Why Chili Makes You Poop

If you enjoy a spicy chili, you can probably count on needing a bathroom break shortly afterward, and there are two main reasons why. One thing that might kick your bowels into motion is the spiciness of the chili, and the other is its fiber content.

Spicy foods make people poop because of the capsaicin they contain. Capsaicin can burn your skin, and it can also burn all of the tissues of your digestive tract. When capsaicin reaches your intestines, it stimulates cramping as your body tries to get rid of it. Your GI tract works overtime to move the capsaicin along as quickly as possible, which leads to poop.

The other reason why chili has a noticeable impact on the bowels is the fiber contained in the beans and vegetables in the dish. Fiber is known for its ability to keep you regular, so it’s no surprise that eating chili can send you to the bathroom.