Surprising Foods to Soothe Spicy Heat

What should you do when your mouth feels like it's on fire after eating something spicy? Many people mistakenly believe that drinking water is the quickest and best solution. However, new research shows that it's the last thing you should do. If you have beer nearby—and assuming you're of age and not planning to drink too much—beer is a better choice than water.

Why don't cold water work? While it's true that cold water can put out fires, it doesn't extinguish the fire in your mouth. Most people don't realize that capsaicin—the compound that causes the burning sensation—is oil-soluble and thus repels water as they are opposites.

Cold water might initially feel good and somewhat relieve the burning because it tricks the brain into focusing on the 'cold' sensation. However, the burning won't completely disappear, and sometimes you might feel worse after drinking water.

So what will help eliminate this sensation?

Beer, milk, or even juice—anything but water. These beverages contain substances that capsaicin 'recognizes' as soothing, like the protein casein found in milk. If you're not eating meat, you can drink milk or try dairy foods like ice cream, butter, or yogurt for relief.

Citrus juice, such as lemon, can also help, despite its acidic nature seeming counterintuitive. Surprisingly, because of their acidity, citrus juices break down capsaicin molecules, easing the intense heat.

If your instinct is to reach for bread when your mouth is aflame, you're on the right track. Bread, crackers, and even rice can help reduce the fiery sensation thanks to the starches they contain, which bind to capsaicin molecules and neutralize their 'heat'.