Which foods should not be consumed with alcohol?

Feb 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Foods such as seafood, persimmons, sweet potatoes, durians, and carrots should not be consumed with alcohol. Seafood contains high levels of purines, and alcohol can interfere with the excretion of uric acid. Consuming both together may increase the level of uric acid in the blood, making it easier for uric acid crystals to deposit in joints or soft tissues, potentially triggering gout. In addition, the combination of protein in seafood and alcohol may increase the burden on the kidneys.

Generally, certain foods such as seafood, persimmons, sweet potatoes, durian, and carrots should not be consumed with alcohol. Details are as follows:

1. Seafood

Seafood contains high levels of purines, and alcohol can interfere with the excretion of uric acid. Consuming them together increases the level of uric acid in the blood, which may lead to deposition of uric acid crystals in joints or soft tissues, triggering gout. Additionally, the protein in seafood combined with alcohol may increase the burden on the kidneys.

2. Persimmon

Persimmons contain tannic acid, and alcohol stimulates the gastrointestinal tract to secrete gastric acid. The combination of tannic acid and gastric acid may form indigestible substances in the stomach and even potentially lead to gastric stones. Furthermore, consuming these together may cause discomfort symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

3. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are rich in starch, which can produce a large amount of gastric acid in the stomach after consumption. Alcohol also stimulates gastric acid secretion. The combined effect of both may lead to excessive gastric acid secretion, potentially causing heartburn, stomach pain, and digestive discomfort.

4. Durian

Durian contains sulfur-containing compounds that can affect the activity of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver, a key enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism. Consuming durian with alcohol may interfere with alcohol metabolism in the body, leading to acetaldehyde accumulation and potentially causing symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

5. Carrot

Carrots are rich in carotene, and alcohol can interfere with the liver's metabolism of carotene. Consuming them together may lead to carotene accumulation in the body, increasing the burden on the liver. Long-term consumption may damage the liver and may also cause symptoms such as yellowing of the skin.

To avoid adverse effects on the body, these foods should be avoided when consuming alcohol. Additionally, alcohol intake should be moderate to prevent harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption.