Why do I crave spicy food? Yup, you may have asked yourself this question many times throughout your pregnancy. Spicy food is definitely a go-to option when you feel like tantalizing your taste buds. But are these cravings okay? Or not?
Grab a bag of flaming hot Cheetos as we guide you and your spice cravings!
Also Read: Why Am I Craving Pickles During Pregnancy?
To Crave, or Not to Crave….
So, one day, you’re just sitting there, and suddenly, out of nowhere, you feel the intense desire to munch on a bowl of nachos with salsa and guacamole. Or have a whole large sized pizza with extra cheese and a double serving of French fries all to yourself!
And maybe it doesn’t even stop there. You may be wanting to top off your hunger with a decadent dessert! And what would satisfy your sweet tooth better than a tub of vanilla ice cream? Or a large slice of glazed caramel Bundt cake, or Irish scones with clotted cheese and strawberry jam!
Nope, we’re not going over the top. Believe it or not, this actually does happen. And guess what, it’s normal and okay!
You may be asking yourself,” What are these cravings actually?”. “Why do I crave spicy food?”.
Cravings are the intense desire or the urge you develop to have a particular food item. And these urges are not restricted to pregnancy. You may develop them normally too.
Also Read: When Do Pregnancy Cravings Start?
Is it Normal to Crave in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is one hell of a ride. And it certainly affects almost every aspect of your life. This includes your eating habits too. You can develop cravings anytime during those 9 months. Though these urges are most strong during the second trimester.
Why do I crave spicy food? That is because during pregnancy, your hormone levels are altered. And this causes you to have a heightened sense of smell and taste.
So, due to these hormonal changes and an increased sense of smell and taste, you develop the intense desire to devour anything. Even things you may have never eaten before. Obviously, who prefers jalapenos over Nutella? But yup, pregnancy can make you do that!
Also Read: Can You Have Pregnancy Cravings at 4 Weeks Pregnant?
Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice!
These are the ingredients chosen to, well, obviously quench your pregnancy cravings. Different people develop cravings for different types of food. According to the Baby Centers’ recent survey report, 17% of women crave spicy foods while pregnant. Another 40% craved sweet foods, whereas around 33% and 10% mums-to-be longed for salty and sour foods, respectively.
So, for some women, tacos with potato wedges and tartar sauce may satiate their hunger. Whereas for others, Belgian waffles with maple syrup and whipped cream may do the trick.
But if you are a member of the spice club, jalapenos, Mexican food, a jar of pickled veggies or beef steak with a side of mushrooms and bell peppers may be the ultimate solution to those cravings.
Also Read: Hunger During Pregnancy First Trimester
Speak to the Spice!
Why do I crave spicy things? Is my body trying to tell me something? Guess what? Maybe yes.
Cravings are a way your body is telling that you’re low on some nutrient. Like when you are running low on your energy levels, you would prefer grabbing carbs. For that instant energy effect.
Likewise, a deficiency of magnesium may cause you to stock up on those chocolate bars. Or eat that cookie dough or cake mix, straight out of the bowl!
Low sodium levels may have you sprinkling salt on fish, avocados, that yummy Greek salad, or even on yogurts and bread puddings!
But what are those spice yearnings conveying to you?
Spicy food is a way of the body to cool down. Surprising, right? Hot and spicy foods such as curry, or those tasty peri-peri chicken bites not only set your mouth on fire. They also cause you to sweat. Thereby cooling off your body.
Also Read: Can You Eat Chinese Food During Pregnancy? Is It Safe?
Spice-The Gender Predictor?
Why do I crave spicy food? Yeah, that spicy chicken tikka seems like a Holy grail to your tummy. But ever wonder if those urges to gulp down the hot sauce meant more than just a way to satisfy your spice desires?
You may have heard the old wives’ tale that if you are craving more spicy foods throughout your pregnancy, it’s likely you will have a boy. And those extra helpings of blueberry and banana pancakes with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches may mean there is a sweet girl on the way.
However, there is no scientific evidence, obviously, to back up these claims. You can have a girl despite enjoying barbecue honey wings with spicy ranch and garlic mayo dips.
Also Read: Mushrooms While Pregnant – Are They Safe?
When to Stop the Spices?
Sure, that spicy food may seem like a gourmet serving during this time. But when does spicy become too spicy? And needs to be discontinued?
Complications
Too much spicy food may cause heartburn, indigestion, an irritable gut, and even hemorrhoids. So, to avoid all these complications, you may want to tone down those spice cravings.
Alternatives
Seems a bit tough? Yes. But there are always healthier alternatives. Rather than rummaging your kitchen cabinets next time for a jar of jalapenos or pickles, you can go for simpler stuff.
This includes garlic, cloves, all-spice, ginger, turmeric, wasabi peas, and even simple pepper.
Also Read: Is Eating Hot Dogs Safe In Pregnancy?
Spice or No Spice?
Its 3 am in the morning and suddenly you have found yourself in the driveway of McDonald’s. And yup, nothing tastes better than a double patty, extra spicy, crispy chicken deluxe burger with a large serving of fries!
Nope, no judgment here. Because pregnancy cravings are for real. And yes, you can be craving for anything. I repeat. Anything!
So next time you ask yourself, “Why do I crave spicy food?”. Grab a bowl of salsa and tell yourself, it’s perfectly fine.
However, as long as those spicy peri-peri chicken bites, smoky enchiladas, stuffed peppers or chipotle don’t start interfering with yours and your baby’s health. There is no problem enjoying these miraculous savories.
But anytime you feel its too spicy for your tummy, wait no more. Check-in with your doctor. You can always catch up on that fajita pizza later!