My husband and I recently had an experience that had us laughing. Our sweet neighbor brought over some soup for us to try, with this disclaimer: “It’s really tasty, but I wish I had toned down the heat a little with the red pepper flakes- it’s really spicy! I burned my tongue right off!”

My husband and I prepped ourselves for a bite full of heat- and nothing. Neither of us thought it was spicy! We were cracking up because our neighbor made it sound like this was molten lava in a bowl- and it tasted like regular chicken noodle soup.

I’m particularly proud because I like to think I’m the reason my husband can handle some heat. When we were first married, he couldn’t handle any spice! He comes from a family that thinks ketchup is spicy! (Ok ok- maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but only a little ;) ). In comparison, I grew up in a family that was all about spices and favors. Homemade jalapeno tomatillo ranch and hot sauces galore! My dad actually collects hot sauces- I still remember when he ordered one that came in a box with caution tape wrapped around it. I’m not quite that much of a spice fan, but needless to say- I grew up being able to handle way more spice than my husband.

My husband couldn’t handle any spice at all when we first got married, but here we are now 11 years later and he’s able to eat hot sauce and some dishes with a little heat are actually some of his favorite! I’m so proud of my apprentice ;). Now he laughs at the things that his parents think are spicy- and I laugh because he used to be the exact same way! But no more!

If you are someone that can’t handle spice, you can change that! It’s not like it’s a bad thing to not eat spice. I won’t judge ;). But it is nice to be able to handle a little spice so that you can enjoy more food! You don’t have to worry about buying the right salsa or wondering what your neighbor put in the soup- because spice isn't an issue. It’s actually quite freeing!

Number one thing to do: exposure!! Most spicy foods contain a chemical called capsaicin. When it reaches your tongue, you have TRPV1 receptors that allow calcium and sodium ions in, and this actually sends pain signals to your brain. Overtime, you can desensitize these sensors by continually exposing them to capsaicin- or basically, eating more spicy food!

Start small. Add a couple red pepper flakes to your pasta, or a sprinkle of chili powder to your nachos. As you expose your tongue to spicy food more frequently, you will adjust and over time what you once thought was super spicy won’t phase you at all! Then you can gradually add more spices and flavors until your tongue is a spicy food ninja!

A couple more tips- don’t drink tons of water if your mouth feels like it’s on fire, as the water just spreads the capsaicin and your whole mouth and throat will feel like it’s on fire! Opt for a glass of milk, a banana, or some yogurt instead to help cool the heat and cleanse your palate. Also, add one spice at a time. You’ll get familiar with the flavor and learn which spices are your favorite!

At the end of the day, being able to eat spicy food isn’t essential. But it sure makes life easier, and introduces you to a whole new world of flavors and dishes that you couldn’t enjoy otherwise!

I’m curious- have any of our readers been able to increase their spice tolerance? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!

    Camille Hoffmann
    Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com