To stop the burning sensation in your mouth from spicy food, focus on neutralizing the capsaicin, the molecule responsible for the heat.
Here's a breakdown of effective strategies:
Counteracting Capsaicin
Capsaicin, the culprit behind the spicy sensation, is an oil-based molecule. Water won't dissolve it, making it ineffective at providing relief. Instead, try these methods:
Acidic Foods and Drinks
- Why it Works: Balancing the spice with acid can help neutralize the molecule's activity.
- Examples: According to research, drinking or eating something acidic, such as lemonade, limeade, orange juice, or a tomato-based food item or drink, may help cool your mouth down. Milk is also acidic and can provide relief.
Carbohydrates
- Why it Works: Carbs can help absorb the capsaicin.
- Examples: Down some carbs like bread, rice, or crackers to soak up the spicy oils.
Practical Tips
Here's a quick reference table summarizing the strategies:
| Strategy | Examples | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Acidic Intake | Lemonade, limeade, orange juice, tomatoes, milk | Neutralizes capsaicin activity. |
| Carbohydrate Intake | Bread, rice, crackers | Absorbs capsaicin oils. |
By utilizing these methods, you can effectively reduce and stop the burning sensation from spicy food.
