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What are the ten major禁忌 (taboos) of eating plums?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
On an empty stomach, the concentration of gastric acid in the stomach is relatively high. The organic acids in plums can further irritate the gastric mucosa, potentially causing discomfort such as stomach spasms and acid reflux, with more pronounced effects in individuals with weak gastrointestinal function. People with gastrointestinal disorders should consume plums cautiously; those suffering from conditions such as gastritis or gastric ulcers should avoid eating them altogether. Plums are considered cooling in nature and contain tannic acid, which may increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the "ten major taboos of eating plums." However, several precautions should be observed when consuming plums to avoid discomfort, including avoiding empty stomach consumption, caution for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, controlling portion size per serving, avoiding concurrent intake with acidic foods, and promptly caring for teeth after eating. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Avoid on an empty stomach: When the stomach is empty, gastric acid concentration is relatively high. The organic acids in plums can further irritate the gastric mucosa, potentially causing gastric spasms, acid reflux, and other discomforts—especially noticeable in individuals with weak gastrointestinal function.

2. Caution for those with gastrointestinal diseases: People suffering from gastritis, gastric ulcers, or other gastrointestinal conditions should avoid eating plums. Plums are considered cooling in nature and contain tannins, which may increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate existing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

3. Control portion size per serving: The amount consumed at one time should be strictly controlled; it is recommended not to eat more than five plums at once. Overconsumption may lead to excessive intake of fruit acids, resulting in oral sourness and a burning sensation in the stomach. Long-term overeating may also impair spleen and stomach function.

4. Avoid combining with acidic foods: Plums should not be eaten together with other acidic foods such as hawthorn, lemon, or vinegar. Combining these foods increases overall acidity in the body, irritating the digestive tract lining and increasing the risk of discomfort such as acid reflux and stomach pain.

5. Practice dental care immediately after eating: Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth promptly after consuming plums. The fruit acids and sugars in plums easily adhere to tooth surfaces; if not cleaned regularly, they can erode enamel and increase the likelihood of developing cavities.

Before eating plums, wash them thoroughly by soaking in saltwater to remove surface impurities. If persistent stomach pain, vomiting, or other symptoms occur after consumption, stop eating them immediately and seek medical attention. When purchasing plums, avoid fruits with damaged skin or soft, decayed flesh to ensure food safety.

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Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the "seven prohibitions of eating plums." However, it's important to avoid consumption by unsuitable individuals, control the total amount consumed, refrain from eating with certain foods, avoid unripe fruits, and never eat rotten or spoiled ones. People with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should avoid eating plums, as their cooling nature may加重 gastrointestinal burden.
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Can people with high blood sugar eat plums?
People with high blood sugar can consume plums in moderation, as plums have a relatively small impact on blood glucose levels. However, intake should be controlled and consumption methods should be considered to avoid affecting blood sugar stability. In daily life, individuals with high blood sugar should plan their fruit intake carefully, combine it with fresh vegetables and high-quality protein sources, regularly monitor blood glucose levels, and engage in appropriate physical activity to better maintain stable blood sugar levels and ensure overall health.
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Can plums cause allergies?
Whether plums cause allergies varies from person to person. Individuals without a history of plum allergies can normally metabolize their components after consuming ripe plums, and will not experience allergic reactions such as rashes or itching. Eating plums in moderation as part of a balanced diet with other foods can be a good choice for vitamin supplementation, and there is generally no need to worry about allergic reactions. However, individuals allergic to plums may experience adverse reactions.
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Can pregnant women eat plums? Are they cold in nature?
Plums are slightly cool in nature but mild. Healthy pregnant women can usually consume 1-2 plums each time, provided they are thoroughly washed, without experiencing discomfort. This can help supplement vitamins and moisture, alleviate mild dry mouth or poor appetite during pregnancy, and be part of a diversified diet. However, if the pregnant woman is prone to diarrhea or shows signs of threatened miscarriage, eating plums may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal system.
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Are there any side effects of consuming plums and lychees together?
Generally speaking, whether there are side effects associated with consuming plums and lychees together depends on the quantity consumed. Eating them in moderation usually does not cause side effects, but excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects. In daily life, it is important to control the total intake of plums and lychees and avoid consuming large amounts at one time. Additionally, it is advisable to choose fresh fruits, maintain a balanced diet, and develop healthy eating habits.
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Is it easy to gain weight from eating plums and lychees together?
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Is it easy to develop internal heat (heatiness) from eating plums and lychees together?
Under normal circumstances, whether eating plums and lychees together tends to cause excessive internal heat ("fire") depends on the amount consumed and individual body constitution. Individuals with a naturally "hot" constitution or those consuming excessive amounts may be more prone to experiencing "heatiness," while those with a balanced constitution consuming moderate amounts are less likely to have such issues. In daily life, it is advisable to control intake according to one's own body constitution and avoid eating too much at once.
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