Drinking milk after eating fish does not cause poisoning

The belief that drinking milk after eating fish can cause serious health problems, even poisoning, is a myth. It’s time we clear up this misconception and start making food choices based on facts, not fear.

What is the origin of the myth?

• The idea that milk and fish are a dangerous combination might have originated from cultural or religious practices, where certain food pairings were traditionally avoided.
• There’s also the possibility that the myth arose from isolated cases of food poisoning where fish or milk was spoiled, leading people to wrongly assume that the combination itself was the cause.
• Another assumption is that because both fish and milk are considered “heavy” foods, consuming them together might have been thought to disrupt digestion, leading to discomfort or illness.

Why does this myth persist?

• Cultural Beliefs: In many African cultures, traditional food taboos and beliefs are passed down from generation to generation. These beliefs often go unquestioned, leading to the continued acceptance of myths like this one.
• Lack of Access to Scientific Information: In regions where modern medical knowledge is less accessible, people are more likely to rely on traditional wisdom, which may not always be scientifically accurate.
• Lactose Intolerance: For people who are lactose intolerant, drinking milk can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. If someone eats fish and then drinks milk, they might mistakenly attribute their discomfort to the combination, rather than the milk itself.
• Anecdotal Evidence: If someone once got sick after eating fish and milk together, it’s easy for the story to spread and be accepted as truth, even if the illness was due to other factors.

Is there any circumstance that may make the myth hold?

While there’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that fish and milk together are inherently harmful, there are a couple of situations that we must be aware of:

• Spoiled Food: If either the fish or the milk is spoiled or contaminated, consuming them together (or separately) could cause food poisoning. But this isn’t because of the combination – it’s because the food was bad to begin with.
• Lactose Intolerance: For those sensitive (or allergic) to lactose, drinking milk can lead to bloating, gas, or diarrhea. If they eat fish and then drink milk, they might wrongly blame the discomfort on the combination instead of the milk.

What is the impact of this myth?

Believing that milk and fish together cause poisoning can lead to unnecessary food restrictions and anxiety:

• Missed Nutritional Benefits: Both milk and fish are nutritious foods. Milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, while fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoiding them together might lead to missing out on important nutrients.
• Unnecessary Fear: People may experience unnecessary stress and worry over their diet, avoiding certain foods or combinations without a real reason.
• Perpetuation of Misinformation: When myths like this are accepted as truth, they contribute to the spread of misinformation, making it harder to promote accurate health knowledge.

How can we dismantle this myth?

• Promote Sound Education: Let’s share accurate information about food safety. Studies show that there’s no evidence supporting the idea that milk and fish together cause poisoning. What matters most is the freshness and quality of the food, not the combination.
• Stimulate Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including both milk and fish. Good nutrition is key to overall health, and we shouldn’t let myths dictate our choices.
• Consult Healthcare Professionals: When in doubt, we should talk to doctors or dietitians about our food concerns. They can provide reliable advice based on science, not superstition.

What is the bottom line?

The belief that drinking milk after eating fish causes poisoning is a myth with no scientific backing. What matters is the quality and freshness of the food that we consume. By relying on accurate information and consulting health professionals when needed, we can enjoy a diverse nutritious diet, without fear.