Can you eat watermelon if you have stomach acid reflux?

It is generally acceptable to eat a small amount of watermelon to help relieve discomfort caused by acid reflux, but excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent other adverse effects.

Excessive stomach acid may result from long-term overeating, consuming too many spicy or irritating foods, smoking, or drinking alcohol, all of which can irritate the stomach. It could also be due to underlying conditions such as gastritis or gastric ulcers, in which irritated gastric mucosal cells lead to excessive gastric acid secretion. Eating a small amount of watermelon may help because it is an alkaline food that can help balance the stomach's pH level after consumption. Additionally, the high water and sugar content in watermelon can alleviate stomach discomfort and assist in eliminating harmful substances from the body. However, excessive intake should be avoided, as watermelon is considered very cooling in nature; consuming too much may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other abnormalities.

If symptoms of acid reflux persist and do not improve, patients may follow medical advice to take medications that suppress gastric acid secretion. Commonly used drugs include lansoprazole enteric-coated capsules and rabeprazole enteric-coated capsules.