The doctor warned about the dangers of fish due to pollution and parasites

Olga Saino, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Polyclinic Therapy at Pirogov University, explained how fish can be harmful. She talked to Lenta.ru about the hidden dangers of this product.

The doctor warned Russians that due to pollution of water bodies, heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium) and other pollutants (dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls) may accumulate in fish. This is especially true for large predatory fish that live long and are at the top of the food chain: tuna, shark, swordfish, marlin, king mackerel.

“Mercury in the form of methylmercury is a neurotoxin that negatively affects the developing nervous system, so pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children are advised to limit these types of fish. In order to reduce the risk, you need to choose smaller and faster-growing species, such as salmon, sardines, cod, pollock,” Saino explained.

According to the specialist, parasites may be present in fish meat. They are most often found in river fish, for example, cyprinids, but are also possible in sea fish. To reduce the risk of infection, Saino advised buying fish from trusted suppliers and following the rules of heat treatment (or shock freezing).

She also urged not to forget that fish can cause allergic reactions. These can be in the form of hives, itching, swelling and breathing problems. In addition, for people with existing kidney disease or a predisposition to it, excess consumption of fish protein can create additional stress on them, the doctor added.