Ever wondered why your nose runs after eating spicy food? The reason is capsaicin, a compound present in chilli peppers. When you consume spicy foods, capsaicin stimulates the nerve endings in your nose and sinuses, triggering a response from your body. This reaction causes your body to produce more mucus as a defence mechanism, attempting to flush out the perceived irritant. It’s a natural process that helps protect your nasal passages. While it might be annoying, this increased mucus production is a sign that your body is trying to neutralise the heat and irritation caused by the spices.