What should not be eaten with eel?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I feel that many people like to eat eel, but I think there are many taboos associated with it. Doctor, what foods should not be consumed together with eel?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

The following are some foods that should not be consumed with eel:

1. Oranges: When eel is consumed together with oranges, the high vitamin C content in oranges may affect the protein structure of the eel, making the protein tough and difficult to digest, which could cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

2. Tofu, milk, and dairy products: These foods are rich in protein and may increase the digestive burden when consumed with eel, leading to indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other issues. This is because the simultaneous intake of large amounts of protein may interfere with the action of digestive enzymes.

3. Dog meat: Both eel and dog meat are considered warm-natured foods. Consuming them together may intensify internal heat, causing heatiness symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, swollen gums, and even recurrence of previous illnesses.

4. Spinach, pumpkin, and hawthorn: Consuming these foods together with eel may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, and interfere with the normal absorption of nutrients. Spinach, in particular, has a cooling and lubricating nature that conflicts with the warming nature of eel.

At the same time, individual constitution and health conditions should be considered when consuming any food. Those with special medical conditions or allergy histories should plan their diet appropriately under a doctor's guidance.