However, the thought of eating spicy dishes like tteokbokki, yukgaejang, jjambbong, or buldak-bokkeum-myeon when stressed is not just a matter of boredom.

It is said to be a signal sent by both the body and mind.

I was curious about why we reach for spicy food during tough times, so I looked into it.

The first reason is the pain effect that tricks the brain. Spiciness is more akin to pain than flavor.

When capsaicin touches the tongue, the brain perceives it as an emergency and releases pain-relieving substances. In that process, endorphins and dopamine are released. While the mouth feels like it's on fire, the mood strangely lightens. The reason we feel a sense of relief after eating spicy food at the end of a tough day is right here.

The second reason is its ability to force thoughts to stop. Living in America, my mind is always cluttered. Thoughts about visa issues, work worries, and ever-increasing rent spiral endlessly. But the moment I take a bite of buldak-bokkeum-myeon, those thoughts vanish in an instant. It's so spicy that my brain has no room to think about anything else. Only very primal questions remain, like how to get through this pain and where the milk is. For that brief moment, both the past and future disappear, and I can focus solely on the present. It's like an unintentional forced meditation.

The third reason is the emotional connection to my homeland. The loneliness of living abroad comes more from emotions than distance. A steaming bowl of yukgaejang or jjambbong, which I used to enjoy sweating with friends, is not just food. It carries familiar memories and comfort. The sweat that drips while eating spicy food gives Koreans a strange sense of liberation. If I can endure this level of spiciness, I feel an unfounded confidence that I can get through today.

However, there are definitely points to be cautious about. While the mind may be happy, the body could be sending different signals.

Ignoring the warnings from the stomach can lead to bigger problems later.

Excessive capsaicin can irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort or gastritis. Many find themselves facing reality in the bathroom the next morning, unaware of the consequences while eating. The digestive system speeds up excessively, leaving the body no time to absorb properly.

Eating spicy food late at night raises body temperature and slows digestion, preventing deep sleep. In trying to relieve stress, one might end up adding to their fatigue. Additionally, women who are dieting and not eating enough should avoid spicy food due to lower pressure in the intestines.

Thus, it's best to enjoy spicy flavors wisely.

Avoid eating on an empty stomach, and it helps to consume foods like milk or yogurt that can protect the stomach. Instead of adding all the sauce at once, it's important to adjust gradually to find the level that I can enjoy.

While it's good to relieve stress with fiery spicy flavors on tough days in America, I hope everyone remembers to take care of their stomachs as well.