Do spicy foods increase your body temperature?

Spicy foods don't actually raise your body temperature, but they can make you feel hotter. Here's why:

* Capsaicin: Spicy foods contain capsaicin, a compound that triggers the release of a chemical called substance P.

* Substance P: This chemical interacts with pain receptors in your mouth and stomach, leading to a burning sensation.

* "Heat" Perception: Your brain interprets this sensation as heat, even though your core body temperature isn't actually changing.

* Sweating: The "heat" perception can trigger sweating, which can make you feel cooler.

In short, spicy foods create a sensation of heat, but they don't actually increase your body temperature.