Can patients with acute gastritis eat watermelon?
Sep 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Patients with acute gastritis are generally advised to avoid eating watermelon, as it is a cold-natured fruit with relatively high sugar content. Consumption of watermelon may irritate the gastrointestinal tract in patients with acute gastritis, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion and potentially worsening the condition. Dietary management for acute gastritis should emphasize light, easily digestible foods—such as steamed buns, millet porridge, and well-cooked noodles.
It is generally not recommended for patients with acute gastritis to eat watermelon, as it may cause discomfort.
Although watermelon contains abundant nutrients such as glutamic acid, malic acid, vitamin C, and arginine, which can help supplement nutrition and promote gastrointestinal motility, it is considered a cold-natured fruit with relatively high sugar content. For patients with acute gastritis, consuming watermelon may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, lead to excessive gastric acid secretion, worsen symptoms, and hinder recovery. Patients with acute gastritis are also generally advised against eating other fruits.
Diet for acute gastritis should primarily consist of light, easily digestible foods, such as steamed buns, millet porridge, and well-cooked noodles, which are gentle on the stomach. It is important to avoid greasy, spicy, and hard foods. Additionally, under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications that suppress gastric acid secretion to promote healing of the gastric mucosa. Commonly used drugs include rabeprazole and omeprazole.
