Can I eat spicy food during a fever? Here's what you need to know

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While anecdotal evidence suggests spicy food can clear congestion during a cold, health experts generally advise caution when consuming it during a fever, as it can irritate the stomach and potentially worsen symptoms. The question, 'Can I eat spicy food during a fever?' is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Eating spicy food during a fever might offer temporary nasal relief but can also aggravate digestive issues and discomfort. While some components have benefits, moderation is key, and it's best to stick to bland, easily digestible foods, especially if you have an upset stomach.

Key Points

Moderate Intake is Best: When sick, it's safer to avoid spicy food or consume it only in very small, tolerable amounts.
Digestive Risks are High: Spicy food can easily trigger stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea in a sensitive system during a fever.
Dehydration is a Concern: The heat from spicy foods can increase sweating, potentially worsening dehydration when you need fluids most.
Bland is Better for Recovery: Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like soups, toast, and broths to nourish your body without irritation.
Congestion Relief is Temporary: Any nasal relief from capsaicin is short-lived and doesn't address the root cause of the illness.
Listen to Your Body: If you already have GI issues or spicy food gives you discomfort, it's best to steer clear while ill.

Understanding the Effects of Spicy Foods When You Have a Fever

When your body is fighting off an infection and running a fever, your entire system, including your digestive tract, is under stress. Introducing spicy foods adds another layer of complication. The main component in chili peppers, capsaicin, interacts with your body's pain receptors, tricking your brain into thinking it's hot. While this can have some interesting effects, they are not always beneficial during an illness.

The Potential Benefits and Drawbacks

There's a reason why some people swear by a spicy dish when they're feeling under the weather. However, these benefits often come with significant risks, especially during a fever.

Potential Temporary Benefits

Nasal Decongestion: Capsaicin is known to act as an irritant, which can trigger a runny nose and help clear sinus passages and break up mucus. For a short-term stuffy nose, this can provide a sense of relief.
Induced Sweating: The heat from spicy food can make you sweat, which some believe helps 'sweat out' a fever. While sweating helps regulate body temperature, this is not a scientifically proven way to cure a fever and can exacerbate dehydration.
Boosted Appetite: For those with a reduced appetite, a small amount of spice might stimulate taste buds. However, the risk of an upset stomach can outweigh this minor benefit.

Significant Risks and Drawbacks

Digestive Upset: Spicy foods can irritate the sensitive stomach and intestinal lining, which is already compromised during an illness. This can lead to or worsen symptoms like heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Exacerbated Dehydration: Fevers already increase the risk of dehydration due to sweating. Spicy foods can further increase sweating and fluid loss, making proper hydration more challenging. It is critical to stay well-hydrated during a fever, and spicy food can work against this effort.
Inflammation and Irritation: The capsaicin and other compounds can increase inflammation throughout your digestive tract and irritate a sore throat. This can make an already uncomfortable situation worse and slow down the healing process.

Who Should Absolutely Avoid Spicy Food During a Fever?

It is generally recommended to avoid spicy food during a fever, but for certain individuals, it is even more crucial:

Individuals with pre-existing GI conditions: Those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should be especially cautious, as spicy food can trigger or worsen their symptoms.
Anyone with an upset stomach: If you are already experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, spicy food will likely aggravate these issues.
Those with a sensitive digestive system: Some people are more sensitive to spicy foods than others, and a fever will only heighten that sensitivity.

What to Eat Instead When You Have a Fever

Focus on bland, hydrating, and nutritious foods that are easy for your body to process. This allows your energy to be directed towards recovery rather than digestion.

Broth-based Soups: Chicken noodle soup or simple vegetable broth is easy to digest, provides fluids and electrolytes, and can soothe a sore throat.
The BRAT Diet: Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are gentle on the stomach and provide energy.
Lean Protein and Complex Carbs: Cooked chicken, fish, and whole grains are good sources of sustained energy and nutrients.
Vitamin C-Rich Fruits: Fruits like kiwi and bell peppers provide essential vitamins to boost your immune system. For those with sensitive stomachs, avoid overly acidic fruits.
Herbal Tea: Ginger and cinnamon teas have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe symptoms.

Comparison: Spicy vs. Bland Foods During Fever


Feature	Spicy Foods (with capsaicin)	Bland Foods (BRAT diet, broths)
Effect on Digestive System	Can irritate the stomach lining and cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.	Gentle on the stomach, promotes easier digestion.
Hydration Level	Can worsen dehydration by increasing sweating.	Hydrating, especially broths and soups, helping replenish fluids.
Nutrient Density	Can contain beneficial antioxidants (e.g., in fresh peppers), but depends on the overall meal.	Offers a balanced intake of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential for recovery.
Energy Expenditure	Can increase metabolism slightly, placing more strain on a body already fighting an illness.	Provides easily accessible energy without stressing the digestive system.
Symptom Relief	May provide temporary nasal congestion relief by thinning mucus.	Can soothe a sore throat and provide general comfort.

Conclusion

While the thought of sweating out a fever with spicy food might sound appealing to some, it carries significant risks that outweigh any potential minor benefits. A fever indicates that your body is already in overdrive fighting an infection. Adding spicy foods can irritate your sensitive digestive system, worsen nausea, and contribute to dehydration, all of which hinder your recovery. Instead, the smarter approach is to focus on nourishing, bland foods that provide essential nutrients and hydration, allowing your body to dedicate its full resources to getting better. Always prioritize rest and fluids when you are sick. To learn more about the general health benefits and risks of spicy foods outside of illness, read this article: Is Spicy Food Good for You?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, eating spicy food can make a fever worse for some people, not by raising your core temperature, but by increasing your discomfort. It can cause stomach irritation, worsen digestive issues, and lead to increased sweating, which contributes to dehydration.

While spicy food can induce sweating, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that this process helps 'sweat out' a fever and accelerate recovery. In fact, the added sweating can further dehydrate you, which is counterproductive when fighting an illness.

If you have a stuffy nose but no fever or stomach issues, a small amount of spicy food might help thin mucus and provide temporary relief. However, if it makes your runny nose worse or upsets your stomach, it's best to stop.

Avoid any type of spicy food that is also greasy, heavy, or highly acidic, as these will be harder to digest. Greasy foods in particular can contribute to inflammation and digestive upset.

The best foods are bland, easy-to-digest, and hydrating. Excellent choices include broths, rice, toast, bananas, cooked chicken, and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables like kiwi or steamed carrots.

Yes, spicy foods often cause or exacerbate stomach pain and other digestive issues when you are sick. The capsaicin can irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort that is best avoided during recovery.

Staying hydrated is crucial during a fever. Drink plenty of water, clear broths, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can cause dehydration.