You Should Stop Eating Fish If This Happens To You

Fish is an important protein to have in your diet. Many types of fish contain valuable nutrients while being low in calories. It is recommended that adults consume about eight ounces of fish per week (via US Food & Drug Administration). However, some people may experience negative effects when eating fish. Some people are allergic to fish and may have symptoms when eating it. These can include hives, nausea, itching, sneezing, diarrhea, and vomiting (via Verywell Health). If you experience any of these symptoms when eating fish, seek medical attention right away.

Another concern about fish is mercury poisoning. All types of fish contain some mercury, which is a toxic metal that is present in nature (via Keck Medicine of USC). Symptoms of mercury poisoning include mainly neurological effects like anxiety, depression, memory issues, and irritability (via Healthline). Other symptoms include lack of coordination, muscle weakness, speech issues, and changes in vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop eating fish and contact a medical professional.

Although you should avoid eating too much fish, there's no reason to completely limit this food in your diet unless you're allergic. According to Good Housekeeping, fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium. It is also a "high-quality, lean protein to add to your eating routine for healthy muscles, bones, tissue, and skin," said women's health dietitian Valerie Agyeman, RD.

Some of the healthiest types of fish are salmon, which is high in healthy fats, and sardines, which have plenty of calcium (via Healthline). Cod is another great option, as it is a good source of phosphorus, vitamin B12, niacin, and protein. The same goes for mackerel, which contains lots of healthy fats. However, you should avoid king mackerel, which tends to be high in mercury. You won't need to worry about health concerns with fish as long as you eat it in moderation and know what kinds to buy. "It's always best to look for sustainable seafood certifications, including MSC, ASC or Fair Trade USA to ensure a safe, healthy, and accountable seafood supply," said Agyeman.