Building a tolerance to spicy food doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, diligence, and a willingness to try new dishes. However, just the thought of adding hot sauce or crushed red chili flakes might cause some to break out in a sweat. Put your mind at ease by considering the following tips. Knowing the proper techniques could allow time for your taste buds to adjust and ensure dining success.

3 Tips for Building a Tolerance to Spicy Food

1. Start Slow

Starting slow allows you to better evaluate the reaction and determine when it’s time to increase the spice. Begin by sprinkling a few chili flakes on macaroni and cheese or adding a drop of hot sauce to scrambled eggs. If you’re able to tolerate the heat, include a little more the next time you eat.

For those who think it’s still too hot, try a smaller amount to accustom the taste buds to the change.

2. Learn the Coolants

Eating spicy food can dull your sense of taste due to the varying amounts of capsaicin, an irritant that clings to the taste buds and causes them to continue registering heat. The fact that it’s a fat-soluble chemical means that liquids like water and soda won’t reduce the burn.

Instead, consume a dairy-based coolant, like a glass of cold milk, a bowl of fresh ice cream, or even a few spoons of yogurt. If you don’t consume dairy, try drinking coconut water to quench the heat.

3. Focus on Taste

The first feeling you’ll notice after eating a spicy dish is the burning sensation on your tongue. However, before you reach for that glass of milk, take a moment and focus on the taste.

Hot sauce, red chili flakes, and other ingredients have their own unique flavor. They add a special twist to each dish, making it more enjoyable. It’s a useful technique that distracts the mind from the heat and allows for a more pleasant experience.

Treat yourself to a plate of hots and potatoes by stopping at Steve T. Hots & Potatoes in Rochester, NY. Each dish is made from the freshest ingredients and comes with a selection of hot sauce, mustard, and onions. As a family-owned fast-food restaurant, they’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide quality eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Takeout is available and orders are completely customizable. For a full glimpse at the menu, visit their website. Call (585) 429-6388 to place an order.