Don’t Mix These 5 Foods and Drinks With Durian, Health Experts Warn

Several foods and drinks are not recommended to consume alongside durian. The list is not limited to alcoholic beverages, but also includes other everyday items.

Known for its strong, distinctive aroma, durian remains a favorite for many. Its sweet taste and creamy texture are often cited as the reasons it is so widely loved.

But eating durian is not risk-free. After consuming it, some people may experience digestive discomfort, while others could face more serious health effects. For people with certain conditions such as diabetes, for instance, frequent durian intake is believed to potentially worsen symptoms.

Here are five foods and drinks that should not be consumed with durian, compiled from various sources:

1. Alcoholic beverages

Avoid drinking alcohol when consuming durian. Combining alcohol with durian may intensify alcohol-related side effects.

Dr. Huynh Tan Vu of the University Medical and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, quoted by VnExpress, said consuming durian with alcohol can generate excessive body heat. For people with diabetes or high blood pressure, he added, compounds in alcohol and durian may aggravate symptoms.

2. Coffee

Citing the Says website, Dr. Ahmad Samhan explained that the fruit contains sulfur compounds and is high in carbohydrates, while coffee contains caffeine. He said the combination can contribute to dehydration.

He also warned that pairing durian with coffee may lead to digestive problems. For otherwise healthy people it may not be dangerous, but it could trigger acid reflux in those with a history of gastritis or ulcers.

The durian-and-coffee combination may also raise the risk of dizziness or mild poisoning-like symptoms. After eating durian, he advised waiting at least four to six hours before drinking coffee.

3. Spicy food

Both Dr. Ahmad Samhan and Dr. Huynh Tan Vu have offered similar advice: avoid eating durian with spicy food. Durian is often described as having a “heaty” effect, which can further irritate digestion when combined with spicy dishes.

Consuming both at the same time may cause restlessness and discomfort. They also advise avoiding oily, spicy, and high-protein foods after eating durian.

4. Meat

Beef, lamb, and pork are not recommended to be eaten together with durian. Durian contains high sugar, potassium, fat, and has a high glycemic index, while meat is also rich in protein and fat.

Saturated fat in meat can raise blood cholesterol levels. Eating durian with meat may contribute to a sharper spike in cholesterol.

5. Sugary foods and drinks

Dr. Ahmad Samhan said that beyond alcoholic beverages, foods and drinks high in sugar are also not recommended, such as carbonated soft drinks and certain high-sugar fruits.

He said combining durian with foods or drinks that place excessive stress on the body may worsen symptoms for people with conditions such as diabetes. He recommended drinking more plain water after eating durian to help the body rehydrate (for example, water instead of soda).

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