Addictions have a way of fooling and charming us before we find out their ugly truth. While it’s true that almost quite anything can become addictive, as seen in the reality tv show, “My Strange Addiction”, there are some things that are flying right under our noses. One of those things is very popular among teenagers, and people in general. Despite what you may be thinking, it’s not vaping. Vapes are very problematic among teenagers right now, just walk into any high school, maybe even middle school bathroom and you’re bound to see at least one person asking for “nic.” However, the problem I’m talking about is a largely loved snack: Hot Cheetos. 

     The problem with Hot Cheetos may not be seen as a big deal to some, they weren’t even to me until I did just one tiny google search. “Are hot Cheetos bad for you.?” After searching that very simple question, I was met with an overwhelming amount of information on the possible risks they can cause, as well as how addicting they can be.

     I understand that any spicy food can cause stomach issues when over-eaten, however, Hot Cheetos are not a spicy pepper that grew naturally. Hot Cheetos are a manmade snack that is produced and sold. This point may not seem valid in the eyes of some, but it doesn’t change the fact that even doctors have expressed concern. You don’t see kids going out and purchasing a jar or bag of spicy peppers to eat in one sitting. You see them buying a bag of Hot Cheetos and eating them often in one sitting. I’ve seen kids as young as 5 years old regularly consuming these chips. Parents should most definitely monitor the issues certain foods can cause for their children, but if Hot Cheetos are as bad as some doctors are thinking they could be, why are they on the market? According to an article by Morgan Nitti from George Washington University on SpoonUniversity.com, Dr. Martha Rivera, a pediatrician at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, told KABC-TV in a report, that, “she sees around five to six cases of kids with gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) daily, after they’ve eaten spicy foods, or say, wolfed down a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.” 

     “Flamin’ Hot Cheetos send multiple children to the emergency room each year.” according to medical daily in an article by Marianne Garvey on BravoTv.com. After reading Marianne’s article, I learned that “FHC (Flamin Hot Cheeto) stomach is real.” The ingredients in the powder on the Cheetos can cause issues in the stomach lining. Some issues that could possibly be caused are as followed: Gastritis, Ulcers, and in extreme cases maybe stomach cancer. It’s important to note that “The burning sensation we get from the peppers in Hot Cheetos causes a release of natural opioids (endorphins) in our bodies. It makes us feel good (at least until the opiate is gone) and then we feel the need to eat more.” according to SpoonUniversity.com. 

     Although there’s been a lot of controversy around the subject of hot Cheeto addictions and health issues, it’s still an issue that hasn’t seen as much research as other issues, and cannot be said for sure that they are addictive.  The best thing to do if you’re concerned about the health risk is to do your own research as well, and not eat so many you get sick. That goes with anything you chose to eat.