starchy foods bring can help absorb some of the capsaicin in your mouth and prevent it from reaching your pain receptors.
But what about sugar or honey? While they may not directly counteract the spiciness, they can help absorb the oil-based capsaicin molecules in your mouth and provide some relief.
It’s important to note that alcohol is not an effective remedy for a burning mouth from hot sauce. While it may be tempting to reach for a drink to dull the pain, it takes a significant amount of alcohol to effectively reduce pain. Plus, many alcoholic beverages are more water than alcohol and can actually spread the capsaicin to other parts of your mouth.
Understanding The Science Behind Spicy Food
Have you ever wondered why some people love spicy food while others can’t handle the heat? The answer lies in a chemical compound called capsaicin. When we eat spicy food, capsaicin binds to receptors on the surface of our tongue called taste buds. These receptors, called TRPV1 receptors, are meant to detect hot food in terms of temperature. However, when they interact with capsaicin, they send a response to our nervous system, which causes our brain to release a warming or burning sensation to the mouth.
This trick causes many body reactions. For instance, you may start sweating because your brain thinks you’re overheating and tries to cool the body down. Your heartbeat might increase because your body reacts like you are in danger. The natural pain killers in our body called endorphins are released because your brain thinks you’re in pain. Endorphins also result in the feeling of euphoria, which is the reason why some people enjoy eating spicy food.
Interestingly, different molecules found in spicy foods can cause the burning sensation in different places. For example, wasabi and mustard consist of molecules called isothiocyanates that are very light and end up in your sinuses, causing a warming sensation there. Chili peppers consist of heavier molecules called alkylamides that usually stay in your mouth, causing a warming sensation there.
Some people think that if you eat spicy food all the time, your tolerance will generally increase. This is partially true because your TRPV1 receptors hide to protect themselves from potential damage. However, it happens over a short period of time, so if you stop eating it for a while, they will stop hiding and your tolerance will be normal again.
The Do’s And Don’ts Of Soothing A Burning Mouth
When dealing with a burning mouth from hot sauce, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do to ensure a speedy recovery. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s:
– Drink plenty of liquids to help ease the feeling of dry mouth. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream contain casein that can break down the capsaicin molecules responsible for the burning sensation.
– Opt for acidic foods like lemonade, limeade, orange juice, or tomato-based foods to neutralize the alkaline capsaicin molecules.
– Eat starchy foods like bread, rice, or tortillas to act as a physical barrier between the capsaicin and your mouth.
– Use sugar or honey to absorb the oil-based capsaicin molecules in your mouth and provide some relief.
Don’ts:
– Avoid acidic foods and liquids such as carbonated beverages, coffee, and alcohol, as they may irritate the lining of your mouth.
– Don’t put an ice cube in your mouth as it can stick to a burned area and cause additional damage.
– Stay away from hot foods and drinks that will only irritate the burnt tongue until it heals.
– Avoid spicy foods that could exacerbate the lesion.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you can effectively soothe a burning mouth from hot sauce and prevent further damage. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid anything that could worsen the burning sensation.
Dairy Products: The Ultimate Cooling Agents
When it comes to cooling down a burning mouth from hot sauce, dairy products are the ultimate cooling agents. Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream all contain casein, a protein that can break down the capsaicin molecules responsible for the burning sensation. Casein acts like a detergent, surrounding and washing away the oil-based capsaicin molecules in your mouth.
Whole milk or full-fat dairy products work best as they contain more fat and oil to dissolve the capsaicin. Drinking a glass of cold milk or eating a scoop of ice cream can provide instant relief from the burning sensation. Yogurt and sour cream can also be effective in cooling down your mouth.
It’s important to note that non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, coconut or soy milk do not contain casein and won’t be effective in cooling down your mouth. So, if you’re looking for a quick fix after eating spicy food, reach for a glass of whole milk or a scoop of full-fat ice cream to soothe your burning mouth.
Starches: A Surprising Solution
One surprising solution for a burning mouth from hot sauce is starches. Starchy foods like bread, rice, or tortillas can act as a natural barrier between the capsaicin and your mouth. The physical volume that starchy foods bring can help absorb some of the capsaicin in your mouth, preventing it from reaching your pain receptors.
Potatoes are also a great option as they are boiled and devoid of any spices or masalas. A raw piece of bread can provide immediate relief and boiled rice can act as an absorbent buffer.
While sugar or honey may not directly counteract the spiciness, they can help absorb the oil-based capsaicin molecules in your mouth and provide some relief. It’s important to note that water is not an effective remedy for a burning mouth from hot sauce as it will only spread the capsaicin around your mouth, intensifying the burning sensation.
Acidic Foods: A Double-Edged Sword
While acidic foods like lemonade and tomato-based foods can help neutralize the alkaline capsaicin molecules, they can also cause further irritation to the mouth. It’s important to note that acidic foods should be consumed in moderation and not in excess. Consuming too much acidic food can lead to acid reflux and other digestive issues.
Additionally, it’s important to choose the right type of acidic food. For example, while milk is a dairy product, it’s also acidic in nature. So if you’re looking for a non-dairy option, be sure to choose an acidic food that doesn’t exacerbate any pre-existing digestive issues.
Other Remedies To Try At Home
Aside from dairy, acidic foods, starches, and sugar or honey, there are a few other remedies you can try at home to alleviate a burning mouth from hot sauce.
One option is to chew on some fresh mint leaves or drink mint tea. Mint has a cooling effect on the mouth and can provide some relief from the burning sensation.
Another option is to eat some plain, unsweetened yogurt. The probiotics in yogurt can help balance the pH levels in your mouth and reduce inflammation caused by the capsaicin.
If you have access to it, coconut water can also be helpful in reducing the burning sensation. Coconut water contains electrolytes that can help replenish fluids lost due to sweating caused by eating spicy foods.
Finally, if all else fails, try eating a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter. The oils in these nut butters can help coat your mouth and provide relief from the burning sensation.
