1. Patients with conjunctivitis or keratitis
Spicy foods like chili peppers can cause dilation and congestion of blood vessels in the eyes, reducing the eyes' resistance to infection and making one more susceptible to conjunctivitis. Moreover, spicy foods should be avoided in the summer, and the diet should be light. Therefore, patients with symptoms like conjunctivitis and keratitis should strictly avoid chili peppers during their illness. Eating chili peppers can easily lead to "internal heat" (上火), thereby aggravating the condition.
2. Patients with hemorrhoids
Although chili peppers are rich in vitamin C and can stimulate the taste buds, increasing appetite in the hot summer, they are also highly irritating. For patients with hemorrhoids, consuming chili peppers can easily lead to congestion and swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins, further aggravating the condition and potentially leading to perianal abscesses. Additionally, chili peppers can worsen constipation, making hemorrhoids more severe. Therefore, patients with hemorrhoids should definitely avoid eating chili peppers in the summer.
3. Those taking traditional Chinese medicine
Capsaicin can affect the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, while taking TCM, one should avoid spicy foods. Individuals on TCM should have a relatively light diet and cannot eat chili peppers or any other irritating foods, as this may cause a recurrence of the illness.
4. Patients with chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis (gallstones), or pancreatitis
Due to the stimulation of capsaicin, stomach acid secretion increases. Excess stomach acid can cause gallbladder contraction and spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, leading to difficulties in bile excretion. This can trigger cholecystitis, biliary colic, and pancreatitis. Furthermore, patients with these conditions should eat more foods rich in dietary fiber and avoid strongly irritating foods like radishes, chili peppers, and onions. Otherwise, they are prone to biliary colic and a more severe condition.
5. Patients with kidney disease
Capsaicin is excreted through the kidneys and can damage renal parenchymal cells. In severe cases, it can lead to changes in kidney function and even renal failure.
6. Patients with hyperthyroidism
As these patients already have a fast heart rate, consuming chili peppers can further increase the heart rate, making the symptoms more pronounced.
7. Thin people should avoid eating chili peppers
Thin people often experience symptoms like a dry throat, a bitter taste in the mouth, and irritability. If they eat chili peppers, it not only exacerbates these symptoms but can also lead to bleeding, allergies, and inflammation. In severe cases, it may cause infections such as sores and carbuncles.