For a lot of people, the taste of mutton, chicken, fish, prawns or other seafood is irresistible, and they make sure to eat it two to three times a week. These foods are loaded with protein along with iron and several other nutrients that give the body strength and energy. But the real point is this: what you eat is only half the story. What you eat alongside it, or immediately afterwards, matters just as much.
Several traditional beliefs are tied to these foods, and for many people they turn out to be true. For instance, drinking milk right after eating chicken or fish can trigger digestive trouble. So if you do not want a great meal to end in a stomach upset, steer clear of the foods listed below either with your non-veg or right after it.
Milk and dairy products
Eating milk or anything made from it immediately after chicken or fish can do more harm than good. It can disturb the digestive system and leave you with a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Some people even develop skin trouble after pairing fish with milk. Gas, indigestion and bloating are the most common complaints.
Very cold drinks
Non-veg foods are considered hot in nature and are heavy to digest. Because of this, you should avoid very cold drinks such as iced water or cold drinks the moment you finish eating them. Doing so affects digestion and can lead to bloating, gas and general discomfort.
Extra oily and spicy food
Chicken, mutton and fish are usually cooked oily and spicy anyway. That is exactly why you should not add another spicy or oily dish on top of them. Eating fried snacks alongside puts even more pressure on the digestive system, which can cause gas, indigestion, sluggishness, sour burps and bloating.
Too many sweets
Fish and chicken are high in protein, so it is wise to avoid eating a lot of sweet things after a protein-rich non-veg meal. Sugar-loaded desserts, sweets, pastries and cakes push up your calorie intake, can slow down digestion and may add to your weight. They can also spike your blood sugar level quickly.
Tea and coffee
Avoid sipping tea or coffee right after a non-veg meal. It can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, especially iron. As a result, your digestion may be hampered and the body absorbs fewer of the nutrients from your food.
Citrus fruits
Keep citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi and lemon away right after eating fish or chicken. Following a heavy, spicy and oily non-veg item with citrus fruit can bring on acidity, stomach pain, acid reflux and a burning sensation.
An important note for those already prone to trouble
If someone already suffers from an allergy or digestive problems after eating fish or other seafood, they should be especially careful to avoid milk, curd and other dairy products.
