Can patients with bile reflux gastritis eat watermelon?

Bile reflux gastritis is generally stable in terms of disease control, and patients can usually eat watermelon, but it's recommended to consume only small amounts. However, if bile reflux gastritis is severe, eating watermelon is typically not advised.

1. Can eat watermelon

Under a doctor's guidance, when bile reflux gastritis is well-controlled with medications such as cimetidine or ranitidine to suppress gastric acid, or bismuth aluminate and aluminum magnesium carbonate to protect the gastric mucosa—resulting in no obvious symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation, or vomiting—eating watermelon is generally acceptable. However, since this condition may impair gastric digestive function, it's advisable to eat only small quantities of watermelon.

2. Should not eat watermelon

If bile reflux gastritis becomes severe due to delayed or improper treatment, and is accompanied by significant discomfort such as bloating, belching, or vomiting, eating watermelon is typically not recommended. This is because watermelon has a relatively high sugar content, which may stimulate gastric acid secretion. Additionally, as watermelon is considered a raw and cold food, it could potentially worsen symptoms.