What is incompatible with lemons?
Jan 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, lemon is incompatible with carrots, shrimp, oranges, milk, sea cucumbers, and other foods. Consuming lemon and carrots together may affect thyroid function. Carrots contain a certain amount of thiocyanate, which, when combined with vitamin C in lemon, may inhibit the thyroid's absorption of iodine and potentially affect thyroid function. However, the above-mentioned incompatibilities are not absolute contraindications.
Generally speaking, lemons are considered incompatible with certain foods such as carrots, shrimp, oranges, milk, and sea cucumbers. The specific explanations are as follows:
1. Carrots
Consuming lemons and carrots together may affect thyroid function. Carrots contain a certain amount of thiocyanate, which, when combined with vitamin C in lemons, may inhibit the thyroid's absorption of iodine and thereby affect thyroid function.
2. Shrimp
The vitamin C in lemons can theoretically combine with pentavalent arsenic compounds in shrimp to form toxic trivalent arsenic (i.e., arsenic trioxide). However, in practice, the usual consumption amounts typically do not reach toxic levels. For safety, it is recommended to avoid consuming high-concentration vitamin C foods together with arsenic-containing foods.
3. Oranges
Lemons and oranges are both acidic fruits rich in fruit acids. Consuming large quantities of them together may stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid, potentially causing symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain. Individuals with peptic ulcers or excessive gastric acid should especially avoid this combination.
4. Milk
Lemons contain abundant acidic substances, while milk contains abundant proteins. The acidic substances in lemons may combine with milk proteins to form precipitates that are difficult for the human body to digest, which could potentially irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Sea Cucumbers
Lemons contain high levels of citric acid, and the proteins in sea cucumbers may form indigestible substances when exposed to acid. This can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and, in severe cases, may even lead to digestive disorders and reduced nutritional value of the food.
The above-mentioned incompatibilities are not absolute contraindications, and moderate combinations generally do not cause serious problems. However, individuals with special health conditions or heightened food sensitivities should adjust their diets accordingly and seek professional medical advice when necessary.
