What should not be eaten with lotus seeds (Qianshi)?

Water chestnut (Euryale ferox) should not be consumed together with foods such as persimmons, tofu, mung beans, carp, or crab; nor should it be taken with medications including hypoglycemic agents, anticoagulants, antihypertensive drugs, antibiotics, or traditional Chinese herbal medicines. It is recommended to take medications under medical supervision and seek timely medical treatment. Specific details are as follows:

I. Foods Not to Be Consumed Together

1. Persimmon
Persimmons are considered a cold-natured food. When consumed with water chestnut, they may easily cause discomforts such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. To manage this, it is advisable to increase intake of warming foods in the diet, such as ginger and scallions. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume water chestnut and persimmon together.

2. Tofu
Tofu contains high levels of calcium, which can combine with oxalic acid in water chestnut to form calcium oxalate, thereby impairing calcium absorption and utilization. The recommended approach is to reduce tofu intake or choose other calcium-rich alternatives such as cheese and yogurt. Hence, combining water chestnut with tofu is not advised.

3. Mung Beans
Mung beans are rich in vitamin C. When combined with tannins in water chestnut, they may form indigestible compounds that lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It is recommended to reduce mung bean consumption or opt for other vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and strawberries. Therefore, consuming water chestnut with mung beans is not recommended.

4. Carp
Carp is rich in protein and calcium. When combined with oxalic acid from water chestnut, it may form calcium oxalate, reducing calcium absorption and utilization. It is advisable to reduce carp intake or choose alternative sources of protein and calcium, such as chicken and milk. Thus, it is not recommended to consume water chestnut with carp.

5. Crab
Crab is a protein-rich seafood, while water chestnut contains high levels of oxalic acid. Their combination may interfere with protein absorption and potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

II. Medications Not to Be Taken Together

1. Hypoglycemic Drugs
Water chestnut contains certain amounts of amylase inhibitors that can lower blood glucose levels. Taking it with hypoglycemic medications may result in excessively low blood sugar.

2. Anticoagulant Drugs
Water chestnut contains some natural anticoagulant substances. Combining it with anticoagulant medications may increase the risk of bleeding.

3. Antihypertensive Drugs
Water chestnut is rich in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. When taken with antihypertensive medications, it may lead to excessively low blood pressure or other adverse reactions.

4. Antibiotics
Water chestnut contains natural immune-modulating substances that may affect the absorption and metabolism of certain antibiotics. Taking them together could compromise the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment.

5. Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines
Water chestnut contains various bioactive components that may interact with certain Chinese herbal medicines, affecting their therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume water chestnut together with Chinese herbal remedies.

Although water chestnut is highly nutritious, attention must be paid to proper dietary combinations. Improper consumption methods may negatively impact health. It is important to consume water chestnut appropriately according to individual physical and health conditions to achieve nutritional balance.