Q&A for How to Eat Spicy Food

There is no "before it kicks in." Your mouth will immediately register the spicy flavor, and your body will start absorbing and digesting it immediately.

Only eat as much spicy food as you can handle. You don't want to overdo it. A challenge is not as important as your health.

Cold water might numb your tongue at first, but after you swallow, the spiciness will return. This is because the water distributes the capsaicin around your mouth. Try starchy foods like rice and bread.

Peppers are actually very good for your health as they are a great source of Vitamin C. However, many peppers have capsaicin, which causes the burning feeling. Depending on how spicy the pepper is, some side effects of eating pepper may include some temporary abdominal discomfort, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, or irritated skin.

Yes. Start with mildly spicy foods and work your way up from there.

Yes. Milk can actually help reduce the spiciness on your taste buds. Water will not help with the spiciness, since it doesn't contain casein. Casein is found in milk, and this can help to neutralize the spicy feeling.