Imran Khan says his tolerance for spicy, greasy, fried foods has gone down as he transitions into his 40s: ‘It is so embarrassing…’

With age, you also experience changes — not just emotional, but also physical and internal (mainly of the body’s metabolism and digestive capabilities). Actor Imran Khan also experienced something similar, about which he opened up in a freewheeling chat with Beverly White on her new YouTube show Khaane Mein Kya Hai — stating that he has noticed a change in his taste preferences. “As I transition through my 30s into my 40s, one of the surprising things is my tolerance for greasy, spicy, fried food; it has gone down. It’s very sad. Emotionally, I am not ready for that. There is a part of me that will look at the menu and see stuff like fried with cheese sauce and chillies…and [if I] take three bites into it, my stomach doesn’t approve of it. It is so embarrassing,” expressed Khan.

Is it normal to experience changes in our tolerance for certain foods as we age?

While there’s no universal rule, some individuals may find that their tolerance for spicy, greasy, and fried foods decreases as they enter their 40s and beyond, said Dr Vinodha Kumary, deputy chief medical officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute.

According to Dr Kumary, “As people age, their digestive systems may become less efficient. This can result in slower digestion and a reduced ability to tolerate foods that are heavy, spicy, or greasy.”

Notably, metabolic rate tends to decrease with age, which can affect how efficiently the body processes fats and spices. “This may make it harder for some people to handle foods that are high in fat or spice,” Dr Kumary added. With age often also comes a greater awareness of health and wellness. “Many people become more mindful of their dietary choices and may choose to avoid foods that can cause digestive discomfort or contribute to health issues like heartburn, acid reflux, or gastrointestinal upset,” shared Dr Kumary.

Some individuals may develop sensitivities or intolerances to certain foods as they get older. “Spicy, greasy, and fried foods can be particularly problematic for those with digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastritis,” mentioned Dr Kumary.

While tolerance for these types of foods may decrease with age for some individuals, it’s important to note that everyone is different.

Is metabolism affected by age? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Like we train our muscles, we can also condition our nerves, said Tarundeep Singh Rekhi, a fitness expert. He believes that age is not a factor; rather, it’s the consistency of our dietary habits that makes the difference.

According to Rekhi, regular exposure to capsaicin desensitises our pain receptors, enabling us to tolerate spicier foods without discomfort. “Maintaining a consistent intake of spicy foods sustains this desensitisation, allowing for prolonged enjoyment. However, if there’s a break in consumption, whether for detox or other reasons, the pain receptors regenerate, resulting in discomfort once more,” said Rekhi.

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