Which food combinations can cause poisoning?
Jul 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Sprouted potatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance. Eggs are rich in protein. Consuming these two together may intensify the irritation of solanine on the gastrointestinal tract, possibly causing vomiting and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may affect the nervous system, leading to dizziness and difficulty breathing.
Fresh daylily (yellow flower vegetable) contains colchicine, which is converted into a toxic substance in the human body. Black fungus has a strong adsorption capacity; when consumed together, it may facilitate the absorption of toxins by the body.
Generally, food combinations that may potentially cause poisoning include sprouted potatoes with eggs, fresh daylilies with black fungus, undercooked green beans with tomatoes, pufferfish with persimmons, and moldy sugarcane with bananas. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Sprouted Potatoes and Eggs: Sprouted potatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance, while eggs are rich in protein. Consuming them together may intensify the irritation of solanine on the gastrointestinal tract, possibly causing vomiting and abdominal pain. Severe cases may damage the nervous system, leading to dizziness and difficulty breathing.
2. Fresh Daylilies and Black Fungus: Fresh daylilies contain colchicine, which converts into a toxic substance in the human body. Black fungus has strong adsorption properties, and when consumed together with daylilies, it may facilitate the absorption of toxins, potentially causing nausea, diarrhea, and even affecting hematopoietic function.
3. Undercooked Green Beans and Tomatoes: Undercooked green beans contain saponin and phytohemagglutinin, both of which are toxic. The acidic components in tomatoes may promote the release of these toxins. Consuming them together may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing vomiting and dizziness; severe cases may result in dehydration or shock.
4. Pufferfish and Persimmons: The liver and ovaries of pufferfish contain extremely potent pufferfish toxins. Persimmons contain tannic acid. Consuming them together may exacerbate the damage of the toxin to the nervous system, possibly causing numbness in the limbs, respiratory failure, and endangering life.
5. Moldy Sugarcane and Bananas: Moldy sugarcane contains toxins produced by Arthrinium spp., which damage the central nervous system. Bananas promote intestinal motility, accelerating the spread of toxins. Consuming them together may lead to vomiting, convulsions, and even leave nervous system complications.
In daily diets, one should avoid the above dangerous food combinations, pay attention to freshness when purchasing ingredients, and ensure thorough cooking. If poisoning symptoms occur after accidental consumption, immediate vomiting induction and prompt medical treatment are necessary—do not delay seeking help.
