There is a lot to be said about spicy. In a few words, &quot;spicy&quot; is not really a taste like sweat, bitter, salty, and acid are. Spicy is actually the sensation of the inflamed taste buds. (But there are condiments that are inducing only this inflamed sensation without actually causing it.) This chemically-induced inflammatory effect is deadly for many bacteria. This sanitizing effect was one of the main reasons why the hot and wet south Asia developed so many spiced dishes in their traditional cuisine. (In Europe they used alcohol for the same effect.) So although spicy will not harm you (directly, in the long term), it will kill some of your symbiotic pals!