A Tennessee woman said that her teenage daughter had to undergo surgery because she was eating too many spicy snacks.
Consumption Of Too Many Hot Snacks May Lead To Gallbladder Removal
Rene Craighead said that her 17-year-old daughter had to have her gallbladder removed because of abdominal pain. She attributes this to her child consuming too many hot snacks.
Craighead said that the doctor told her that hot chips such as Hot Cheetos, Takis, and Hot Fries caused the stomach problems of her daughter, who is also named Rene.
"Every time I go out she says, 'bring me back some Hot Takis. Bring me back some Hot Chips.' I want to make her happy, so I brought them back. She was eating big bags and would take them to school with her," Craighead said.
Cary Canvender, a gastroenterologist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, said that while there are several factors that can contribute to the removal of the gallbladder, consumption of spicy chips more likely contributed to the ailment and the operation of the high school student.
Canvender said that they actually see a number of gastritis and ulcer-related conditions due to this. He also urged the parents to monitor what their children eat and feed them with fruits and vegetables.
Why Kids Love To Eat Hot Cheetos
Doctors said that the red peppers and spice in the snack are likely causing abdominal pain in some people who consume Hot Cheetos, one of the most popular spicy snacks in the market.
Experts think that the addictive qualities of these food products are among the reasons why kids overeat them.
"It's something that has been engineered so that it is fattier and saltier and more novel to the point where our body, brain and pleasure centers react to it more strongly than if we were eating, say, a handful of nuts," said Ashley Gearhardt, from the University of Michigan.
Spicy Snacks Not For Everyone
People with a known history of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux, a condition that can cause acid reflux and heartburn, are particularly discouraged to consume the spicy treat since this can lead to a flare-up of their condition.
In a statement, Cheetos maker Frito-Lay said that its snacks meet quality standards and food safety regulations. The company, nonetheless, said that some people may be more sensitive to spicy food and may opt to avoid these spicier snacks.
