When you eat sour foods, your brain gets a hit of dopamine. This is the same neurotransmitter that is released when you have an orgasm or win money. In other words, eating sour food feels good because your brain tells you it’s a rewarding experience.
There are evolutionary reasons for this. Sourness is often a sign of spoilt food, so our ancestors needed to be able to distinguish between good and bad sources of sustenance. Eating sour fruits and vegetables also gives your body a dose of Vitamin C, which is essential for immunity. So, besides being delicious, sour foods can be good for you.
But while sour food has satisfying and beneficial effects, your body can also suffer a negative reaction if you eat too much sour food or if it’s just not for you. Here are some health issues that sour food can have on your body:
Irritate your stomach and cause heartburn
While you may enjoy the taste of sour foods, your stomach may not feel the same way. When you eat sour foods, the acid in them can irritate your stomach lining and cause heartburn and indigestion.
Heartburn is a burning feeling when your stomach acid runs up into the esophagus. This can also happen after eating food that is fatty or spicy and lying down too soon after eating or drinking acidic beverages like coffee or soda. If you experience heartburn regularly, you may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While some people can manage their GERD symptoms with diet and lifestyle changes, others may need medication.
Trigger nausea and vomiting
You may have noticed that sour food sometimes triggers nausea and vomiting. This is because the sour flavor is caused by acids, which can irritate the stomach lining and lead to an upset stomach. In some cases, the acids can even cause the stomach to empty its contents prematurely. For this reason, it’s best to avoid sour food if you’re nauseous.
However, if you do eat sour food and start to feel sick, there are a few things you can do to help ease your symptoms. Drinking a glass of milk or taking an antacid can help to neutralize the acids in your stomach. And lying down for a few minutes may also help to settle your stomach and prevent vomiting.
So if you’re feeling queasy, it’s best to play it safe and stick to bland, easy-to-digest food. But if you indulge in a sour treat, just know there are ways to ease your discomfort if needed.
Aggravate acid reflux
If you suffer from acid reflux, you know that certain foods can make your symptoms worse. And while many different foods can trigger an episode of acid reflux, sour foods are among the most likely to cause problems.
Sour foods are highly acidic, which can aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. In addition, sour foods tend to be highly processed and fatty, which can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
So if you’re struggling with acid reflux, it’s best to steer clear of sour foods. Instead, focus on eating bland, low-acid foods that won’t trigger your symptoms.
Make you more likely to develop ulcers
You may love sour candy and enjoy the occasional pickle, but did you know that consuming too much sour food can make you more likely to develop ulcers? That’s because the acid in sour foods can irritate the lining of your stomach, making it more vulnerable to infection.
Eating sour food can worsen the symptoms if you already have an ulcer. You may experience pain, burning, or nausea after eating sour foods. To reduce your risk of developing ulcers, limit your consumption of sour foods and drinks. If you do eat something sour, balance it out with other foods and beverages that are less acidic. For example, pair a slice of lemon with water or eat a piece of bread with your pickle.
Increase your risk for tooth decay
If you enjoy sour candy or pickled foods, you may increase your tooth decay risk. The high acidity of these foods can break down tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities. In severe cases, tooth decay can result in tooth loss. Avoid sour foods or brush them immediately after eating them to protect your teeth. However, if you already have tooth loss, you should consider getting a replacement tooth.
A replacement tooth is an artificial tooth used to replace a missing natural tooth. Replacement teeth can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. They are usually attached to the jawbone with screws or dental implants. They’re a great way to protect your smile and keep your mouth healthy.
Taking these precautions can help keep your smile healthy and sparkling for years to come.
Sour food can have nasty consequences for your health if you’re not careful. If you experience heartburn, nausea, and acid reflux, it might be time to cut back on the sour stuff. It’s also best to avoid it if you have an ulcer or tooth decay. Of course, that’s not to say that all sour foods are bad for you – there are plenty of healthy and delicious options out there. But it’s always best to play it safe and avoid overdoing it with the sour flavors when in doubt.
