Why Do Spicy Foods Cause Your Nose To Run?

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In most spicy foods, this is thanks to the same chemicals that cause the burning sensation on your tongue, namely capsaicin or allyl isothiocyanate. Capsaicin is chemical found in fruits of the genus Capsicum, which includes peppers. It is present, usually in relatively high amounts, in the placental tissue that holds the seeds of the peppers, as well as in lower concentrations in other parts of the fruit.

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[TodayIFoundOut]

Spicy foods only burn your tongue for a little while and typically don't cause any real damage, but the witches burned at the stake in Salem during those famous Witch Trials were supposedly burned until nothing but ash was left...or were they? Find out whether any witches were actually burned at the stake during the Salem Witch Trials here:

[Jamazonify]

I love that. I eat jalapenos whenever I get a stuffed noes or allergies.clears it out beautifully.

[SlyPearTree]

Plants develop a defence against being eaten, humans just ask for more.
My mother used to make a fantastic very spicy spaghetti sauce before my dad had to stop eating spicy food because of stomach ulcers and related surgery. Now she's passed away and I do not think anyone know where she originally got the recipe from.

[BrokebackBob]

Simon, your food-related TIFO episodes are consistently great! I use ramen kimchi soup to help clear my sinuses then rinse with a nice glass of 1% milkfat milk to cool and neutralize. I can breath again!

[laurahuynh]

Spicy peppers and plants: *evolves to cause pain and irritations to defend predators from eating.*
People: “Mmm. Tasty burn.”

[aussiebloke]

This makes sense in terms of your mouth and nasal cavity attempting to get rid of an irritant...but why do very spicy foods make you sweat - particularly the face and top of the head?

[the-Sir-Morris]

there always good to clear your nose if your sick

[Teankun]

I used to love spicy food, like kimchi, and said I knew it was good, because it made my nose run, but now it doesn't love me as much, and I get heart burn

[shelbyfrancis]

I love how you can amke "liquid fire poop" still sounds posh

[chrisdavie]

Doesn't this prove that it's pretty unnatural for humans to eat spicy food because our natural body response is to put up a defence and resist whatever spices we are putting into our bodies?

[BrianH]

Simon, my nose does not run.  It smells.  Now I know my nose knows it is a no go.

[mangena]

Who the fuck is this? Where's the beard guy