Health authorities have warned that drinking cold water while eating spicy food can actually intensify the burning sensation rather than relieve it.
According to Public Health Malaysia, the spiciness in food comes from a chemical called capsaicin, which is oil-based. When mixed with icy water, which is water-based, the oil does not dissolve. Instead, the cold water can spread the capsaicin across the mouth and throat, making the burning sensation feel stronger.
“Water and oil don’t mix. When you drink ice-cold water, it essentially spreads the spicy oil throughout your mouth and throat, which makes it feel even hotter,” the health authority explained.
Drinking cold water while eating spicy dishes can also cause bloating, stomach fullness, and discomfort. Experts note that it may trigger a thermal shock to the stomach, which is already working hard to digest the irritating, spicy food. The extreme cold can cause gastric spasms, leading to cramps, bloating, and, for people with GERD, acid reflux.
As an alternative, health professionals recommend drinking milk or yogurt when dealing with extreme spiciness. Milk contains the protein casein, which acts like a “soap” to dissolve the capsaicin oil and effectively reduce the burning sensation.
“Stop torturing your stomach with ice water when eating spicy food—it just shocks your digestive system,” they advised.
