What Nutrient Deficiency Does a Love for Spicy Peppers Hint At?

If the deficiency of trace elements in the body is severe, it may require combination with pharmacological treatment. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which gives them a spicy taste. Frequent consumption of chili peppers can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach pain, nausea, and acid reflux. Over time, this can affect the intake of other foods, resulting in deficiencies of trace elements. For instance, deficiencies in iron and zinc, if prolonged and unable to meet the body's normal requirements, can weaken the body's resistance, which is detrimental to health. If discomfort occurs after long-term chili pepper consumption, it is necessary to seek medical attention for a comprehensive examination. In daily life, good eating habits should be cultivated, reducing the intake of spicy foods such as chili peppers and spicy hot pots. Instead, one can increase the intake of foods such as spinach, tomatoes, apples, pitaya, eggs, and lean meat to ensure balanced nutrition, which is beneficial to health. If there is a lack of iron and zinc in the body, treatment with medications such as ferrous gluconate syrup, compound zinc cloth granules, and zinc gluconate oral solution should be taken under medical guidance. If stomach discomfort occurs while eating chili peppers, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and colloidal bismuth pectin capsules should be taken under medical guidance.