What should not be eaten with shrimp?
Disease description:
I am a 30-year-old female who enjoys eating seafood, especially shrimp. Recently, I heard that shrimp should not be consumed with certain foods, as it may be harmful to the body. I would like to know which foods should not be eaten together with shrimp?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
There are some incompatible food combinations with shrimp, and it is not advisable to consume shrimp together with foods rich in vitamin C, foods high in tannic acid, or cold-natured foods. Shrimp should not be eaten with vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries, because the pentavalent arsenic present in shrimp can be converted into toxic trivalent arsenic under the influence of vitamin C, which may pose a health risk. Additionally, shrimp should not be consumed with tannic acid-rich foods such as persimmons, grapes, and hawthorns, as tannic acid can combine with the protein in shrimp to form indigestible precipitates, which may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, shrimp should also not be consumed with cold-natured foods such as watermelon and pears, as these foods may intensify the cold nature of shrimp, potentially causing symptoms such as diarrhea in individuals with spleen and stomach cold deficiency.
To avoid the adverse effects associated with these food incompatibilities, it is best to avoid consuming shrimp together with the aforementioned foods. If you really enjoy eating shrimp, it is advisable to leave a time interval before consuming other foods to reduce the risk. Also, shrimp should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive intake, which could burden the digestive system. If any adverse symptoms occur, prompt medical attention should be sought.
