Yes, I'm allergic to spicy food. And it's not just a "oh, it stings a little," but a very serious reaction from my body.

How I discovered it

At first, I thought I just didn't like peppers. But then my body started to "speak" louder: I'd get rashes, swelling of my lips or tongue, itching, and sometimes a severe burning sensation in my throat and stomach. And every time—after eating something spicy.

I didn't connect the dots for a long time, until one hot sauce caused a minor disaster. That was the first time I heard the phrase, "You're allergic to the ingredients in spicy food."

Why does this happen?

Allergies can be caused not only by chili peppers themselves, but also by capsaicin, the substance that makes food spicy. Some people perceive it as an "enemy," and the immune system triggers a defensive reaction.

Some people have mild reactions, while others have severe ones. Therefore, it's important to listen to your body and not chalk everything up to "I don't like it."

Living with this characteristic

Living with an allergy to spicy food is like navigating a minefield:

At cafes, always ask for the ingredients in your dishes.

When delivering food, always look at all the "hot/chili/spicy" labels.

When meeting friends, explaining that "try the spicy" isn't an option for me.

In the kitchen, it's important to control the spices, especially if someone likes to "turn up the heat."

Sometimes it's tiring. Sometimes it's funny when friends accidentally mix up a sauce and start panicking more than I do. But most often, it's just part of my reality.

Is it possible to live a delicious life without spicy food?

Of course!
A huge number of dishes remain accessible: aromatic herbs, mild spices, fresh vegetables, rich broths, sweet and sour sauces—the world of flavors is diverse even without the heat.

I've learned to enjoy them in a new way.

Why I'm sharing this

Because many people think that spicy food allergies are just a myth. But our reactions are real. And if you suddenly notice unpleasant symptoms after eating spicy foods, it's best not to ignore them.

Take care of yourself and your body—it's always giving you signals. The main thing is to listen.