For example, you recently advised those with prostate problems to avoid spicy foods. Certainly the intent is not to ban all seasonings. Spices are often used to mask the taste of poorly prepared food. Thus when people eat heavily spiced food at a poor-quality Mexican restaurant and get indigestion , they blame the spices, when in fact excessive grease may have been the problem. Many spices, such as ginger and cinammon, may aid digestion by stimulating secretion of stomach juices, but some, like black pepper and mustard, can be irritating.
Tolerance varies from person to person.
I use spices liberally and frequently in preparing my own meals, as I find they make food more interesting. If, however, you have an irritated bladder, interstitial cystitis , prostate inflammation or stomach and intestinal problems, you may want to go easy on these ingredients and pay attention to which ones cause you problems. Sprinkle a pinch or two in the Boards. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.