Can you drink beverages when eating seafood?

When eating seafood, it is acceptable to drink plain water, light tea, or room-temperature fruit juice. However, it is not recommended to consume beer, chilled beverages, or strong tea, as these may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or increase health risks.

Seafood is rich in protein and purines, and beer also contains significant amounts of purines. Consuming both together can rapidly increase uric acid levels in the body, increasing the risk of gout—especially for individuals with hyperuricemia or existing gout—and may further burden kidney metabolism.

Chilled drinks can cause constriction of blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the activity of digestive enzymes. Since seafood is generally considered cooling in nature, combining it with cold beverages may lead to gastrointestinal spasms, resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, tannins in strong tea can bind with proteins in seafood to form indigestible precipitates, impairing nutrient absorption and increasing gastrointestinal strain.

When eating seafood, opt for room-temperature beverages and moderate your intake to avoid overconsumption. If drinking light tea, wait at least half an hour before or after consuming seafood. Ensure that seafood is fresh and thoroughly cooked to minimize the risk of bacterial infection or parasitic contamination.