What should not be consumed with lotus seeds?
Aug 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, lotus seeds should not be consumed with foods such as crabs, watermelon, persimmon, mung beans, and bitter melon, or with medications such as spironolactone tablets, triamterene tablets, digoxin tablets, tetracycline tablets, and albumin tannate tablets, as this may affect nutrient absorption or cause discomfort; the effects may vary among individuals. When consuming lotus seeds, it is important to ensure proper combination and avoid taking them with the aforementioned foods and medications.
Generally, lotus seeds are not recommended to be consumed with certain foods such as crabs, watermelons, persimmons, mung beans, and bitter melons, or with medications including spironolactone tablets, amiloride tablets, digoxin tablets, tetracycline tablets, and albumin tannate tablets. Such combinations may affect nutrient absorption or cause discomfort, and the effects may vary among individuals. Detailed explanations are as follows:
I. Foods
1. Crabs: Crabs are cold in nature. Although lotus seeds are neutral, excessive consumption may have a certain greasy effect. Eating both together can increase the burden on the digestive system, especially for people with a cold constitution or weak spleen and stomach, potentially causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and impaired digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. Watermelons: Watermelons are cold fruits with high water content. Consuming them together with lotus seeds may increase internal coldness, irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing gastrointestinal motility disorders, leading to bloating and diarrhea, which is detrimental to gastrointestinal health.
3. Persimmons: Persimmons contain high levels of tannic acid. Lotus seeds are rich in protein. When consumed together, tannic acid may combine with protein to form indigestible precipitates, affecting protein absorption and possibly causing gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating and acid reflux.
4. Mung beans: Mung beans are cool in nature and have heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, while lotus seeds are more nourishing. Their medicinal properties and functions differ, and consuming them together might interfere with each other's efficacy, reducing their nutritional benefits and possibly burdening the digestive system for those with weak spleen and stomach function.
5. Bitter melons: Bitter melons are cold in nature and bitter in taste. Consuming them with lotus seeds may intensify internal coldness, damaging the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, weakening digestive function, and causing symptoms such as loss of appetite and loose stools.
II. Medications
1. Spironolactone Tablets: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Lotus seeds are high in potassium. Consuming them together may lead to excessive potassium levels in the body, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia, which may cause symptoms such as fatigue and arrhythmia, requiring special attention.
2. Amiloride Tablets: Amiloride is also a potassium-sparing diuretic. When consumed with lotus seeds, the potassium in lotus seeds may enhance the drug's potassium-retaining effect, causing potassium accumulation in the body, affecting electrolyte balance, and negatively impacting health.
3. Digoxin Tablets: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside medication. The potassium in lotus seeds may affect the heart's response to the drug, increasing the risk of toxic side effects, possibly causing arrhythmia, nausea, and other discomforts.
4. Tetracycline Tablets: Tetracycline is a tetracycline-class antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium in lotus seeds may combine with the drug to form poorly absorbable complexes, reducing the drug's effectiveness.
5. Albumin Tannate Tablets: Albumin tannate is an antidiarrheal medication that works by forming a protective film on the surface of the intestinal mucosa. The protein in lotus seeds may combine with the tannic acid in the medication to form precipitates, not only reducing the protective effect of the drug but also potentially increasing gastrointestinal burden, causing indigestion and bloating.
When consuming lotus seeds, it is important to ensure proper dietary combinations and avoid taking them with the above-mentioned foods and medications. Maintain a balanced diet in daily life, cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, and avoid overeating. If lotus seeds are needed during medication, it is important to first understand whether there are any interactions between them and the medication, and never combine them without guidance.
