Your love for super-spicy foods like Korean Buldak ramen is killing your gut
If you’re obsessed with 3x spicy Buldak noodles and can’t resist their chewy texture and umami flavour, there’s something important you need to know.
- These noodles may satisfy cravings, but their spice level poses real risks.
- Understanding what goes into them and how your body reacts is crucial for gut health.
Our spice obsession vs. our gut health
It’s no secret that Indians love spicy food, and compared to the West, our spice tolerance is much higher.
- Indian cuisine is known for bold flavours and the generous use of chillies and masalas.
- While spice adds depth to meals, it may also cause long-term health concerns if overconsumed.
But does loving spicy food mean it’s good for your gut microbiome? Or could it lead to food poisoning or worse?
- Recent incidents have brought this question to the forefront.
- Gut balance and digestive comfort might be at risk with ultra-spicy diets.
The Danish Buldak ramen recall
Denmark recently recalled three Korean ramen products by Samyang due to high capsaicin levels.
- Capsaicin is the active compound that gives chillies their heat.
- Authorities warned of “acute poisoning” from excessive intake of these noodles.
Although two products returned to shelves later, the incident triggered debates on cultural spice tolerance and the real health impacts of ultra-spicy food.
- It raised awareness around what’s considered safe, even for those with high spice tolerance.
- The situation shows how cultural norms can clash with biological limits.
Spice level: How much is too much?
The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) is used to measure the spice intensity of foods based on capsaicin content.
- Anything over 100,000 SHU is usually too spicy for most people.
- This scale helps understand how much heat your gut might be handling.
According to Dr Roohi Pirzada, 100–2,500 SHU is mild, 2,500–30,000 is medium, and 30,000–100,000 is extremely spicy.
- For context, Guntur chillies measure around 40,000 SHU, while bhut jolokia can reach over 1,000,000 SHU.
- That makes some Indian foods up to 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce.
Original Samyang Buldak ramen is rated at 4,404 SHU, while its 2X spicy version hits 10,000 SHU.
- Higher variants like 3X or 5X push spice levels even further.
- The spicier the product, the more stress it may cause to your gut.
Capsaicin: The heat molecule
Capsaicin is the reason your mouth burns and your stomach churns after spicy meals.
- It binds to receptors that detect heat and pain, causing a burning sensation without real heat.
- It tricks your nervous system into thinking you’re in pain.
Dr Vikas Jindal notes that capsaicin has mixed effects:
- Endorphin release: It triggers feel-good chemicals, which explains why some enjoy spicy foods.
- Metabolism boost: It may help burn more calories temporarily.
- Digestive irritation: Large doses can inflame your gut lining, especially in sensitive individuals.
Immediate effects on your gut
Eating spicy food occasionally is common, but problems can arise with frequent and intense consumption.
- Burning sensation in the mouth and gut is the first red flag.
- Spicy food can also increase acid production, causing heartburn or indigestion.
These effects are often short-term but may indicate deeper issues if ignored.
- Those with existing conditions like acid reflux or gastritis are more vulnerable.
- Spicy meals can trigger flare-ups that last for days.
Long-term consequences of extreme spice
While many tolerate spicy food well, daily exposure to high capsaicin can be harmful over time.
- Gastric ulcers may develop due to consistent irritation of the stomach lining.
- IBS symptoms like cramps and diarrhoea can worsen with frequent spicy meals.
Most importantly, it may disrupt your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial microbes crucial for digestion and immunity.
- This imbalance can lead to long-term digestive issues and reduced immune response.
- Gut health plays a major role in overall wellness, not just digestion.
Are Buldak noodles safe to eat?
This leads to a key concern: Are these viral spicy noodles safe for regular consumption?
- Dr David Shusterman warned they may increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Capsaicin, when overconsumed, can promote crystal buildup, harming kidneys.
One example is Lucy Mourad, a content creator who ate Buldak noodles weekly for months and faced severe gut issues.
- She shared how increasing her intake likely caused the complications.
- Her case underscores the importance of moderation.
In another alarming incident, 14 students in Tokyo were hospitalised after eating bhut jolokia chips as part of a prank.
- The chips, marked as “18+”, caused intense pain, nausea, and one case required a wheelchair.
- Bhut jolokia’s heat level ranges from 855,000 to 1,041,000 SHU, making it one of the hottest known chillies.
Dr Jindal explains that spicy food is generally safe in moderation for healthy adults.
- But for those with sensitive guts or pre-existing issues, it can cause significant distress.
- The body gives signals—listen to them when spice feels too intense.
Don’t feel the burn
India may be the land of spice, but moderation is non-negotiable when it comes to extreme heat.
- Bragging rights over spice tolerance shouldn’t come at the cost of your gut health.
- Even if you enjoy the thrill, overconsumption can lead to lasting damage.
Ultra-spicy foods may be exciting and addictive, but your body might pay the price later.
- Enjoy your ramen, but don’t make it a daily habit.
- Protecting your gut, kidneys, and microbiome starts with making smarter food choices.
