What should not be eaten with crayfish?

May 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Crayfish is rich in purines, and beer not only contains purines but also contains malt components that accelerate uric acid synthesis. Consuming both together can easily elevate blood uric acid levels and trigger gout, especially posing a significant risk to individuals with high uric acid levels. Alcohol also inhibits uric acid excretion, increasing the burden on the kidneys; it is recommended to substitute with tea. Grapes contain large amounts of tannic acid, which can combine with proteins in crayfish to form tannic acid-protein complexes that are difficult to digest.

Crayfish generally should not be consumed with beer, grapes, spinach, lamb, fresh dates, or other similar foods. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Beer

Crayfish are rich in purines, and beer not only contains purines but also contains malt, which accelerates uric acid synthesis. Consuming both together can easily elevate blood uric acid levels and trigger gout, especially posing significant risks to individuals with high uric acid levels. Alcohol also inhibits uric acid excretion, increasing the burden on the kidneys. It is recommended to substitute beer with tea.

2. Grapes

Grapes contain large amounts of tannic acid, which can combine with the protein in crayfish to form tannic acid protein that is difficult to digest. Simultaneously, it can react with calcium to form tannic acid calcium precipitates, possibly causing digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. It is recommended to avoid eating grapes within two hours before or after consuming crayfish, and instead choose other low-tannin fruits.

3. Spinach

Spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can combine with calcium from crayfish to form calcium oxalate. This not only reduces calcium absorption efficiency but may also increase the risk of urinary tract stones such as kidney stones. If consuming spinach, it should be blanched beforehand to remove more than 80% of the oxalic acid before combining it with other ingredients.

4. Lamb

Lamb is a warming food, and crayfish also have a warm nature. Eating them together may cause excessive internal heat accumulation, potentially leading to "heatiness" symptoms such as mouth ulcers, swollen gums, and constipation, particularly unsuitable for individuals with a hot constitution or yin deficiency with excessive internal heat. It is recommended to pair with duck meat or other neutral meats.

5. Fresh Dates

Fresh dates are extremely high in vitamin C. When consumed with crayfish (which may contain pentavalent arsenic in the head), the reducing properties of vitamin C could potentially reduce pentavalent arsenic to toxic trivalent arsenic. Although poisoning requires an extremely large dose, it is advisable to avoid consuming large quantities of fresh dates and crayfish together in one meal.

When consuming crayfish, attention should be paid to food pairing to avoid simultaneous intake of incompatible foods. Additionally, moderation is important to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort caused by excessive consumption.

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What is the yellow substance inside a crawfish's head, and is it edible?

The hepatopancreas is the digestive organ of the crayfish, responsible for metabolism and toxin storage. It can easily accumulate heavy metals, bacteria, and other harmful substances, which may be difficult to completely remove even with high-temperature cooking. Consumption may cause adverse effects on the body. Although the gonads contain certain nutrients, they are mixed together with the hepatopancreas and are difficult to accurately distinguish, increasing the risk of inadvertently ingesting harmful substances.

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Can patients with hyperthyroidism eat crawfish?

Patients with hyperthyroidism can eat crayfish, but it is not recommended to consume them in large quantities. Although crayfish are nutritious, patients should still eat them in moderation to avoid excessive intake that may lead to indigestion or other health problems. Patients should choose light and healthy cooking methods, such as steaming or garlic-flavored preparations, and avoid cooking methods with heavy oil, excessive salt, or strong spices such as chili peppers.