Why do I crave hot cheetos when sick?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in the journal Appetite, the consumption of capsaicin—the compound that makes peppers spicy—may cause a modest increase in energy expenditure. This energy boost, combined with several physiological and psychological factors, helps explain why you may crave hot Cheetos when sick.

Quick Summary

This article explores the complex interplay of biological and psychological factors that drive cravings for spicy, crunchy foods during illness. Learn how capsaicin can offer temporary relief from congestion and pain, and how the body's reward system seeks pleasure to cope with the discomfort of being sick.

Key Points

Capsaicin provides temporary relief: The compound in hot Cheetos can thin mucus and clear stuffiness, offering a brief sense of clearer breathing.
Endorphin release creates pleasure: Capsaicin activates pain receptors, prompting the body to release feel-good endorphins that can alleviate the general pain and discomfort of sickness.
Flavor compensates for lost taste: When illness dulls your sense of taste and smell, the intense flavor of hot Cheetos provides a satisfying sensory experience that bland foods can't.
Salty and crunchy textures are comforting: The satisfying crunch and saltiness act as a psychological comfort mechanism, providing a pleasant tactile experience when feeling low.
Mindful moderation is essential: While tempting, excessive spicy, processed food can upset your stomach and hinder recovery; it should be balanced with nutrient-rich foods.
Cravings are not a cure: Spicy food can ease some symptoms but does not cure the underlying illness. Rest, fluids, and a nutritious diet are what truly support recovery.

The Science of a Spicy Craving

When illness strikes, our bodies and minds seek relief and comfort. A craving for intense, stimulating foods like hot Cheetos is a common, yet often misunderstood, phenomenon. The answer lies in a combination of biological responses to the compounds in spicy food, changes in our senses, and psychological comfort-seeking behaviors.

Capsaicin: The Congestion Crusader and Painkiller

At the heart of the hot Cheetos craving is capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers that delivers the fiery kick. When you're congested from a cold or flu, your sense of smell, which is critical for flavor perception, is dulled. Capsaicin acts as an irritant that can stimulate nerves in your nasal passages, temporarily thinning mucus and causing a runny nose. This provides a momentary sensation of relief from the stuffiness, making intensely flavored spicy food appealing.

Beyond just clearing your sinuses, capsaicin has another powerful effect: it can act as a natural pain reliever. The compound works by activating pain receptors, which in turn causes your body to release endorphins—the same feel-good hormones triggered by a 'runner's high'. These endorphins can provide a sense of pleasure and euphoria that helps counteract the overall misery of being sick, such as body aches and a sore throat.

Psychological and Sensory Comfort

Cravings during sickness aren't just physiological; they are also deeply psychological. The crunch of hot Cheetos is a powerful sensory experience that can be incredibly satisfying, especially when other foods taste bland or unappealing due to altered taste perception. When your immune system releases inflammatory proteins to fight infection, it can interfere with your taste buds, making bitter flavors more pronounced and other tastes less vivid. This sensory distortion makes the strong, simple, and satisfying flavor profile of hot Cheetos stand out.

Furthermore, hot Cheetos can be a form of comfort food. Many people associate certain foods with positive memories and feelings of being cared for. For some, the familiar taste and texture of a favorite snack can provide a much-needed mental and emotional escape from the discomfort of illness. It's a small, manageable indulgence that offers a sense of normalcy and control when your body feels out of control.

Comparison: Hot Cheetos vs. Traditional Remedies

While hot Cheetos may provide temporary relief, it's helpful to compare their effects to those of more traditional remedies.


Feature	Hot Cheetos	Chicken Noodle Soup	Herbal Tea with Honey and Ginger
Symptom Relief	Temporarily clears congestion via capsaicin; releases endorphins for pain relief.	Provides hydration; hot steam helps with congestion; amino acids aid in recovery.	Soothes sore throat; contains anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea compounds.
Nutritional Value	Minimal nutrients; high in processed ingredients, sodium, and fat.	Provides protein, electrolytes, and vegetables for sustained nourishment.	Rich in antioxidants and vitamins; promotes hydration.
Potential Side Effects	Can cause or worsen stomach upset, acid reflux, and digestive issues.	Generally mild and beneficial; may contain high sodium levels depending on brand.	Generally mild and beneficial, but ginger can cause mild stomach upset in some.
Overall Health Impact	Can hinder recovery due to inflammation and potential digestive issues.	Supportive of the immune system; provides sustained energy.	Immune-boosting properties; promotes overall wellness during sickness.

When to Avoid Spicy Foods

While the craving for and benefits of spicy food during a common cold are notable, it's crucial to listen to your body. If you're experiencing a stomach bug, eating spicy food is a bad idea. Capsaicin can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, potentially increasing nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, and hindering your recovery. Furthermore, if you suffer from conditions like acid reflux, IBS, or peptic ulcers, the irritation from spicy food can exacerbate your symptoms, regardless of the cause of your illness.

The Takeaway: Mindful Snacking

The craving for hot Cheetos when sick is a multi-faceted phenomenon rooted in both your body's physiological needs and your brain's psychological desires. While the capsaicin can offer a temporary—and satisfying—fix for congestion and discomfort, it's not a cure. The high sodium and processed nature of the snack can be counterproductive to true healing, which requires nutrient-dense foods and plenty of hydration. The key is to be mindful of your body's signals and weigh the temporary pleasure against the potential negative effects. It’s a good idea to supplement your hot Cheetos with healthier, more restorative options like warm broths, ginger tea, and vitamin C-rich fruits.

Conclusion

Craving hot Cheetos when sick is a surprisingly common and understandable behavior. It's a combination of the active compound capsaicin offering temporary sinus relief and pain-relieving endorphins, and the brain seeking the intense flavor and satisfying crunch that comfort food provides. However, this is a short-term solution, not a cure. Moderation is key, especially if you have sensitive digestive issues, and it should always be balanced with more nutritious foods that support your immune system for a quicker, healthier recovery. The next time the urge hits, enjoy a small handful but remember that true healing comes from proper rest and nourishment. For more information on food cravings, the National Institutes of Health provides a wealth of research on various dietary responses during illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating spicy food can offer temporary relief from some symptoms, particularly congestion. The capsaicin in hot peppers can help thin mucus, but it will not cure the illness and may cause stomach irritation in some individuals.

Yes, for many people, especially those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing digestive issues, the high spice and processed ingredients in hot Cheetos can cause or worsen stomach upset, acid reflux, and diarrhea.

When you are sick, particularly with a cold, your sense of smell is often impaired due to congestion. Since smell is crucial for experiencing flavor, foods can taste bland or different, which can make intensely flavored foods like hot Cheetos more appealing.

Not necessarily, but moderation is key. While spicy foods like hot Cheetos can be irritating, some people find that milder spicy foods or spices like ginger can help with nausea. Listen to your body and avoid spice if you have a stomach bug.

The craving is a combination of mental and physical factors. The psychological desire for comfort food and the brain's release of endorphins play a role, as do the physiological effects of capsaicin on congestion.

Healthier alternatives include warm, spicy broths infused with ginger or cayenne, warm herbal tea with honey, or crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery. These offer some of the desired sensory experiences without the unhealthy additives.

You should generally avoid spicy foods if you have a fever. Spicy foods can raise your body temperature temporarily, and some research suggests this can exacerbate fever symptoms. It's best to stick to hydrating fluids and lighter foods.