Can I eat watermelon with gastric antral erosion?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Gastric ulcers typically result from damage to gastric tissues such as the antrum and angularis. After onset, timely use of antispasmodic or acid-suppressing medications can stabilize the condition, allowing small amounts of watermelon to be consumed. However, if the gastric ulcer is severe, causing intense upper abdominal pain or complications such as perforation or bleeding, watermelon should generally be avoided to prevent further worsening of the condition.
Gastric antral erosion in clinical practice usually refers to gastric ulcer. During the stable phase of gastric ulcer, a small amount of watermelon may generally be consumed. However, when the gastric ulcer is severe, eating watermelon is typically not recommended.
1. Watermelon may be consumed
Gastric ulcers are typically caused by damage to gastric tissues such as the gastric antrum and angularis. After onset, under a doctor's guidance, antispasmodic medications such as pinaverium bromide or atropine can be used promptly to relieve stomach pain, or acid-suppressing drugs such as aluminum hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate may be used to improve symptoms of excess stomach acid. When the condition becomes relatively stable, a small amount of watermelon may be consumed.
2. Watermelon should not be consumed
Watermelon is a high-sugar food that may easily stimulate gastric acid secretion. Additionally, watermelon has a relatively cold nature, which could worsen damage to the gastric mucosa. If the gastric ulcer is severe, causing intense upper abdominal pain or complications such as perforation or bleeding, consuming watermelon is generally not advised to prevent further deterioration. Moreover, other raw, cold, spicy, or irritating foods should also be avoided.
