Okay, so I enjoy very spicy food, but drinking water is pretty much mandatory. Does anyone have any tricks or tips to eating spicy food without being able to put the flames out for 30 minutes afterwards?

No tips for you on this one. Prior to surgery I could not tolerate spice at all, now I crave spice but gave to be careful for the same reason you are asking. The Water issue!

I have snuck a sip of water when it was just too much to take.

Love spicy and very flavorful foods now......

Water actually increases the burn with spicy food. The real solution is milk or dairy. Depending on what you're eating that's spicy, maybe you could counter the spice with sour cream or yogurt?

I actually take very small sips when I eat spicy food!

Yes, dairy is very helpful. I was thinking the same thing such as adding light sour cream or plain greek yougurt w/ a few spices in it to add flavor- but don't make it spciy. I'm Italian and eat VERY SPICY foods often so this will be a trick I will need to remember as well. The point of no liquids is so we don't 'overeat' as it ;flushes' our foods down and we are able to over eat. Maybe if you portion out your foods and take a few sips of milk it would help and then not eat anymore than your allotted portion. Also, as your NUT for suggestions as well.

Lactose breaks down the capsaisin (spelling?) in peppers. So, if you eat something with hot peppers or something, make sure you have cheese or sour cream on it. It helps a lot. Or, gargle with milk and spit. That's what I did.